Public Awareness March to Stand Against Domestic Violence

On a bright and sunny October 31st, 2020. Starting at 11:30 am, Empowering Women NFP and Women’s Justice League walked up the beautiful Michigan Avenue, through Millennium Park to the Bean, raising their voices and hands against domestic violence. To bring awareness to, and advocacy for, such an iconic, and even with COVID-19, busy outdoor setting. This “Public Awareness March” was also to show that one voice can truly make a difference. The powerful and peaceful message to end the cycle of domestic violence echoed throughout the city. People passing by (busy Chicago Loop) joined in. Everyone carried signs with the name of a survivor. It was such a moving image - a sea of first names of women who have been abused. These images moved even casual onlookers who read these names as the group marched by, chanting “Raise Your Hand to End Domestic Violence.” There was overwhelming support and participation from everyone, and many people marched and chanted with the group to take a stand against domestic violence.

According to Arshia Hasnain, Executive Director of Empowering Women NFP, “Social distancing and self-isolation may decrease the spread of the coronavirus, but it has greatly increased the risks for domestic violence victims. Victims are trapped with their abusers. Losing access to outlets such as their workplace and friends and family, makes the domestic violence pandemic greater than ever before. Job loss, financial strain and other stressors may also be pushing abusers to lash out. Home is not always a safe place to be for some people.”

During an Interview Ms. Stephanie Pelzer, Co-Founder of Women’s Justice League said, “1 in 3 women have been affected by domestic violence sometime in their life and it does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone in any community, regardless of age, socio economic status, race, religion, nationality and educational background. Most of these cases are never reported to the police. October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and during this month we want to reach out and bring as much visibility to this cause.”

Empowering Women NFP is a Chicago-based grassroots non-profit organization providing domestic violence services to women and their families in Chicago and the surrounding counties, with the ability to attend to the needs of communities of color and immigrants.

Women’s Justice League is a Chicago-based organization that helps fight domestic violence through advocacy, justice and prevention. Founded by two survivors of domestic violence they want to bridge the gaps in the system by making access to services easier for the survivors.

To learn more about Empowering Women NFP, go visit their website and sign up for their e-newsletter at www.ewnfp.org

For The Women’s Justice League, visit www.womensjusticeleague.com and learn more about their cause.