The Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and the Florida A&M counseling center are hosting the annual March to End the Silence on Domestic Violence today.
FAMU, Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College and Kaiser University students are asked to participate in the march along with other individuals in the Tallahassee community.
“The counseling center is very excited,” said Quantina Washington, assistant director of the counseling center. “A great deal of students came out last year, and we would like an even greater turnout. We are trying to bring awareness.”
Students such as Kiydra Harris, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Auburn, Ala., advocate the march because it promotes unity.
“I think it is a great way to come together as women and really learn about domestic violence, prevention and how we can help the violence stop,” she said.
Individuals who want to march will meet on FAMU’s Set at 5:15 p.m. and begin marching at 5:30 p.m.
“We will have whistles, signs, T-shirts, water and snacks while marching,” said Kelly O’Rourke, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council member. “It’s so much fun.”
The community will march to the FSU Turnbull Center. Upon arrival, there will be a free Italian dinner served for participants, and domestic violence survivors Tammy Slay and Valorie Parker will tell their individual stories involving domestic violence encounters from their husbands.
Parker will discuss being abused by her husband, who was practicing to be minister, and explain how she got away. She will also tell of the stress involved with going against a community figure such as an upcoming minister.
“The speakers are very powerful and have really moving stories,” O’Rourke said. “They will give the gory details. We are not trying to scare people but to be aware of the signs, to get out now and not make the same mistakes as they did.”
The March to End Domestic Violence is free for all participants.