SALISBURY — Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes was taken very literally at this year’s domestic violence awareness walk.
The annual domestic violence walk hosted by the Family Crisis Council (FCC) and Salisbury Police Department started at Shuler Law Enforcement Center and then went across town to the Family Crisis Council before finally circling back to the Rowan County Courthouse. The walk simulated the journey domestic violence survivors take from reporting the abuse to seeking further support to finally seeing justice in court.
For the past three years, the FCC and SPD have led this walk, but typically the route is around the Bell Tower Green on a weekend. The newly formatted walk had the biggest turnout in the program’s history with over 40 people in attendance from local support organizations, Greek life, law enforcement and others.
Before starting the walk from the Salisbury Police Station, Family Crisis Council and SPD representatives spoke to the attendees about the process domestic violence survivors have to go through.
“Domestic violence is very isolating. It makes people feel like they are alone. To be able to come out and walk in these steps shows survivors that not only are they not alone, but they have people in the community willing to stand up, support and advocate for them. It’s such a meaningful thing,” FCC Executive Director Spencer Dixon said.
Starting at the police station signifies the initial reports that start a longer path to freedom. SPD victim witness advocate Alberta McLaughlin detailed the steps victims take with SPD support for criminal or civil action against their abusers before getting justice at the courthouse steps.
“When we hit those steps, that means justice. We want justice to be served for every victim that comes across domestic violence. So today, we bring awareness, and in bringing that awareness, we’re gonna walk in those shoes, and we’re going to speak out as we’re walking,” McLaughlin said.
Before embarking to the next location, Councilmember Carlton Jackson read a proclamation about domestic violence awareness month from the city. The group with posters against domestic violence started toward the Family Crisis Council building with a police car escort on the side.
The Family Crisis Council provides support to families with temporary shelter, counseling and other services through their reporting process with the hopes of getting them out of an unsafe situation.
“We believe that survivors should get the help that they need at absolutely no cost to them, so our doors are always open. Whether you’re staying at our shelter, getting counseling, being part of our support groups, navigating the courts system, we’re here to support survivors through every step of their journey,” Dixon said.
After visiting the FCC location on Long Street, the group headed back toward downtown to the Rowan County Courthouse steps, where they gathered to acknowledge the long road for survivors that sometimes takes more than one attempt.
“Not only do they get hit that first time, they might go back home because it takes about six times for them to get out of the relationship. Finances stand in the way. Children stand in the way. It takes a lot for somebody to turn around and take a stand for justice, but today you are that voice for them,” McLaughlin said.
The Family Crisis Council operates a 24/7 crisis hotline at 704-636-4718 Ext. 1 for those that may be experiencing domestic violence in Rowan County.
