CECILIA, La. ( KLFY ) — Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church members held a balloon release Sunday morning to honor victims of domestic violence.
Ricky Sassau, a member of the church and Knights of Peter Claver, said holding the event conveys a powerful message to people who may feel like they are alone while dealing with silent battles.
“We as a church community want to come together, to show membership that domestic violence is an issue, we’re here for you, we’re gonna be shoulders to lean on and not anyone to criticize,” Sassau said.
Sassau said this initiative also shows that men are fighting against domestic violence.
“Men are more likely to commit domestic violence to a woman. We want to have men take a stance and say this is wrong and show support of those who are actually undergoing that process,” Sassau said.
Joseph Williams, a grand knight of Knights of Peter Claver, urges people affected by domestic violence to call a trusted family member or a hotline.
“Talk to somebody. See what it would do for you. They have a hotline everywhere, just gotta pick up the phone and call somebody and then you’ll get some kind of relief,” Williams said.