Domestic Violence Awareness Month Kicks Off At LOVE Park
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - October is Domestic Violence Awareness month in Philadelphia and city officials, as well as those who work to serve those who face this heartbreaking situation, gathered at Love Park Tuesday afternoon.
Executive Director of Women Against Abuse, Jeannine Lisitski, asked all present to participate and add their signature to their 6th annual IPledge Campaign
"We use this as a real platform to talk to members of the community about the needs of victims of domestic violence," she said.
City Council Members were presented with an award for their successful efforts to open another shelter to help the thousands in this situation. That 100 bed shelter is set to open in the spring. Verizon has donated equipment and funds over the years.
"Their resources are thinner and thinner...and we need to make sure the corporate community continues to support them in the great work they do," spokesperson Sheldon Jones said.
"We need to continue to work to get those numbers down to zero," Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey added. "There is no excuse or reason for it to take place, but reality is, it does."
Last year, Women Against Abuse had to turn away 9,000 people in need of shelter due to lack of space.
To sign the pledge throughout the month of October, go to www.ipledgewaa.org.
