One in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. To shine a light on this staggering number, we hosted our first ever Walking Vigil, with the City of Costa Mesa and Costa Mesa Police Department at Lions Park in Costa Mesa where we brought the community together to #SHINETHELIGHT on the lives of those affected by domestic violence and how they can find a way out. Bringing their voices to the cause, State Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley shared their personal experiences with relationship violence and the importance of continuing to bring awareness and provide resources to the community. Costa Mesa Police Chief Ron Lawrence spoke on the role we all play in bringing an end to the cycle of relationship violence by identifying the often very subtle signs of domestic violence. The event concluded with Mayor John Stephens leading attendees to walk in solidarity carrying purple candles and reading messages from survivors along the way. Human Options has worked hard to foster meaningful relationships with law enforcement and communities in Orange County to educate them on the impacts of domestic violence and how together, we can break down the systematic barriers that victims often face when seeking a way to a healthier, safer environment.
From Awareness to Action: Empowering Individuals and Communities to Prevent Relationship Violence
By Arezoo Shahbazi Roa, MSW, Prevention & Community Education Director As the director of our prevention and community education efforts, I am deeply invested in the stories that come through
