Each year organizer LaDonna Rhodes and her daughter Felicia Brittle share their stories of surviving domestic abuse. See story on page A2.

The McIntosh County Democrat invites the community to come out and support survivors of domestic violence by saying “Boo to Domestic Violence.” Locals from McIntosh County and the surrounding areas will meet at 5 p.m. at Unique Touch, 505 N. Broadway in Checotah to share their stories, statistics and warning signs to watch for in domestic abuse situations.

“According to an annual report release earlier this year by the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, Oklahoma saw more domestic violence homicides in 2023 than any year on record,” Organizer La-Donna Rhodes stated. “So when these women and men beat these statistics, they aren’t just survivors, they are superheroes! Of course some superheroes have capes and some don’t, like our local police and first responders who answer these 911 calls and come flying in to hopefully rescue these victims from these horrific circumstances before it is too late. However, we simply can’t stop bringing awareness to the fact that some of these victims are silenced forever like my niece Rachel Stewart and my friend Selby Minner, who were both murdered this year. I will never get to hear them singing in the church choir or belting out the blues on this side of heaven. So I refuse to sit back and not be the voice of humanity crying out for justice in these cases and trying to bring awareness that this could be your daughter, your niece, your friend next time.”

After survivor stories there will be light refreshments and live music. So don’t miss this opportunity to stand up against domestic violence as survivors bring awareness to the struggles in McIntosh County and surrounding areas.