Raising awareness

Dozens of people joined the YWCA of Charleston yesterday to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness month with a silent protest and vigil. For more an hour, supporters of YWCA Resolve stood along Kanawha Boulevard with their signs to raise awareness about this devastating social ill that affects us all.

Following the silent protest, supporters, survivors and community activists joined us for the Silent No More vigil. The event honored those we've lost to domestic violence with a balloon release and celebrated many survivor stories -- including that of Krista Fink, a YWCA Board Member. She tells about her abusive relationship in her book, "Silent No More." Krista was honored with the Hope Award, for the hope that she now has in her life and the hope she brings to other domestic violence victims. Krista not only has turned her life around, but has reached out to other victims with a support group and blog for survivor stories.

Also on Thursday, Representatives from Verizon Wireless presented a $20,000 check to the YWCA of Charleston’s Resolve Family Abuse Program for its Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program. Verizon Wireless recently introduced its HopeLine® program, which collects no-longer used wireless phones and parts from any wireless service provider nationwide and turns them into support for victims of domestic violence. Between now and November 15, drop your old wireless phones, batteries or accessories off at any Verizon Wireless store and all proceeds will benefit the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program up to an additional $5,000.

The YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program is grateful for the continued support of Verizon, a corporation that understands the devastating effects domestic violence has in our community and has taken an active role to fight it. With corporate partners like Verizon and the support of hundreds of community volunteers, the YWCA Resolve will continue its mission to eliminate domestic violence in our community.