I hope you are enjoying wonderful weather this spring. It has been beautiful in sunny St. Augustine.
I’m breaking from my 8 part series on ‘Why Women Stay’ to update you on several events I’ve had the privilege of participating in over the last couple of months.
Flagler College, located in St. Augustine, Florida, is helping raise awareness to dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault. I spoke to different groups of students during the spring semester, the last as a speaker for ‘Take Back the Night’. I am passionate about helping all victims.
Unfortunately, the trend of violence in teens and young adults is not decreasing. 1 in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship.*
I presented to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St Augustine. Afterward, the members of the congregation and I shared stories, opinions, and brainstormed how to help end this growing epidemic.
In May, I was fortunate to speak at the Golf Classic Banquet benefiting Vera House. This event was put on by the Sport Venue and Event Management Department at Syracuse University.
I hope to make a difference in the lives of victims and survivors. Speaking to the public and writing fiction to help the reader understand the life of a victim is my way in making an impact. There are many things everyone can do to help. I believe the most important thing we can do is talk about it. Let’s start a conversation.
Remember, if we can help just one person, we’ve done our job.
Katelin Maloney
*Liz Claiborne Inc and The Family Fund. “Teen Dating Abuse 2009 Key Topline Findings.” http://nomore.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/teen_dating_abuse_2009_key_topline_findings-1.pdf