This spring, Ross Medical Education Center in Kokomo, Indiana participated in the local Angel Walk. This annual event is a one mile walk and rally against domestic violence and sexual assault that acts as a fundraiser benefiting the Family Service Association. According to their website, the Family Service Association “is a non-profit organization that promotes healthy families and empowers vulnerable individuals and families through education, prevention, and crisis intervention programs.” Through a variety of means and services offered, they strive to support families and individuals in their community.
The walk has been a campus tradition at nearby Indiana University of Kokomo for over ten years. The Rally is called Not On Our Campus, Not In Our Community. It is open to the community to help spread awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. After the walk, the Ross team was able to have coke and pizza in the cafeteria where they could meet the guests and other walkers.
The Rally began inside the Kelly Center at IUK with guest speakers who shared the horrific stories of what they had been through and how they overcame it. One particular speaker stood out explaining that her husband held her captive for several days in her home before she was able to escape. When finally getting to the local police they did not believe her; it was the Sheriff’s department that took her seriously. Her husband was charged and received seven years in prison. Recently he was released and she said she is praying for him to be a changed man. She explained that no one should have to be treated the way she was and wants to help others find strength and hope to get away from their abusers.
One speaker shared that every nine seconds a woman in the United States is beaten by her current or former husband or intimate partner. By participating in Angel Walk, residents can help themselves and others gain awareness of domestic violence. It is going on in every community and on college campuses, and Ross and many others in the community want to take a stand against it.
The staff, faculty, and students at Ross were thrilled to know that all donations went to assist with the ongoing financial needs of the Domestic Violence Shelter. Michelle Milburn, Career Services Student Support Representative shared, “I enjoyed participating in the walk that supported exposing and ending domestic violence. I am passionate about helping women that have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence situations.”