Philadelphia (October 14, 2010) – Victims of domestic violence need a compassionate voice to turn to during their darkest times. Ensuring that key support services remain available is a top priority for State Senator LeAnna Washington. That’s exactly why the Senator will host the third annual “Walk to End Domestic Violence” to benefit the main “helping hand” for victims: Philadelphia’s only domestic abuse hotline (866-SAFE-014). Washington, a domestic abuse survivor, will lead participants in the 5k walk on Saturday, October 23^rd at 10:30 a.m. Registration for the event begins at 2010 West River Drive at 9 a.m.

            In addition to benefitting the city’s 24-hour bilingual hotline, funds raised will also provide assistance to four organizations in Philadelphia with domestic violence support programs: Women Against Abuse, Women in Transition, Lutheran Settlement House and Congresso.

            “The domestic abuse hotline needs funding and we’re eager to not only help cover operating costs, but also to help raise public awareness of the thousands affected each year by domestic violence, “says Senator Washington. “The toll-free hotline provides help to between 9,000 and 10,000 callers each year and we want to ensure that these victims continue receiving the guidance they so desperately need.”

            Senator Washington, a former high school dropout, married at a young age and originally viewed the beatings that she received as “love.” After having her third child while being continuously abused, she left Pennsylvania for Detroit in 1972 to flee her abusive husband and to provide her children with a safer environment. After six months, Senator Washington returned to Philadelphia to live with friends and realized that many others shared in the terrible experiences through which she’d persevered. She’s remained committed to sharing her story with others to help make certain that no man or woman experiences what she went through.

            “This walk isn’t only about domestic violence, although that’s the major theme. It’s also a statement against violence, in all of its ugly faces. Whether in our communities, on the streets, in schools, or in private homes, violence is a collective burden we all must share and work together to help end,” says Washington.

For more information about Senator Washington’s Walk to End Domestic Violence, call the Senator’s Philadelphia offices at (215) 242-0472 or visit www.senatorwashington.com. To view and print a registration form, visit http://www.senatorwashington.com/events/DomesticViolence/2010/RegistrationForm.pdf.

 

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Press Contact: Beverly Volpe
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