VIBS’ Walks the Walk in Support of Domestic Violence Awareness

Islandia, NY (October 4, 2018) Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk, VIBS, will be gathering Long Islanders together to walk in support of the thousands of families and individuals from our community who have lived with this violence during their lifetimes. Nationally, one in four women are victims of severe physical abuse from a partner at some point in their lives, and men can be victims as well. Children are often caught in the middle as too many households on Long Island are affected by violence on a daily basis.

Awareness is the key to stopping abuse, and VIBS will be spreading awareness and information through a 5K walk/run, bringing together adults as well as youth who will be standing up against domestic abuse and violence in our communities. All members of the community are invited to attend VIBS’ first annual “Walk the Walk” event in honor of victims and survivors. The walk will take place Saturday, October 13th, at 8:30 AM at Smith Point County Park in Shirley, NY.

Frank Lombardi, Chief Operating Officer of VIBS, said “This is a time for Long Islanders to come together and stand up for victims of domestic and dating violence. Abuse and violence affect thousands of adults and children throughout our county and our Island. The walk is a way to raise awareness and to stand up for these victims and let them know they don’t have to go through it alone.” He continued, “VIBS has been there for over 40 years, helping to protect victims of abuse. With the support of the community through events like “Walk the Walk”, we are able to continue the important work of helping all victims of abuse find justice and healing”.

The walk begins at 9:30 AM (registration at 8:30) at beautiful Smith Point County Park in Shirley, with refreshments and activities for children to follow. Participants may walk or run all or part of the 5K course. This is an inclusive event and people of all ages and abilities are invited to participate at their own level. This event is open to both adults and youth. Adult pre-registration is $20, youth pre-registration is $15. Registration on day of the walk is $25. Visit the VIBS website at www.vibs.org for more information or to register.

About Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS): Established in 1976, Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS) is a family violence and rape crisis center that provides free and confidential services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and education on these issues. The first rape crisis center established on Long Island, VIBS provides specialized trauma informed counseling, advocacy, 24/7 confidential hotline, community education and legal representation to over thousands of individuals in Suffolk County and beyond each year. Services are for victims of domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, child sexual abuse, child witness to domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, witnesses to homicide and for veterans suffering from Military Sexual Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. VIBS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All services are free and confidential.

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Contact: Debbie Mullarkey, Director of Development
Phone: 631-360-3730, ext 144
Email: dmullarkey@vibs.org