Monthly Meeting Recap: Monday, September 23, 2024

Domestic Violence and Effects on the Family

Like all forms of gun violence, domestic violence affects multiple people: the primary victim, any children involved, plus extended family members. Thankfully, not all domestic violence ends in death, but its trauma, fear, and sadness often last a lifetime.

As September is Suicide Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October approaches, Trina Mourning-Dodson, founder and executive director for Circle of Hope, outlined the therapy and other resources her local organization provides to children who have witnessed or lost a loved one to homicide. Trina shared her personal journey of grief following the death of her brother by an unknown assailant.  Her brother, Arthur Mourning, Jr., a father of six children, was shot at his Kansas City home and died the day before Thanksgiving in 2016. Circle of Hope was created in honor of his death and to provide support to the victims of gun violence and the children they leave behind.  Circle of Hope believes that all children suffering the traumatic loss of a loved one should have accessible support and feel safe as they work to heal while working through their grief. Their services include individual and group counseling, support groups, mentors and life coaches and more. Visit www.circleofhopemo.org to learn more about this important organization.