Women Against Abuse Kick Off Annual iPledge Campaign, Launch New Initiatives
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- October is domestic violence awareness month.
On Thursday, Women Against Abuse kicked off its annual iPledge campaign, launching two new initiatives designed to create a more effective response to abuse.
With right hands held high, scores stood in LOVE park, taking the pledge to put down their hands and raise their voices to end violence.
"One in three women are impacted by serious physical violence in their lifetime."
Executive Director Jeannine Lisitski says Women Against Abuse worked with the city to create a strategic plan that streamlines services across police and other agencies to better respond to abuse.
They've also launched a toolkit to arm the community with education on the signs and what to do if they spot abuse.
"Graphics, email templates, everything available to run their own iPledge campaign."
"It needs to stop being a secret."
Survivor Amy Grois bravely shared her story of abuse first by a violent mother and then by her husband. The act of sharing opened a door.
"It's made me realized how many people I know, and how many people in the community this is actually happening to."
For more information, visit: womenagainstabuse.org/events/ipledge