WMBCTV: Hundreds Unite for Domestic Violence Awareness Walk Across Mario M. Cuomo Bridge

Domestic violence is on the rise across the United States with a 3% increase in cases compared to last year, according to the Council on Criminal Justice. And with over 12 million people affected by domestic violence each year in the U.S. advocates say awareness and education is critical. Actress and Author April Hernandez Castillo shares her story and says she’s just one of many in the community affected by domestic abuse.

“I, myself, am a survivor. I was abused from the age of 16 to about 19 and a half and my abuser nearly ended my life and so being a survivor of intimate partner violence, teen dating violence, I said ‘if I ever make it out, I will use my voice to amplify, to elevate’ and I’ve been doing that for over 15 years and so not many of us get to survive so I’m speaking for all the women, men and children who are still suffering in silence,” said April Hernandez Castillo, Domestic Violence Survivor, Author, Actress, Speaker.

While the stories and the statistics may be stark, the Center for Domestic Peace also reports that domestic violence leads to over $8.3 billion in costs each year, including medical care and declining workplace productivity with over 8 million days of paid work lost each year and 21-60% of survivors losing their jobs due to reasons stemming from abuse. Advocates are saying this is not just a personal issue - it’s a public health concern.

“The importance of the entire community to not only be aware but to also participate is that we alone at Center for Safety and Change can’t end domestic violence… get involved,” said Elizabeth Santiago, CEO, Center for Safety and Change. “The call to action we have for everyone is to show up, support domestic violence agencies, be present, reach out, volunteer, donate, whatever it is that you need to do to be a part of this. You can’t be part of the problem, you have to be part of the solution. It's the only way it’s going to end.”

That message echoing here across the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, as hundreds of participants walk together from both sides of the Hudson River - Rockland and Westchester - meeting in the middle of the bridge for a moment of reflection and unity.

“We are walking and shining the light on domestic violence and what better way to do it than with other survivors, other advocates who are really bringing light to such a horrific theme to talk about but today it is a beautiful thing because we’re all together,”  said April Hernandez Castillo, Domestic Violence Survivor, Author, Actress, Speaker. “Abuse does not define you and love is the most powerful thing.”

Beyond solidarity and support, officials say the walk brings together community organizations, local law enforcement and survivors to not only spotlight the impact of domestic abuse but to also highlight resources available to those affected.

“It’s happening right now. 1 in 10 high school students, especially young girls, are experiencing violence at an all-time high,”  said April Hernandez Castillo, Domestic Violence Survivor, Author, Actress, Speaker. “It’s not just domestic violence anymore, it’s impacting our youth everyday which also leads to addiction, which also leads to suicide so how to we prevent that and begin? With education.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available 24/7. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788 or visit thehotline.org.