September 23, 2002
 
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MEMORIAL MARCH:
ADVOCACY COUNCIL INVITES CITIZENS TO MARCH SILENTLY

Charlotte, NC - Did you know that the number one killer of women in America isn't auto accidents, AIDS, or cancer? It's domestic violence. That's why on Tuesday, October 1, 2002, men and women from all walks of life will march in memory of Charlotte women who have lost their lives due to domestic violence. The march will begin at 5 p.m. on the square at Trade and Tryon Streets in Charlotte.

The memorial march is organized by the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council, which includes representatives from: Mecklenburg County Women's Commission, Department of Social Services, Sheriff's Office, Shelter for Battered Women, WomenFirst, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department-Domestic Violence Unit, Community Link and others. Participants are encouraged to wear black attire in memory of those who have died as a result of domestic violence.

From that date forward, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Council will organize a follow-up march every Tuesday following a domestic violence-related murder in Mecklenburg County. They will take place at the same time and location. These ongoing marches have three objectives:

· To pay tribute to those who fall victim to the all-too-common violent crime of domestic violence.

· To underscore to the community the scale of the problem of domestic abuse and its effects on the community.

· To galvanize the community in the effort to reduce domestic abuse through support of victims and intervention for batterers.

Free parking for the march is available at the Hal Marshall County Services Center at 700 North Tryon Street or the 7th Street Station parking garage. A free trolley runs the length of Tryon Street every seven minutes.

For more information on the effects of domestic violence in our community, call the Mecklenburg County Women's Commission at (704) 336-3210 or the Shelter for Battered Women 24-hour hotline at (704) 332-2513.