WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Chick Ball spotlights violence

Chick Ball spotlights violence

By Kandiss Crone - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Music, food, and artwork marked the 5th Annual Jackson Free Press Chick Ball.

This year, the fundraiser addresses domestic violence by helping the abusers change their ways. Funds raised will help launch the center for violence prevention's first batterer interventions program.

"It's a court-ordered program that put perpetrators in a behavior-modification program and it focuses on chancing their beliefs and their behavior in hopes that will change the cycle of violence," said Sandy Middleton, Center for Violence Prevention.

The Chick Ball is also a celebration of the triumphs of domestic violence survivors. Mary, who asked that we protect her identity, described the torment she says her husband put her through.

"Verbal, mental, some physical, but more just being intimidated and threatened constantly," Mary said.

Mary says it was her family and pastor that helped her leave her abuser. She encourages victims to speak up and get the help they need to get out of a violent relationship.

"There are places to get help. They can come to the center for prevention and it's confidential nobody's gonna call the guy and tell him what's going on. You can get a lot of advice on what to do," Mary explained.

Supporters of the cause placed bids at a silent auction and made donations to help the cause. Organizers say awareness and education are the key to ending abuse.

"We believe this can make a huge difference in the metro area by intervening in the cycle of violence with changing the man's behavior," Middleton added.