The Office of Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark held its 8th Annual 5K Run/Walk/Roll to End Domestic Violence on Saturday, October 18, in the Concourse section of The Bronx.

 

With sponsorship from The New York Yankees, the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the Urban Resource Institute and the 161^st Street Business Improvement District, the event aims to highlight the plague of domestic violence, particularly in The Bronx, which sees some of the highest rates of DV in the City annually. Aline Dowe, Bronx borough director for the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, was among the participants this year.

 

Earlier this year, Norwood News reported on the tragic murder of Pamela Alcántara Rubiera allegedly by her boyfriend, as well as several other disturbing, violent DV or suspected DV incidents.

 

“During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am proud that the Bronx community can unite to honor and support victims and survivors at our 5K Run/Walk/Roll,” Clark said ahead of the event. “With our great co-sponsors and community partners, we can spread the word about resources for people who need help and healing. Survivors will share stories of courage and resilience.”

She continued, “Assistant District Attorneys in my Domestic Violence Bureau are handling approximately 1,900 cases. Victims receive additional support through our Crime Victims Assistance Bureau which provides therapy sessions and other services. Our goal is prevention and for those in such circumstances to know that they are not alone.”

 

More than 1,000 people registered to take part in this year’s event according to the DA’s office. Numerous community organizations were on site to provide information and resources regarding domestic violence.

The event started at 9.30 a.m. and started and ended on East 161^st Street between the Grand Concourse and Walton Avenue. Most participants wore purple, the color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The first 1,000 registrants to arrive received a tee shirt, and the first 1,000 people who completed the race received a medal.

 

“Thank you to the more than 700 people who joined us for our 8th Annual Run/Walk/Roll to End Domestic Violence as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Clark said after the event.

 

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can call the Bronx District Attorney’s Crime Victims Assistance Bureau at (718) 590-2115.

 

As previously reported, the nonprofit, Freedom Youth NYC, has long been working to help survivors of both domestic abuse and human trafficking in The Bronx. Email Moniqueriley@freedomyouthfamilyjusticecenter.org or call (929) 612-3667 for more information.

 

For more on this topic, click here, here, and here. For more information on stalking, click here.