Sen. Washington to host 6th annual “Run/Walk" to end domestic violence

Posted 10/10/13

Victims of domestic violence need a helping hand during their darkest times. That’s why State Senator LeAnna Washington, a domestic abuse survivor, is hosting the sixth annual “Run/Walk to End …

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Sen. Washington to host 6th annual “Run/Walk" to end domestic violence

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Victims of domestic violence need a helping hand during their darkest times. That’s why State Senator LeAnna Washington, a domestic abuse survivor, is hosting the sixth annual “Run/Walk to End Domestic Violence” on Saturday, Oct. 26 on West River Drive. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with a stirring performance of “We are Family” by Sister Sledge.

To register in advance, go to runtheday.com/registration/race_info/20263.

“Every day in Philadelphia, the Police Department responds to more than 390 calls regarding incidents of domestic violence emergencies,” said Senator Washington. “And every nine seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten. It’s time to stop this crime.” In Philadelphia, abuse affects more than 5,000 children annually. Sadly, some of them will become orphans. In 2012, there were 24 domestic violence deaths in Philadelphia – the highest number in any county across the state.

The Run/Walk is held in conjunction with Women Against Abuse, Women in Transition, Lutheran Settlement House, Congreso and Black Women’s Health Alliance. It benefits Philadelphia’s only domestic abuse hotline, a 24-hour bilingual hotline operated by professionals that receives more than 10,000 calls a year from individuals seeking help.

State Senator LeAnna Washington, the Legislature’s leading advocate on issues of domestic violence, is a survivor herself. She endured frequent beatings and abuse at the hands of her husband and father of her three children. Now she shares her story in the hopes of giving others the strength to fight. “We are determined to continue raising awareness for the Hotline so we can be there to support and stand up for the victims.”

For more information on the Run/Walk to End Domestic Violence, visit domesticviolencewalk.com.

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