Lorain civic, faith-based and mental health leaders want an end to the recent violence and drug abuse in the city, but residents must get behind this effort and involved to help stop this disturbing trend.
The leaders say there is a rise in domestic violence cases as well as the fentanyl use that’s crippling addicts.
But, a collective effort with people coming to the table is key: law enforcement, community groups, clergy, schools, health officials, everyone.
For residents, if they see something, they should call the police.
There are many ways to report crimes as they are happening, including calling Crime Stoppers and anonymous tip lines.
On Nov. 30, a group of city and Lorain County officials gathered at Christian Temple in downtown Lorain convened for a news conference to discuss the recent acts of violence, which not only is impacting the International City, but the county, state and the country.
The leaders included Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley; Imam Paul Hasan of Interfaith Ministries of Lorain County; Lorain Ward 2 Councilwoman Victoria Kempton; Michael Doud, executive director of Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board; Mark Adams, commissioner of Lorain County Public Health; and Kathy Rednour, psychotherapist from the Family Counseling Center in Westlake.
The Rev. Lelia Jindra, pastor of Christian Temple, 940 W. Fifth St., opened the conference with a prayer and stated the main purpose for the gathering was to find hope for the community.
Jindra spoke about residents who are struggling, who believe they have no hope and may feel completely alone in their battles.
But, Jindra believes there is hope for the lost and they are not alone.
Jindra’s hope is the community can offer support through a steady presence of solidarity.
The call to action by the Lorain leaders was in part prompted by the senseless shooting deaths of Skylar Young, 24, her daughter, Angel Isaac, 9, and son, Bandin Young, 4 months.
Lorain police continue to investigate the fatalities, however, thus far, the facts and evidence lead detectives to believe that the situation was a murder-suicide committed by Tyler Young, 29, the husband of Skylar Young.
Authorities discovered the deceased family Nov. 19 inside a split-level apartment residence at 129 E. Ninth St.
The couple had a history of domestic violence situations, including an incident this year reported by Skylar Young, although a Lorain County grand jury declined to indict Tyler Young.
Police believe that the mental health issues of Tyler Young likely played a part in the tragedy.
Now, domestic violence occurs every day, and unfortunately, touches every community in this country.
Americans of every race, religion and background are affected; its consequences transcend generations, impacting children and reshaping whole families.
The Lorain incident came just a month after the nation recognized National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in October.
The leaders also addressed the rash of recent shootings and drug overdoses, which are everyday occurrences.
There are many factors that can lead to stress such as poverty, homelessness, job loss, deaths of loved ones, loneliness, crime and violence.
The leaders believe these factors play a large role: drug use, domestic violence, suicide, child abuse and criminal activity.
Imam Paul Hasan, who helped to organize the news conference, stated that women should be protected and that women should be free of being victims of domestic violence.
And with the holidays approaching, domestic concerns usually rise.
Hasan also spoke about the significant fentanyl problem plaguing the community and that he has a good friend who recently lost his son to a narcotics overdose.
Hasan doesn’t believe prayers alone will eradicate these issues, but that some sort of action must be taken as well and people working hard to address the problems.
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley also joined the solemn gathering adding that it’s never pleasant to the leaders of a community when there is a tragedy like the deaths of the mother and her two children by the hands of a coward.
Bradley pointed out that some types of crimes can be prevented.
Bradley conferred with Lorain Law Director Patrick Riley and the city no longer will drop charges against a domestic violence offender, even if the victim disagrees.
The law offers an opportunity to prosecute without the victim’s consent, and Bradley said the city intends to follow through with that plan.
This is a good start and let the courts figure it out.
What would really help is if residents would get more involved.
If you see something, say something.
