On Feb. 21, Pollo Tropical and Women in Distress Broward County, Inc. will present the 16th annual SAFEWALK-RUN 5k at NSU.
The event raises awareness about domestic violence and provide information about resources in the community that are available to victims of domestic abuse. This year’s goal is to raise $150,000 to provide support services to people who are escaping abusive situations. So far, they have raised approximately $78,000. If the goal is met, Women in Distress will be able to provide 1,600 nights of safe shelter to adults and children, counseling, infant therapy and other services.
Women in Distress will introduce the Purple Heart Project this year, in which participants who have lost a loved to one to domestic violence can wear a purple heart during the walk. Those who have survived domestic violence will also be given “Survivor” shirts.
Mary Olejnik works in the development department of Women in Distress of Broward County, Inc. and said, “You really get to see the people that you’re helping and see them as their moving on to a new, safe life.”
Olejnik said the ultimate goal of the walk is to raise awareness for their domestic violence program.
“Not a lot of people know that this resource is in the community and that when you’re in that situation, you want as much help as possible and you want to know that there’s a service to go to that will meet all of your needs,” she said.
According to Olejnik, those 16 to 24 are most susceptible to domestic violence.
Gabriela Orta, junior biology major, said, “Someone close to me was affected by domestic violence, and I would never wish that upon anyone. We should raise awareness in order to prevent this from happening to other women.”
Women in Distress, Inc. is a nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center that aims to stop domestic violence through intervention, education and advocacy. They provide a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter program, counseling, support groups and professional trainings to educate the community on domestic violence. All services are free.
“It is important to advocate and educate about this topic, and the best way of doing that is by participating in these events and showing support. As students, this is the least we can do,” Orta said.
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the 5k will start at 9 a.m. Pre-registration costs $25 for adults and $15 for children; registration the day of the event is $30 for all. The registration fee includes a SAFEWALK-RUN 5k T-shirt and goodie bag.
For the second year, the event will also feature a dog walk for participants who want to complete the 5k with their dogs. Dogs can participate in the walk for a $10 registration fee, which will go toward providing assistance to the pets of victims of domestic violence who are staying in a shelter.
Olejnik said, “70 percent of women in domestic violence situations said that leaving their pet behind is a barrier to seeking services. When you’re in that situation, something as small as a family pet can be the reason someone stays in that situation and endures abuse.”
Participants are urged to raise a minimum of $200 in donations, but it is not mandatory to participate in the race. Donations will be accepted until the end of March. The top fundraiser will win a trip on a Norwegian cruise line.
NSU also helps domestic violence victims through the Family Violence Program, which provides assistance in identifying and overcoming effects of abuse, assists children who have witnessed domestic violence and provides therapy. To learn more about the program, call 954-678-2273.
To register for the event, visit safewalk2015.kintera.org. To report a case of domestic violence, call 911 or the Women in Distress 24-hour crisis line at 954-761-1133.
Photo credit: Created by Li Cohen via piktochart.com
