End the cycle of violence

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Listening to the police scanner in Habersham County can be a depressing experience.

It’s not because our law enforcement officers are not doing an excellent job serving the public, because they are. And it’s not because there are rampant murders or horrendous gang violence plaguing our county.

But last weekend, just an average weekend smack in the middle of the joyous holiday season, the most prevalent calls for help seemed to be of a domestic nature.

There is just too much domestic violence going on in this world, this country, and yes, our own neighborhoods.

We have to find a way to stop the cycle of violence against people who are supposed to be in our most loving care, whether it’s a spouse, child, boyfriend/girlfriend or other family member.

This is a time for sitting around the fire together and loving one another, not for hurting each other.

We should be making calls to distant friends and family, college roommates and anyone who has touched our lives to let them know what they mean to us at Christmastime. But instead, too many folks have to make a call to 911 instead.

There is one alternative for anyone endangered at this time of year or any other to get help.

The Circle of Hope in Habersham County has a 24-hour crisis hotline at 706-776-HOPE (4673) or toll free 1-800-334-2836. All conversations are confidential. Hearing impaired assistance and translation services are available. Their shelter is available for victims and their dependent children who are in danger and have no other safe place to go.

The shelter is staffed 24 hours a day and is at a secret location for victims’ protection.

As a community, we have to hope that one day, there will be no need for such services if we can all treat each other with respect, dignity and love.

But until that magical day, we applaud those who in law enforcement as well as volunteers who stand ready to take in someone in need of protection.