Domestic Violence Awareness Walk Planned at NCCC
SANBORN, N.Y. (Oct. 9) — “Walk With Me”, a statewide initiative to raise awareness of domestic violence on college campuses, will be held at Niagara County Community College Oct. 15 at noon.
“Walk With Me” is a silent walk that was designed as a way to get young adults actively involved with combating domestic violence.
It is being held simultaneously on college campuses across the state on Oct. 15 – the date recently proclaimed “Walk With Me Day” in the State of New York by Governor David Patterson.
“Walk With Me” includes a silent procession of participants along the perimeter of the campus and informational displays from local organizations that provide counseling and other referral services for domestic violence victims and their families. Refreshments will also be available for all in attendance.
2008 marks the third consecutive year that a Walk With Me event has been held at NCCC. Initiated by counselors in 2006, the event grew from 15 individuals in its inaugural year to over 60 participants from the campus and surrounding community in 2007.
Domestic violence is defined as "the willful intimidation, assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another" by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and it includes teen violence, campus violence, dating violence, elderly abuse and many other categories of violence committed by an intimate partner.
Over 3,200 domestic violence complaints are filed each year in Niagara County and it is a serious problem affecting a growing number of young adults.
“As a counselor, I see more and more college students who are in abusive relationships. In just the past three weeks alone, I have seen three students with this issue. That’s way up from last year,” said Sara Allen, NCCC wellness center counselor.
“ ‘Walk With Me’ reminds people that domestic violence is a reality,” Allen said. “It shows support for the victims and makes people aware that there are services available to help stop the cycle of abuse.”
For more information on "Walk With Me", contact the NCCC wellness center at 614-6275.
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