Heal a broken heart with a phone call

Domestic violence is a devastating and widespread public-health crisis that affects men and women of all demographics. Victims have longlasting trauma that impacts their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. As a former elementary school principal in Miami’s urban core, I saw many children who were directly affected by this behavior.

No child, or anyone for that matter, should experience violence of any kind. For many years, I have volunteered with and supported organizations that focus on domestic-violence awareness, prevention, training and cessation.

On Feb. 20, I hosted the 21st annual “No More Broken Hearts” Domestic Violence Workshop via Zoom. More than 200 people attended this virtual event. Doctors, mental-health practitioners, judges and attorneys all provided valuable information and resources. We were honored to have MSNBC national correspondent Joy Reid, Miami-Dade County State Attorney Kathy Fernandez Rundle, and Oakwood University President Leslie Nelson Pollard join us to share remarks.

We also announced the “Courage Behind the Mask” Scholarship, which is open to all high school seniors in District 2. Students must write and submit an essay by 4 p.m. March 24.

I am grateful to the members of the workshop’s planning committee for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet virtually and ensure yet another successful event. I thank all those who attended for their dedication and commitment to advocating against domestic violence.

If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1800-799-7233.

– Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, board member, Miami-Dade County

Public Schools