Domestic Violence Survivors Unite in Miami Gardens to Break the Cycle of Abuse
March Against Domestic Violence
Dozens of domestic violence survivors and advocates gathered in Miami Gardens on Saturday to raise awareness about the issue and provide support to those affected. The Fourth Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, organized by Miami Gardens police, aimed to "end the silence" and "stop domestic violence."
Personal Stories of Survival
Tiffany Myers, a survivor of multiple domestic violence relationships, shared her story with attendees. "I was in a series of domestic violence relationships, and I thought that was normal," she said. Myers, now a nonprofit founder, helps others break the cycle of abuse by sharing her experiences. "It was normal to be called out your name on a daily basis. It was normal to be bruised and hit. I thought that was normal until I began to do a lot of the deep work, got into therapy, and did a lot of things and realized that this is not normal."
Police Chief’s Concerns
Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt expressed her concern about the severity of the issue. "It’s not discussed enough. It’s not discussed in families. There’s a lot of families that are hiding this disease," she said. The chief emphasized that the abuse often escalates to deadly levels. "It’s not normal, and it’s not okay. The end result sometimes is death."
Resources for Survivors
Myers’ nonprofit provides resources for survivors, including therapy, support groups, and a hotline. "We arm them with tools, so when they’re ready to make the decision, they’ll have a community, they’ll have support. They’ll have the tools necessary to walk away," she said.
Conclusion
The Fourth Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk serves as a powerful reminder that domestic violence affects many people in our communities. Survivors like Tiffany Myers and advocates like Chief Noel-Pratt are working together to break the cycle of abuse and create a safer, more supportive environment for all.
FAQs
Q: What is the National Domestic Violence Hotline?
A: The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 service that provides support and resources for survivors of domestic violence. You can call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visit www.thehotline.org, or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Q: What is the purpose of the Fourth Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk?
A: The walk aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide support to those affected. It also seeks to "end the silence" and "stop domestic violence" by shedding light on the issue.
