Domestic violence.
It’s a topic that’s gotten a lot of press lately. Ever since the situation with Ray Rice and the NFL, people have been talking about what can be done to stop domestic violence.
Rice was suspended from playing in the league when a videotape surfaced showing him knocking out his then fiancee. He has since apologized, but cannot play in the league.
Even Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson has started a campaign — Pass the Peace — which is designed to bring awareness of domestic violence and get the message out that it is not OK to be violent against another person.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and the Kitsap YWCA, which has programs to help victims of domestic violence, is bringing it to the forefront with its annual Walk In Her Shoes campaign.
The name — Walk In Her Shoes — says it all. They want each of us to take a walk in the shoes of a victim of domestic violence.
Symbolically, that means putting on a pair of heels, or your favorite old sneakers, and taking a walk on Saturday, Oct. 18, in downtown Bremerton.
But more so, it means take the time to look at your community and see what resources there are for victims of domestic violence. The YWCA has one of the few shelters around for DV victims, the ALIVE Shelter.
It’s a safe place to get away from an abuser and get help, such as food, clothing, legal advice, transitional housing, employment opportunities and a path to a better life.
Statistics show that anyone, male or female, rich or poor, educated or not, can be a victim. It’s a growing problem in our country.
It’s the Walk In Her Shoes event that helps fund the YWCA’s ALIVE Shelter. By coming down to Pacific Avenue, between Fourth and Fifth Streets, at 11 a.m. Oct. 18, and walking with the group to the United Way Building at 645 Fourth St., you’ll be showing your support for victims of domestic violence.
Participate. Give a financial gift. Bid on something at the silent auction. Sign up to volunteer at the shelter. Attend the block party afterwards.
Let’s show everyone that our community cares enough to help end domestic violence.
