Hundreds turn out to raise awareness of domestic violence at annual walk

New York’s Staten Island. As their parents grinned, children joyfully bounced in the inflatable house. This happy picture at Willowbrook Park stood in stark contrast to the quiet misery that permeates many domestic violence-affected homes.

On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people gathered at the park for the third annual A Mile in Their Shoes walk and festival in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

While parents visited one of the many booths manned by various groups attempting to give resources for people who may be suffering from domestic violence, families enjoyed free carousel rides and ice cream.

Scenes from Saturday, October 6, 2024, the third annual “A Mile in Their Shoes” walk and festival in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Luke Peteley/Staten Island AdvanceLuke Pete/Staten Island Advance

Visitors were first given the chance to take in the many offers and hear from a number of speakers who discussed the effects of domestic violence in their personal or professional lives, before the large crowd eventually made their way to stroll along the lake.

So why are we here? District Attorney Michael E. McMahon stated, “We are here because we know there are a lot of victims of domestic violence who suffer in silence.” And their persecution continues until they discover a lifeline, make a phone call, or send an email to raise awareness and request assistance.

McMahon continued by praising his law enforcement colleagues’ continued efforts to assist victims of domestic abuse.

On Saturday, October 6, 2024, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon gives a speech at the third annual “A Mile in Their Shoes” walk and festival in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Luke Peteley/Staten Island AdvanceLuke Pete/Staten Island Advance

Please contact us by our website, phone number, or additional McMahon if you are a victim and in pain. Give us a call if you know someone. And we want to express our gratitude and support to all of the heroes who are here and put in so much effort to further our objective.

As the sun rose above the tall trees, it illuminated the collective soul, screaming out against the horrible crime that so frequently goes unnoticed. The purpose of ending domestic abuse and honoring those who have been harmed by it brought together law enforcement, motorcycle riders, community advocates, and families.

Participants had the chance to share their motivation for walking on a memory wall. Others, who were survivors themselves, spoke out and talked about their experiences. One of these survivors once read aloud a poem that made more than a few people cry.

On Saturday, October 6, 2024, Curtis High School students distributed bags during the third annual “A Mile in Their Shoes” walk and festival in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Luke Peteley/Staten Island AdvanceLuke Pete/Staten Island Advance

According to Corazon Grajales, a victim of domestic abuse, this is a community issue. This is not a personal issue. This isn’t a domestic issue. these is a community issue, and gatherings like these provide ways to address it.

Even though the seriousness of the problem was conveyed with intensity, there were plenty of chances for happiness to triumph.

Occasionally, a police siren or a motorbike engine might blast, but only at the request of a child who was admiring one of the numerous unusual cars.

The men and women of the Staten Island Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) joined in bringing joy to those children. These people provide assistance and protection to children in need while firmly opposing all types of child maltreatment.

Cuz, a security officer and public relations representative for BACA’s Staten Island chapter, stated, “We fully support domestic violence prevention and crime victims because that’s what we do, we empower the abused kids to not feel afraid of the world in which they live.”

Along with the NYPD borough commander, Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta, who acknowledged the work of these officers as one of the most difficult duties he has witnessed as a precinct commander, were members of the NYPD’s Domestic Violence team.

On Saturday, October 6, 2024, NYPD borough commander Assistant Chief Joseph Gulotta gives a speech during the third annual “A Mile in Their Shoes” walk and festival in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Luke Peteley/Staten Island AdvanceLuke Pete/Staten Island Advance

NYPD Deputy Chief Terence Hurson joined his blue-clad brothers and sisters and said:

These kinds of events are designed to give victims of domestic abuse who are sitting there feeling scared to ask for help a secure location to do so. Our police officers are available to help you settle any issues you may feel you may be in.

You can look for resources and support by visiting NYC’s HOPE Resource Directory online at www.nyc.gov/NYCHOPE, calling 311 and asking to be connected to the closest NYC Family Justice Center, or calling the city’s 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline, 800-621-HOPE (4673), for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance, and other resources.