Speaking out against Domestic Violence at Take Back The Night
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: October 19, 2011
The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau estimates that a woman is battered every 15 seconds.
And it was the second night to raise awareness for domestic violence.
Wednesday evening, people gathered at Hanna Park in Utica to let their voices be heard at "Take Back The Night."
One woman at the event, shared her story with Eyewitness News.
"Two years ago I was ran over by a drunk ex-boyfriend three times in my driveway over a cell phone, and I had six surgeries when I was in the hospital and I had 12 last year," said Sherry Lewis, a victim of domestic violence.
After her attack and multiple surgeries, Sherry Lewis asked her doctor to amputate her leg since she was unable to walk.
"Last year I was in the hospital having surgery, and tonight I'm here to help the other victims see that no matter what you go through, you can survive," said Lewis.
Lewis along with many others joined in chants Wednesday evening at Take Back The Night.
The event is an effort to let people know that any sort of domestic violence should never be tolerated.
"It's really important for woman who have been abused to know that there are people in the world who support them, who will listen to them, and who will believe them," said Take Back The Night participant, Allie Kerper.
Lewis also says that some people who act violently towards others, have no remorse for what they did.
"The gentleman that ran me over received five months in jail, five months probation for 2nd degree vehicle assault, and a DWI," said Lewis.
After experiencing domestic violence first hand, Lewis wants to make sure to send out an important message to others who may be victimized.
"You have to speak out because the only way we're going to get help to go against getting stricter laws is to speak out and don't be silent, don't be scared. I know you're scared everyday of your life, and you always have to deal with everything, but speak up because that's the only way we're going to be heard," said Lewis.
And those in Wednesday night's march, did just that.
And it was the second night to raise awareness for domestic violence.
Wednesday evening, people gathered at Hanna Park in Utica to let their voices be heard at "Take Back The Night."
One woman at the event, shared her story with Eyewitness News.
"Two years ago I was ran over by a drunk ex-boyfriend three times in my driveway over a cell phone, and I had six surgeries when I was in the hospital and I had 12 last year," said Sherry Lewis, a victim of domestic violence.
After her attack and multiple surgeries, Sherry Lewis asked her doctor to amputate her leg since she was unable to walk.
"Last year I was in the hospital having surgery, and tonight I'm here to help the other victims see that no matter what you go through, you can survive," said Lewis.
Lewis along with many others joined in chants Wednesday evening at Take Back The Night.
The event is an effort to let people know that any sort of domestic violence should never be tolerated.
"It's really important for woman who have been abused to know that there are people in the world who support them, who will listen to them, and who will believe them," said Take Back The Night participant, Allie Kerper.
Lewis also says that some people who act violently towards others, have no remorse for what they did.
"The gentleman that ran me over received five months in jail, five months probation for 2nd degree vehicle assault, and a DWI," said Lewis.
After experiencing domestic violence first hand, Lewis wants to make sure to send out an important message to others who may be victimized.
"You have to speak out because the only way we're going to get help to go against getting stricter laws is to speak out and don't be silent, don't be scared. I know you're scared everyday of your life, and you always have to deal with everything, but speak up because that's the only way we're going to be heard," said Lewis.
And those in Wednesday night's march, did just that.
Comments
I wanted to rad more,,,but there was nothing else!
Barbara B.
November 3, 2011 at 9:16 pm
