Options honors violence survivors with garden, messages

Law enforcement officers hold signs depicting victims who were killed in domestic  or sexual violence incidents at a ceremony honoring survivors of domestic and sexual violence Tuesday in Hays. — Law enforcement officers hold signs depicting victims who were killed in domestic or sexual violence incidents at a ceremony honoring survivors of domestic and sexual violence Tuesday in Hays.

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services had a survivor garden ceremony Tuesday afternoon next to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.

Survivors, as well as members of law enforcement and members of the community, were asked to write encouraging comments or prayers on the back of cards that depicted irises on the front. Those cards were placed as if in a garden in an empty lot in Hays Tuesday.

"I want to thank our entire community for their tremendous support to help our garden grow and to plant the seeds of hope and inspiration for those who are still suffering in silence," Jennifer Hecker, Options executive director, said Tuesday.

"I want to thank all of our brothers and sisters in blue who have come out to also show their support and work with us to keep survivors safe and to hold offenders accountable," she said. "Without them, we will not make progress."

Hays resident Cathy Drabkin, who played music at the Options survivor ceremony, views the prayer and notes that were placed as part of the survivor garden.

Hecker said the last year has been difficult. Options has seen more frequent reports of violence and more severe reports of violence. During some of the worst months of the pandemic, Options saw a spike in calls.

Between late March and Aug. 26, Options recorded a 42-percent increase in calls to its hotline. The hotline received 492 calls from late March to August compared to 488 calls for all of 2019.

"Now more than ever, survivors need hope," Hecker said. "They need hope because that is the very first step in healing."

Hecker quoted Judith Rich saying, "Hope is a match in a dark tunnel, a moment of light, just enough light to light the path ahead and ultimately bring you to the way out."

Isaac Guilbert, Options staff member, read the poem "Lilies of the Valley" by Jane Merchant.

"What comes to mind when I think of lilies are women who have thrived by overcoming adversity," he said. "I think of flower petals absorbing the sun, blossoming in the valleys of rolling Kansas hills. It takes bravery to survive and thrive in nature."

Dawn Gabel, Options staff member, read the following prayer for survivors...

"Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters, who have been gravely harmed and the cries of those who love them," she said. "Sooth their restless hearts with hope. Steady their shaking spirits with faith."

A similar ceremony was scheduled Wednesday in Colby, but was rescheduled for 4 p.m. June 9 due to inclement weather.