Put Yourself in Someone Else's Shoes
Special Service Held in Covington for Domestic Violence Victims | By Jennifer Bailey
Staff Writer | Covington, VA (Apr. 11, 2025) —On Tuesday morning, April 11, a special ceremony was held at the Farmer's Market for all those who have been affected by domestic violence. There were several who spoke at the event which included Ashly Morris, Director of the Alleghany Highlands Victim/Witness Protection Program; Brittany Stevens, Executive Director of Safehomes in Alleghany County; Christopher "C.J." Smith, Covington Police Chief; and two survivors of domestic violence.
Stevens was among the first to speak at the event where she shared information about Safehomes and how they assist those who feel trapped in a domestic violence situation. "We are here a domestic violence and sexual violence shelter. We are here local. However, we serve Alleghany County, Bath, and Highland Counties. We work with women, men, and children; all survivors who are affected by domestic violence and sexual violence....If you see something, say something," Stevens concluded.
"...I serve as the Director of the Alleghany Highlands Victim/Witness Program," said Morris. "I want to thank each of you for being here today as we honor 'National Crimes/Victims Rights Week.' As a director of victim/witness, it is both a solemn responsibility and a profound privilege for me to stand here with you to remember to uplift and to reaffirm our shared commitment to justice and healing."
Of the two survivors who spoke, one read a moving poem that accurately summed up the potential outcome for those who sometimes choose to stay with their abusers — often due to fear, their children, unemployment, and/or a lack of financial support. The poem read, in part, "I got flowers today... I woke up this morning, sore and bruised. I know he must be sorry because he gave me flowers today...I got flowers today... Today was a special day; it was the day of my funeral..."
At the conclusion of the event, things took a lighthearted turn. On a table behind the podium was a wide array of flowers with a sign that read, "Thank you for putting yourself in someone else's shoes." To bring that point further home, several police officers donned women's shoes —mostly heels— and raced from one end of the Farmer's Market to the other. The winner of the first-ever "Donut Derby Race" was Sgt. Daniel Agee who sported a fancy, black-heeled boot with white sequins. As the winner, Agee received a golden donut trophy and a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts.
For those who may need help leaving an abusive relationship and don't know where to turn, there are resources out there for you. The national domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Ashly Morris can be reached at 540-965-6366, and the Safehome numbers you need for the Alleghany Highlands are: hotline: 540-965-3237, toll free: 877-393-3672, and business: 540-965-3237. | |
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