NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania –
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to help raise awareness against domestic violence, the Family Advocacy Program and MWR New Cumberland Fitness Department hosted the Domestic Violence Awareness 5K Fun Run and two-mile walk on October 19.
A.J. Brandt, DLA Distribution’s sexual assault response coordinator gave opening remarks before the event kicked off. “Victims of violence often suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn, with little or no guidance and support.”
The 5K event was considered a "fun" run/walk, so times were not tracked for a first, second and third place winner; however, Eric Sweeney, financial systems analyst for DLA Finance finished first with a time of 18 minutes and 36 seconds.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" in October 1981. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state and national levels.
In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline, 800-799-7233. In 1989 the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.