More Awareness Less Violence

The Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil continues to take steps to end domestic violence.

A domestic violence survivor sings her story to heal herself and others at the Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil on October 27 at the 90^th Precinct. *Photo credit: Lori Ann Doyon*

For more than 20 years, the Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil has marched from two Williamsburg locations to gather together at the NYPD 90^th Precinct. The marchers chant, “No More Silence! No More Violence!” and other phrases in English and Spanish to communicate that domestic violence can only thrive in darkness. Once at the 90^th Precinct, the group holds illuminated candles.

For the last several years the North Brooklyn Coalition Against Family Violence has organized the march that also involves the participation of Southside United HDFC–Los Sures and St. Nicks Alliance. The latter began this march two decades ago to honor the lives of two members of their staff, Emma Feliciano and Nancy DesGrottes, whose lives were taken by domestic violence. October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

This year’s march occurred on October 27. On arriving to the precinct, those who have suffered domestic violence or witnessed domestic violence tell their stories. Some did this via poetry or song and some tell it straight without adornments.

Local elected officials also spoke. NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez brought her five-year-old daughter, but shared she had doubts about this. “I didn’t know if I should bring her. And then I was just speaking to [NYS Assembly Member Maritza Davila] and she said, ‘Yeah, you absolutely need to bring her.’” She then focused on those who have suffered domestic violence, “I don’t want to stand here and tell you that it’s easy, that you can just break away, but you are absolutely not alone. … I’m here to be a resource to continue to support the coalition and to stand with all of you, and certainly to believe the survivors every single time.”

NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez (center) tells domestic violence survivors they are not alone and she will always believe them. Also pictured: Leana Pardo, executive director of North Brooklyn Coalition Against Violence (left) and NYS Assembly Member Maritza Davila (right). *Photo credit: Lori Ann Doyon*

Davila also spoke about her personal experience with domestic violence. She was abused for ten years until she got out. “I decided one day, and I left with nothing. I just couldn’t do it anymore. In my heart and my soul, I knew if I stood there, he would kill me.” Even though she embraced her freedom, it took her another ten years to trust enough to be open to a relationship.

NYPD Captain Vincent Seminerio, commander of the 90^th Precinct assured the audience that he will make sure domestic violence cases “are handled with the sensitivity and the importance that they deserve.” He also stated that domestic cases are just as important as street crime.