(Charleston, W. Va.) – On Thursday, domestic violence advocates, police officers, public officials, legal professionals, religious leaders, healthcare workers, neighbors and friends will line the Kanawha Boulevard in a silent protest against domestic violence. Organized by the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program, this demonstration will acknowledge the beginning of the National Domestic Violence Awareness Month of October and urge the Charleston community to put an end to domestic violence.
“We must join together – men and women – to address the causes of domestic violence and raise our collective voices to create a community that no longer tolerates the use of violence in relationships,” stated YWCA Resolve co-director GeorgeAnn Grubb. “We are all stakeholders and advocates in the fight for peace and safety in our homes and neighborhoods.”
The “Silent No More” demonstration will be held on Thursday, October 2 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm along Kanawha Boulevard between Leon Sullivan Way and Morris Street. A vigil and reception will follow from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at the YWCA on Quarrier Street.
“This night is multi-purposed,” stated YWCA Resolve co-director Felicia Bush. “We stand in protest against the devastation of domestic violence, we remember those whose lives were tragically lost as a result, we raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in our community and our state, and we celebrate survivors and the hundreds of individuals and organizations that helped them through their struggle.”
The vigil will include remarks from community leaders, testimonials from domestic violence survivors, inspirational songs and a keynote address from West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland.
“Domestic violence is a societal problem that occurs on an individual basis,” stated Bush. “We want to let men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence know that they are not alone in their struggle.”
The public is invited to attend both the silent protest and vigil. To participate in the “Silent No More” protest, contact Mary Anderson at (304) 610-1575.
There are many ways to let your voice be heard. Take a stand against domestic violence.
The YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program offers 24/7 shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence. YWCA Resolve reaches more than 3,000 individuals each year in Kanawha, Boone and Clay counties through shelter and emergency services,
case management, court advocacy, counseling, support groups, safety planning, and programs for children, teen dating safety and batterers intervention/prevention. YWCA Resolve is one of 14 licensed domestic violence programs in the state and is a member of the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
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