October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The local observance is led annually by Hospitality House for Women, Inc. Their slate of events includes a virtual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes; this takes the place of an in-person event in 2020. Lynn Rousseau, Executive Director, urges Romans to participate by donning high heels, then taking a picture (or recording a video) and sharing it with Hospitality House.
Be sure to use the hashtag #HHWalkAMile2020 when you post your pictures or videos to Facebook or Instagram. For additional event information, search for Virtual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes 2020 on Facebook.
T-shirt sales are underway to make up for the funds that are typically raised at the in-person Walk A Mile, according to Rousseau. The shirts, which feature the message “Enough”, are available at the Hospitality House Thrift Store on Shorter Avenue and online at www.hospitalityhouseforwomen.org. The cost is $20 per t-shirt and $22 per tank.
Domestic violence cases are skyrocketing in these days of coronavirus, states Rousseau.
Local DVAM activities will also include a Candlelight Vigil which will take place on Thursday, October 22nd at 6 pm at Rotary Plaza in downtown Rome; it will be followed by the Hospitality House’s Annual Meeting.