22nd POLICE DISTRICT C.A.P.S. BREAKING THE LEASH OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WALK FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

On Saturday, October 4th, I had the opportunity to attend the Breaking the Leash #DVAM Walk at the 22nd Police District, hosted by their C.A.P.S. unit.  Along with others, we walked the neighborhood with our dogs wrapped in purple bandanas, doggy treats and toys to help raise awareness.  I bought with me my NEW Shihtzu puppy, Rose.  Rose was the youngest and smallest dog present and was well loved on by fellow attendees and some of the police officers that came outside to support us.

This event was wonderful and a NEW experience for me.  I knew animals such as dogs are also abused during some domestic violence related cases but I never thought to include them in helping us raise awareness.  The dogs and their owners, marched through the neighborhood surrounding the police station, all the while barking and pooping may I add, which caused neighbors to reach out and ask us what cause we were walking for and ways that they too can get involved.

The dogs ranged from all types and sizes.  There was even clergy who prayed over the dogs and the owners before we walked the neighborhood.  I thought that was the cutest prayer I ever heard.  All in all, this was a great experience and I look forward to continuing to find ways to help the 22nd Police District C.A.P.S. unit raise domestic violence.  At the conclusion of the walk, all of the dogs received toys, treats and there were raffle prizes of products for dogs ONLY.  There were light refreshments adorned in purple decorations and great opportunities to network and fellowship with everyone.  What a great time and unique way to help raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!!!!

2014 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH KICK-OFF RALLY (THOMPSON CENTER)



For one hour annually, during the first days of October, Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network host a kick-off rally to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month aka #DVAM on social media.  At this rally, service providers, elected officials, family members of those who were murdered by person's who batter, clergy, community activist, advocates and allies for victims and survivors of domestic violence all attend with one common goal: Help STOP violence against women in children in our communities.

 

1 out of 4 women will be abused in their lifetime

 



 

As we gathered this year, again I reflected on another year I SURVIVED domestic violence.  I rocked by A New Me Foundation (ANMF) tee shirt proudly (although you couldn't see it because Chicago weather was not all that kind to us that day).  I was thankful for the hard work that ANMF continuously commit to in our communities to help end ALL violence against women and their children.  This year the atmosphere was different.  Instead of keynote speakers, the Network utilized creative displays of visual platforms of several women role playing scenes as they were walking around in a circle to seek out help after they recently left their batterers.  They walked to and sometimes with their children to the church, hospital, social services, shelters for battered women or homeless women, banks, etc. and were turned away, instantly.  This showed us attendees the various obstacles and lack of resources a victim or survivor of domestic violence faces once they decide to leave and summing up the recent hashtag #WhyIStayed .  

 

 

 

The women held up cardboard signs explaining their current situation which was most likely becoming homeless after leaving their abusive partner.  There was a woman who was disabled and was turned away from receiving services and resources as well.  That left a huge impact on our hearts as we watched her have difficulties getting around. 

 

The Executive Director of the Network also briefly touched on the Ray Rice evolving case and pointed out the cycles of violence that is obviously affecting the victim (Ray's wife) to rationally make decisions and to remind us that there are plenty of similar stories of domestic violence that plagues not only in our state of Illinois but nationwide. 

 

#DVAM is what you make it, help communities and service providers raise funds and awareness not just in October, but year round.  You can commit your time and resources by the following:

 

1.)  Join social media campaigns to help raise awareness ( #DVAM , #LoveIsNotAbuse , #DVAM2014 )

 

2.)  Wear PURPLE all month long to let your networks know about domestic violence

 

3.)  Google #DVAM calendars of events for the city/town where you reside and attend local events

 

4.) EDUCATE yourself on domestic violence by attending trainings and seminars locally (warning fees may apply)

 

5.) Volunteer and/or donate to domestic violence and homeless shelters

 

6.) Support that family member, child, youth or friend that is currently a victim/survivor

 

7.) Raise funds to support service providers as they continue to help victims and survivors of domestic violence

 

 

Again, whatever you can do this month for #DVAM is greatly appreciated in advance and we at A New Me Foundation, are continuously in the fight to end ALL violence against women, their children and everyone affected by domestic violence.

 

 

 

Be blessed,

Felicia Simpson

Founder & Executive Director of ANMF