PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Holcomb
(540) 985-0131, ext. 503
amandah@councilofcommunityservices.org
For Immediate Release
The Family Violence Coordinating Council to Host 10th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event, “A Walk in Their Shoes”
ROANOKE, VA (October 2, 2017) – The Family Violence Coordinating (FVCC), a standing committee of the Council of Community Services is hosting its 10th annual domestic violence awareness event, “A Walk in Their Shoes.” The event will take place on Friday, October 13, 2017, 12:00 – 2:00 PM at Wells Fargo Plaza, 10 S. Jefferson Street.
For the first time ever as part of this event, Mayor Sherman Lea will present a multi-jurisdictional proclamation on behalf of the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Counties of Botetourt and Roanoke, and the Town of Vinton, declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month for the entire Roanoke Valley. The event will also feature domestic violence survivor, Ashley Brogan Newman as the special guest speaker. Ashley Brogan Newman will share her story that led to the infamous day on August 29, 2015, when she was rescued by Bedford County Sgt. Jeremy Gardner in the woods with multiple stab wounds.
The program will continue with an honor and remembrance ceremony. Over 50 names will be read of women, men, and children of the Roanoke Valley who lost their lives to domestic violence (between 2003-present). After a moment of silence, everyone is invited to walk in solidarity with survivors, advocates, and victims’ families as a symbol of our commitment to not be a silent witness to senseless violence happening in our community and to the people we love.
The event will also include a resource fair for survivors, victims, and advocates to learn more about the services available in our community. The resource fair will begin around 11:00 a.m.
This event is hosted by the Family Violence Coordinating Council. The FVCC is a standing committee of the Council of Community Services and is an interagency coalition of professionals that include domestic violence service providers, human service agencies, attorneys, legal aid, judges, police officers, and health care providers. Members work together to improve and increase the resources available to deal with domestic and family violence.
For more information about this event, the FVCC, or local domestic violence services, please contact Amanda Holcomb at (540) 985-0131, ext. 503 or visit fvccroanoke.org.
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Rain Plan:
In the event of rain, we have secured a backup location. Our friends at Mill Mountain Theatre graciously offered their space to use if needed. We will make the decision by 9:30 AM on Friday, October 13 on the Council of Community Services’ Facebook page. If we do have the event inside, we still plan to walk downtown, so bring your rain gear.
We’re looking forward to a great event, rain or shine!