About 1.3 million women become victims of domestic violence every year. In New York, police respond to about 257,813 domestic violence incidents, averaging over 700 per day.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for victim-assistance groups, law enforcement agencies and community leaders to band together in order to create public awareness about domestic violence. Here are some events taking place in New York:
The John Jay College Women’s Center will present its Clothesline Project Ceremony on Oct. 24 from 1:30-2:40 p.m. The Clothesline Project is a nationwide campaign that honors the victims of domestic violence through decorated T-shirts made by students to represent their experiences with domestic and dating violence. The T-shirts will be hung during the ceremony and displayed throughout October and November. For more information, contact Dionne Avery by calling 212-237-8184 or emailing davery@jay.cuny.edu.
On Oct. 25, Harlem Hospital will be hosting Love Right 2012: Conference for Teens. The conference is for young people but it’s open to everyone. This conference will be highlighting signs of domestic violence, technology safety and preventing abuse in relationships. For more information, call 212-939-1308.
The Museum of Women’s Resistance presents “Letters to Harriet: Conversations on John Tubman and the Private and Public Dimensions of Domestic Violence” on Oct. 26, 6-9:30 p.m. The exhibit illustrates Harriet Tubman’s journey and living conditions, introducing a new depth to Black women and making connections to present-day struggles with domestic violence. This is a free event, but they are asking for a suggested donation.
Oct. 27 marks the second annual L.O.V.E. Walk at Bronx Park. The walkathon is a 5K and it’s free. All they ask is that you wear purple, as it is the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and donate any gently used sneakers. For more information, contact Merlys Alberto, 646-410-5215.
On Oct. 28, Omega Phi Beta Sorority will be hosting its first Ray of Hope Walk to End Violence Against Women. The walk will consist of inspirational guest leaders, all of whom are survivors of domestic violence. This walk will take place inside Riverside State Park. Individual registration is $12 and $10 per person when you sign up with a team.
The families and friends of murder victims are all invited to attend a candlelight remembrance service on Oct. 28, at the Convent of Mercy. The Cherish Life Circle (founded by the Sisters of Mercy) and Safe Horizon have collaborated in order to make this event possible. For more information, contact Vilma Torres by calling 718-508-1222 or emailing vtorres@safehorizon.org.
On Oct. 30, a panel discussion titled “Love in the Age of Hip-Hop: Is Black Media Creating a Culture of Relationship Violence?” takes place at Barnard College from 6:30-9 p.m. The panel will discuss the impact of media on the Black community’s relationships, especially pertaining to domestic violence. The established panelists include Ejeris Dixon, Alfred Edmonds Jr., Karen Hunter, Jamal Joseph, Kierna Mayo and Dr. Scyatta Wallace. For this event, you must RSVP in advance by emailing DVAwareness2012@gmail.com.
Domestic violence is becoming an epidemic, and the scary part about it is that the majority of cases are never reported. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact 311 or the NYC’s 24-hour, toll-free domestic violence hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE for up-to-date service information and assistance in over 150 languages. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, but don’t let it happen to you.