OCTOBER IS
The Modoc County
RECORD
Vol. 132, No. 30
Alturas, California
October 17, 2024
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 14 Pages
Purple Figures Line Main Street in Alturas for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Photo by Nancy Richardson On Monday, Main Street in Alturas was lined with 88 purple figures in the lawn next to Plumas Bank. The display, organized by the Modoc Crisis Center, represents the 80 women and 8 men who reported domestic violence incidents to the center in 2023. The exhibit is part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed every October to raise awareness about the widespread issue of domestic violence and honor survivors. The purple figures symbolize the bravery of those who have come forward to seek help in their most vulnerable moments. According to the Modoc Crisis Center,
domestic violence affects individuals across all demographics, and the number of reported cases in Modoc County reflects only a fraction of the true scope of the problem. The center provides crucial advocacy, safety planning, and resources for victims, ensuring they are not alone in their journey toward healing. “This month is about raising awareness and breaking the silence surrounding domestic violence. It’s about empowering victims to reach out and get the help they deserve,” said a spokesperson for the Modoc Crisis Center. “The purple figures are a reminder of the real lives impacted by this issue, right here in our
community.” In addition to the display, Modoc County is encouraging community members to take part in local events throughout October to support victims and raise awareness about domestic violence prevention. The county also aims to promote advocacy, emphasizing the importance of standing with survivors and fostering a community free from abuse. The Modoc Crisis Center provides a wide range of essential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, ensuring they have access to critical support during their time of need. These services include: • Counseling: Victims
can access counseling services in-person, via Zoom, telephone, or Facebook chat. • Emergency Response: A victim advocate is available to be present when law enforcement responds to a domestic violence or sexual assault situation. • Accompaniment: Advocates may attend court hearings, law enforcement interviews, and emergency medical care with victims. • Restraining Orders: Assistance is provided for completing requests for restraining orders, including typing, filing, and arranging service to the perpetrator. • Shelter: Short-term emergency shelter is available for victims of
domestic violence and their children. • Transitional Housing: Short-term housing options are provided for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, with specific guidelines in place. • Crisis Intervention: Safety planning is conducted with a trained victim advocate to ensure victims’ well-being. • Educational P r e s e n t a t i o n s : Presentations on safe dating, healthy relationships, consent, and other topics are available to the community. • Transportation Assistance: Gas vouchers, bus tickets, and rides may be provided for victims needing transportation to court proceedings or
medical care. • Information/Referrals: Referrals to local agencies and resources are available for victims and families in Modoc County and surrounding areas. • Child Forensic Interviews: The center facilitates forensic interviews for cases of suspected child abuse, upon request from law enforcement. These services are part of the Modoc Crisis Center’s mission to support victims and promote a safer, healthier community. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the Modoc Crisis Center’s 24 hour confidential hotline at 1-855-855-6745.
Cedarville Woman Rebuilds Life After Devastating Drunk Driving Incident, Set to Become Advocate for Epilepsy and Drunk Driving By: Chelsea Bacon A drunk driver who struck multiple pedestrians last year, leaving two in critical condition, is set to face sentencing at the end of October, during which she will hear victim impact statements from those affected by the crash. The accident occurred on Aug. 27, 2023, at approximately 1:55 a.m. on County Road 1, north of State Route 299, when a 2022 Ford Bronco driven by an intoxicated woman hit pedestrians walking home from a local bar. Among the victims were 23-year-old Brianna Turner and her boyfriend 24-year-old, Ryan Carver, both of whom were critically injured and later airlifted to Renown Hospital in Reno. Turner endured a harrowing ordeal when her hair became entangled in the Bronco, causing her to be dragged down the road before the vehicle finally stopped outside
Surprise Valley Hospital. First responders, many of whom knew Turner personally through her work at the hospital, acted swiftly. Carver sustained a shattered pelvis but was discharged after several days in the ICU. Turner, however, faced a much longer recovery. After returning home, Turner had to relearn basic skills that normally would have come naturally to her. She refers to this challenging phase of recovery as her “going through the stages of growing up,” “I had to learn how to walk again and keep my balance in rehab.” The Department of Rehabilitation states that “no two brain injuries are the same. The effects of a brain injury are complex and depend on factors such as cause, location, and severity.” Shortly after returning home, Brianna resumed back to her certified coding class she was taking prior to the accident, hoping
Maurine (Mo) Stuart and Brianna Turner
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