Lions encouraged to mentor young men
By JIM EPPERSON News Herald staff

EUGENE DAVIS

Eugene Davis, executive director of the Kilgore Community Crisis Center, encouraged the Lion's Club last week to do their part in the community to help curb family violence.

Davis said last year there were 67 cases of family violence in the Kilgore area alone. But the statistics are skewed because experts predict that only 20 percent of family-abuse cases are reported. Multiply 67 reported family-violence cases by five and it might give a more accurate count.

"You would think after 24 years we could close shop and go home," Davis said. "Sad but true, we can't."

People who commit violence might have characteristics of alcohol and drug abuse and an unsupportive family environment, Davis said. They also might live in a community that has a general tolerance for violence and witnessed violence at home.

The important way to prevent violence in communities is to have caring, respectful relationships and community support that stands in the gap of abuse, he said.

"I think we have a responsibility collectively and individually to our community."

King Solomon said in the Bible that iron sharpens iron as men sharpen each other. In the same way, Davis said, the Lions Club could help other young men by caring for them, which in the end could make them better.

"Are you mentioning a young man?" Davis asked. "Maybe he needs another man to walk beside him."