Survivor testimony to highlight Safe Journey domestic violence awareness vigil
As a child, Mallery Vannoy was abused by her father.
As a young woman, the domestic violence continued at the hands of two abusive partners.
Today, thanks to support from Safe Journey, a Union City-based domestic services agency that offers free services for victims in rural Erie County, Mallery escaped the abusive, controlling relationships that threatened to crush her spirit.
“I refuse to let this part of my story shape me,” Vannoy said. “I refuse to be held back from living life on my own terms. I’m not just a survivor of domestic violence, I’m a thriver.”
Vannoy will share her harrowing story of survival during a candlelight vigil Thursday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. at the gazebo in Waterford’s downtown park.
Safe Journey is holding the vigil in observation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which has been held each October since 1987 to honor victims and survivors, educate the public about domestic violence, and hold abusers accountable for their actions.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will be victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. Because of the prevalence of domestic violence in our seemingly safe communities, Safe Journey Executive Director Lori Palisin said testimonies from survivors like Mallery’s need to be heard.
“Domestic violence destroys lives and families and it’s time to give victims a voice,” Palisin said. “I’ve always said victims of domestic violence are the strongest people I know. Mallery’s courage and resilience should be an inspiration to everyone.”
Vigil participants will hear from Mallery twice. Before Mallery addresses the audience, Safe Journey will show its latest locally produced video titled “Survivor Stories: True Stories of Freedom,” which features Mallery’s story.
Palisin and retired Corry Police Chief Rich Shopene also will speak. Palisin and Shopene, who now is deputy director of police and security at LECOM, are cofounders of the Rural Erie County Domestic Violence Task Force. A candlelighting ceremony will honor victims and survivors and light refreshments will be served.
“We invite everyone to join us at the vigil,” Palisin said. “Nobody ever deserves to be abused. This is a small way we all can come together to support victims in our community.”
While victims deserve support every day of every year, Palisin said Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an appropriate time for people to step out of their comfort zones to address domestic violence. She said Safe Journey suggests additional opportunities to support victims:
· Attend a free PurpleOne domestic violence awareness training. The half-day training teaches attendees how to recognize and respond to domestic violence and how to refer victims to services offered by a state-coalition-recognized domestic violence services agency like Safe Journey. Participants also are taught how to be proactive bystanders equipped to safely de-escalate a potential harmful scene playing out in public. The next training will be held virtually Tuesday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register at purpleone.org.
· Wear purple, the designated color for domestic violence awareness, to support victims. Displaying a purple ribbon on your vehicle’s antenna, wearing a purple ribbon, or wearing a purple wristband shows that you are publicly taking a stand for victims. Showing your colors is a supportive way to start a conversation about domestic violence.
· Illuminate your porch, yard, or business entrance with a purple lightbulb.
· Watch Safe Journey’s original videos that address different aspects of domestic violence. Access them at mysafejourney.org by clicking on the video icon at the bottom of the home page.
· Visit Safe Journey’s Facebook page.
· If you need help or information, call Safe Journey’s emergency hotline at (814) 438-2675.
Mallery’s Story – Surviving Domestic Violence
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