By Amy Watson
“One of the worst cases of domestic violence we have ever seen.” These are the words of a newscaster as she reported the death of a woman and her daughter. A third victim, a son, is hospitalized, but expected to survive his life threatening injuries. He is eight years old. His murdered sister was even younger. The attack on the entire family was brutal, and it was just the last in a long series of domestic violence disputes in that home.
According to the United Nations, a staggering 35% of women worldwide “have experienced intimate partner violence.” This does not include intimate partner violence of men. It stands to reason that this number is much higher as many victims, especially men, simply do not report it. According to the American Psychology Association, “three or more women are murdered daily by their boyfriends or husbands on average.” That is three lives lost per DAY to a senseless act of violence.
Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence is an organization committed to helping stop this silent epidemic. Many times victims hide in silence, driven by shame of their situation. Unfortunately, about 1,500 US victims last year lost their lives at the hands of their abusers.
BTS has an exciting fundraising event that exists for the sole purpose of helping surviving victims and family members. At BTS, we call those families “Angel Families.” Every year, BTS has an event dedicated to Angel Families and fallen victims. The Angel Run is a two-part event, which celebrates the life and creates a legacy of those who unfortunately didn’t make it out. On June 23, 2018, the community of Colorado Springs and beyond will gather together for the 2nd Annual Angel Run 5k. This fundraiser kick starts a 60-day fundraising initiative, which funds scholarships for students impacted by abuse as well as funding programs for Angel Families.
Supporting the Angel Run is important and can save lives. Here are some of the ways you can make a difference:
- Provide awareness to the general public about the pervasiveness of murders in domestic violence situations. Most people are unaware of this epidemic.
- Provide awareness of the warning signs of abusive intimate partner relationships.
- Provide academic scholarships to students impacted by domestic violence.
- Provide programs and support to Angel Families
- Provide education to the general public in order to stop the unfair judgment carried by family members of domestic violence murder victims.
- Provide family members a safe place to share their stories for the first time.
Going the distance is an interesting concept. It takes special people to push themselves to fund raise and break the silence—this person is an Angel on earth. Their efforts help save other victims from the harsh tragedies of domestic violence. Their courage inspires change.
BTS has one goal, and it too can be described in three words: GO THE DISTANCE. It’s a lofty goal and one that will not be abandoned as long as we can go the distance together. Like a runner who will not give up, neither will we. Each step that feels more like a jackhammer on the joints is a step in the right direction. Not unlike running, this is not an easy thing to accomplish. Also not unlike running, there are times when the pains of the pounds of the pavement almost prove to be too much. The drops of sweat begin to dry up and there doesn’t seem to be anything left in the tank. Providing advocacy support to these families is a daunting task. Everyday three people die in domestic violence related murders. We will not give up until we have reached that finish line, or until somebody that is here long after us has accomplished the same.
There are two ways you can get involved with the BTS Angel Run. One of those ways is to run it and raise money for Angel Families. Click here to become a runner for the 5k or run from home. Even if you are unable to physically be there or to physically run, you can still make a difference by fundraising and being a voice for an Angel Sister.
The top fundraiser will receive the highest recognition trophy. Please consider participating in this years Angel Run. Our Angel’s legacy begins with you.
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