Refuge House is a women and children shelter that has been providing services to survivors and victims of domestic and sexual violence for over twenty years.
The shelter is having a candlelight vigil at Tom Brown Park Oct. 20th from 6-8 p.m.
“‘The Speak Out’ is to honor survivors of domestic violence and bring awareness to the community,” Ghia Kelly, training and community education program director at Refuge House said. Kelly said the theme of this year’ s Speak Out is ” Family and Friends,” and the importance of victims and survivors receiving support from them.
The ” Speak Out” will consist of entertainment, including music, dance and poetry. The keynote speaker will be Akin Akinyemi, who is commissioner of Leon County and has been a member of the Leon County community board for over 20 years. He is a graduate of Florida A& M University’ s School of Architecture, and currently serves as President/CEO of Akin & Associates Architects, Inc., a local Architecture and Design firm.
Kelly said survivors will also speak and share their stories. FSU Victim Advocacy Program, Florida Council Against Domestic Violence (FCADV), Workforce, FSU career Center and Big Bend Cares are just a few of the agencies that will have booths set up at the event. “Domestic violence is a world health issue. If it affects one, it affects all,” Kelly said.