October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Oct. 25 event to be held in Century Village in Burton Village from 4:30-7 p.m.
Geauga County VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding partnerships are uniting together to “End the Silence and Stop Domestic Violence.”
The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, City of Chardon Police Prosecutor, CASA for Kids of Geauga, Next Step, WomenSafe, CRCC, Geauga County Job and Family Services, Geauga County Juvenile Court and Ravenwood Health are launching a movement to bring awareness and understanding of domestic violence to the public. The event will be on Oct. 25 at Century Village in Burton Village from 4:30-7 p.m.
The event will include food trucks, family-friendly activities, information, sign making and end with an awareness walk around Burton village green.
People of all ages, races, religions, backgrounds and genders are welcome to attend this free event and help victims find strength in knowing they are not alone. Organizers have asked those attending to Come to the event wearing purple and be ready to walk.
“End the Silence and Stop Domestic Violence” is about the power of speaking out, said Tracy Jordan, sheriff’s office victims’ advocate.
“Rape, sexual assault and domestic violence are often labeled ‘crimes of silence’ because of low reporting rates and social discomfort with their public discussions,” Jordan said. “By ending the silence, you can help survivors know that they are not alone.”
The Awareness Walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is being led by Geauga’s local judges. The walk can include all ages, genders, chants, signs and banners, noise-making and other styles of raising awareness. The walk will lead off from Century Village, march around Burton Square and end back at Century Village.
Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica will speak on steps that concerned citizens can take to help end abuse in their neighborhoods.
Many Geauga County agencies will have tables set up with empowering activities for families. From sign making, T-shirt sales, glow sticks, making murals, cupcake walk and showing support to law enforcement officers. Please come and make a difference to domestic violence victims from 4:30-7 p.m.
“Domestic violence touches every one of us. One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner,” Jordan said. “It fills emergency rooms and morgues. It keeps employees from being able to work. It makes children fearful and angry. It contributes to crime on our streets. It destroys homes and families.”
She added, “Domestic violence is everybody’s business and everyone must all support efforts to end abuse. Only by making a real commitment to stop domestic violence can we end this devastating problem.
“Each of us must do all that we can to stop domestic violence. We encourage everyone to attend the ‘End the Silence and Stop Domestic Violence’ Awareness Walk.”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
