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Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:42 AM Vigil illuminates domestic problems By Antonio Velarde | Times Staff Writer Tyler Gene McMillan, 13, died in June after he was found tied to a tree outside his parents' home in Macclesfield. A day earlier, 89-year-old Emma Smith was shot to death by her son in Rocky Mount as part of an apparent murder-suicide. Martha Cook Carter of Wayne County also died this year in a domestic-related murder. Their names and others were read aloud during a candlelight vigil at the Hamlin Student Center at Barton College Tuesday night, as the sound of a bell marked off each of the 77 victims claimed by domestic violence in North Carolina since January. College faculty, staff and students gathered with community advocates for "Take Back the Night," a national candlelight vigil held annually for domestic violence awareness. During the event, which was sponsored by the college and the Wesley Shelter in Wilson, the crowd gathered at the fountain in front of the student center as speakers from the college and Wesley Shelter read national statistics and asked audience members to speak out against domestic violence. Students James Taurasi and Freddie Massimi read a short excerpt reminding men about their responsibility in the fight against violence. "Speak out against sexual assault, making it a public issue can influence attitudes" said Taurasi. Both students urged men in the audience to talk about the issue, to stop objectifying women and to support the area's local rape crisis center. Rod Werline, associate professor of religion and philosophy at Barton, told the audience half of all couples experience at least one violent incident, and a quarter of them have a regular problem with it. He said that battery is the single major cause of injury to women, "more frequent than auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined." Courtney Manning, director of counseling at the college, said domestic violence is usually cyclical, with there being what is called a "honeymoon" phase in the relationship, followed by an escalation and then explosion of violence, followed by a return to the honeymoon phase. The abuser might apologize and make excuses, she said, but the violence will continue. After a performance by the college's dance team, the audience lit candles and heard the 77 victim's names read. Following the reading, the audience walked the perimeter of the campus and returned to the student center, where an information table and refreshments had been set up. During the walk, some students expressed surprise at the statistics. Chris Lassiter, 18, a freshman, said he learned "that there really is a lot of violence going on that most people don't really know about." He said he was surprised at the number of deaths since January. Michelle Hammer, 21, a senior at the event with her sorority sisters, said the event should be held at every school. "I think it's great that Barton does something like this," she said. avelarde@wilsontimes.com | 265-7868 |
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