Citizens come together to defeat domestic violence
EL CENTRO — The 14th annual March Against Domestic Violence and Remember My Name commemoration honored lives taken and those survivors working to heal.
Woman Haven The Center for Family Solutions for 40 years has served victims of domestic violence and Wednesday organized the march that began at Town Square and was led by the Imperial Valley College Fire Academy cadets and the Calexico High School marching band to the Superior Court House.
For Woman Haven, it is important to stop the silence and say, no more violence.
“Our voice allows us to be an advocate for victims who are afraid to speak out,” said Gina Vargas, Woman Haven executive director. “When all of us come out as advocates we can transform the lives of others.”
Everybody has an obligation to stop domestic violence noted Deborah Owen, Imperial County assistant district attorney and special guest speaker.
Domestic violence does not discriminate.
One in four women and one in seven men will be victimized.
In the last 20 years, domestic violence decreased yet there were still 850 domestic violence cases submitted to the DA’s office this year so far.
“The only way to stop it, is work together,” said Owen. “We can empower victims and make their voices heard. But it’s difficult when you’re a victim of any kind of violence. It’s difficult to talk about. That’s why Woman Haven is vital. This event is once a year but Woman Haven staff work 24/7 year round.”
Offering a survivor testimonial was Flor Overton. She remarked she could resurrect the trials she endured for nine years or offer a message of hope.
“You’re not meant to be battered ... turn off the voices of doubt and fear,” she implored. “You’re meant to be safe and loved. Love does not take, it gives. Love nurtures, love is life. So make Oct. 18 the day you decided to be courageous and break the silence.”
Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-56th), the keynote speaker, reminded everyone that every 15 seconds in the U.S., there is a call to report domestic violence.
The legislature can pass hundreds of law, but citizens must get to the core of the problem.
“We are taught it is a woman’s issue yet we must educate our young and even older men the responsibility to treat everybody with dignity and respect,” said Garcia. “I grew up in a home where violence was an everyday thing, but we didn’t intervene soon enough to protect our mother from a violent father. It took 30 years to say, ‘ya basta.’ Men have a tremendous responsibility to make sure domestic violence is eradicated in our community.”
Passing by Town Square at 5 p.m. on a stroll with his son and daughter, Pablo Carrillo was handed a placard and in the blink of an eye fell in with marchers. Carrillo remarked everyone should oppose domestic violence.
“I’m against all violence,” said Carrillo. “I’m glad there’s lots of institutions here who are battling against violence for a better future.”
For more information call Woman Haven at 760-353-8530.