On Sunday, October 23rd, I will be taking part in the 16th Annual Walk and Candlelight Vigil for the Melrose Alliance Against Violence.

I joined the Board of Directors of this wonderful non-profit in 2008 to help raise awareness to my community, friends and family of the on-going issues of Bullying, Teen Dating and Domestic Violence.

The purpose of this walk is to honor victims of domestic violence and raise awareness and funds for MAAV's prevention programs but in addition to that I walk for my girls.  Making sure they are educated now will help them grow up and identify a healthy relationship in the future.

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is often minimized, yet it can leave deep and lasting scars.

Noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it. No one should live in fear of the person they love. If you recognize yourself or someone you know in the following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out. There is help available.

With your support we can fulfill our mission to prevent violence before it starts.