Last Thursday, Help Now of Osceola brought Domestic Violence Awareness Month to a close by hosting its 14th annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk & Candlelight Vigil.
It started at the steps of the Osceola County Courthouse, where victims fight to find justice. After a short rally there, the walk moved on to a memorial to victims at Kissimmee Police Department, where candles were lit so solemnly point out why groups like Help Now advocate so hard for those in those toxic relationships.
Law enforcement representatives Kissimmee Police Department, St. Cloud Police Department and Osceola County Sheriff's Office -- the first time all three local agencies participated -- came together with survivors and their advocates to not only remember the ones who've lost their lives to domestic violence, but to serve a call to action for those who suffer in violent relationships.
New 9th Circuit State Attorney Andrew Bain represented those who fight for justice, and representatives from AdventHealth also came to speak out against domestic violence.
St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Goerke said, “The St. Cloud Police Department is proudly partnering with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the Kissimmee Police Department to bring awareness to those who are at risk. I am not just encouraging you as the chief of police, but as a human being to be the voice of the voiceless, the strength for the weak, and the hope for the hopeless. Let’s pledge to break the silence of domestic violence -- to listen, to lead, and to act.”
The loudest message made Wednesday was this: nobody ever does anything to deserve being abused, and as a victim, it is never your fault. To reach out to Help Now and hold an abuser accountable for their shameless actions, call its 24-hour crisis hotline at 407-847-8562, or its text line at 407-306-0677. Other resources are available at www.helpnowshelter.org.
