October is being recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Hardeman and Chester Counties with the signing of proclamations. Wo/Men’s Resource & Rape Assistance Program (WRAP) advocate Tamiko Talley and program director Dylan Purvis traveled to both counties Talley covers to meet with the mayors, law enforcement, and local court officials for the signings. It was more than just the signing of a piece of paper. The proclamations bring awareness to a growing crisis, which not only affects people globally and nationwide, but also in communities like Hardeman and Chester Counties.
“This is a such a good crowd for a piece of paper that means so much more than just being a piece of paper and declaring October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We couldn’t do this work without the support of everyone in this room,” said Purvis, who thanked the court officials and law enforcement personnel WRAP works with to assist its clients.
Hardeman County General Sessions Judge Harriet Thompson and Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic joined as a team for a reading of the proclamation.
Mayor McTizic shared a confession while complimenting Talley for the work she has done in Hardeman County for the past two years.
“She’s made me and my police chief eat our words. I didn’t expect her to stay six months, not because it was her, because nobody before her stayed six months. She has been here and she told me that she was going to be sure she stayed in the community and did what she said she was going to do,” said McTizic.
Judge Thompson expressed the desperate need for WRAP in Hardeman County.
“As everyone is aware, in general sessions court, we see domestic violence victims every week. There doesn’t go a week that we don’t have a charge of domestic violence in front of the court. And it is so wonderful to have an advocate for our victims and for the community to become aware this problem, and I hope we continue doing good things and Tamiko, thank you for leading us in doing so,” said Judge Thompson.
A proclamation was signed in Hardeman County on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
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On Thursday, October 8, 2026, Talley and Purvis headed to Chester County for a proclamation signing.
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Last week, Talley held a Domestic Violence Walkathon in Hardeman County.
