3rd Annual Break the Silence Walk Saturday in Downtown Framingham

Voices Against Violence, a domestic violence and rape crisis center serving communities throughout the MetroWest area, is hosting its third annual Walk to Break the Silence on Saturday, Oct. 18 in support of the organization’s mission to end sexual and domestic violence in the region.

More than 100 walkers participated in last year’s event and raised more than $25,000 for the non-profit organization. This year’s goal is to increase that amount to $40,000.

For the past 37 years, Voices Against Violence, a program operated by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) has provided free and confidential services to victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence and their families. Between July 2013 and June 2014, Voices Against Violence provided free services to 987 of sexual and domestic violence.

Staff and volunteers answered 1708 hotline calls for a total of 578 hours of crisis intervention, provided 395 hours of court accompaniment and advocacy, conducted 12 support group sessions and 75 community outreach presentations. KidSpace Supervised Visitation Center provided safe and neutral visitation for 54 children and Haven Shelter provided life-saving emergency shelter for 35 families fleeing violence, including 41 children.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark, who will keynote the speaking program just prior to the walk, and former Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone, a MetroWest resident and a longtime supporter of Voices Against Violence, will serve as honorary chairs of the Oct. 18 event.

“Domestic violence affects families in all communities regardless of income, religion, race or gender, but too often it is invisible to the outside world,” said Clark said. “I am proud to partner with Voices Against Violence to end sexual assault and domestic violence in our communities and to come together to send a powerful message: we honor and support survivors and their families.”

Mary Gianakis, director of Voices Against Violence, explained that, “although Voices Against Violence has accomplished much over the past 37 years -- helping families to heal from the destruction and heartache caused by sexual and domestic violence – the organization is in need of additional funds to continue its mission. Our hope is that this family-friendly event will shine a light on the tragedy of family violence in this area, while raising the money needed to ensure that free and confidential support and educational outreach remain uninterrupted.”

Check-in will begin at 9:30 am at the downtown Framingham Common at the intersection of Concord and Howard/Park streets. There will be light refreshments and activities for children before the walk, which is scheduled to begin at 10 am.

There is a table to allow for same day registration on Saturday.