BOROUGH PRESIDENT GIBSON LAUNCHES 31 DAYS OF ACTION IN THE BRONX A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

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FEATURES EVENTS INCLUDING THE ANNUAL DIVA SPA, AS WELL AS TRAINING, & SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH TO HIGHLIGHT CHALLENGES AND PROVIDE STEPS TO REVERSE TRENDS

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Bronx, NY - On Tuesday, October 2^nd, 2024, recognized as International Day of Non-Violence, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson was joined by Interim Chief Executive Officer of My Sister's Place, Denise Durham Williams, Founder of Female Fight Club, Johanna Edmondson, and others at 5900 Riverdale Avenue, for a presentation called, "Breaking the Silence." With October also recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Borough President Gibson also launched her annual 31 Days of Action For Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign in partnership with the DiVA Coalition, her Domestic and Gender-based Violence Advisory Council, and other groups, to highlight the critical work of Bronx-based organizations, and city agencies working to protect, counsel, educate, and support survivor families while enforcing policy to ensure Bronx residents are equipped with the resources to support their loved ones who might be experiencing DV.

"Violence in any form is unacceptable and creates ripples that affect not just individuals, but entire families and communities, creating cycles of pain that are often difficult to break," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Raising awareness is crucial and we are here to break the silence! We must create safe spaces and empower survivors to speak up and seek help, reminding them they are never alone. I want to thank Johanna Edmondson, founder of Female Fight Club; Denise Durham Williams, Interim Chief Executive Officer of My Sister's Place; survivors; advocates; and everyone here committed to ending domestic violence in our communities."

"Thank you, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, for your unwavering support of victims of domestic violence and for being a beacon of hope," said Johanna Edmondson, Founder of Female Fight Club NYC. "Dozens of us were gathered at the Female Fight Club in solidarity, united in our vision for a future where violence and abuse can no longer thrive in the shadows. Together, we will shine a light of hope, reminding those affected that they are not alone."

During her 31 Days of Action For Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign, the Borough President will be hosting a series of workshops, trainings, and other events including her signature DiVA Spa scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. where visitors will see Bronx Borough Hall's Veteran's Memorials Hall Rotunda located at 851 Grand Concourse transformed into a fully functional spa with free manicures, makeovers, massage and facials and more. The goal is to create a safe space for Bronx residents to tell their stories and get connected with vital resources such as counseling, legal aid, long-term planning, and more.

Other events during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month are:

NYC Go Purple Day of Action

Thursday, October 17, 2024 - All Day

Wear purple to raise awareness about DV and the resources and services available to survivors throughout NYC for DVAM.

New Destiny's 2^nd Annual Domestic Violence Symposium Wednesday, October 23, 2024

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Center

208 W 13th Street

New York, NY 10011.

Volunteers of America Greater New York Domestic Violence Symposium at Lehman College

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Please register here.

7th Annual Run/Walk/Roll to End Domestic Violence,

hosted by The Bronx District Attorney's Office, in partnership with the Bronx Borough President's Office, the Urban Resource Institute, and the New York Yankees

Saturday, October 26, 2024.

9:30 a.m.

Lou Gehrig Plaza

161^st Street between Walton Avenue and the Grand Concourse

The first 500 to register and attend will receive an event t-shirt and a 5K medal. This is a free event, please register here.

Save the Date: DiVA Talk 2024

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Monroe University

2501 Jerome Avenue

Bronx, NY 10468

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