Taking a step against domestic violence
Angel Walk takes over IU Kokomo campus to raise awareness
This article is brought to you by the Committee to Elect Joni Delon.
I'm thankful to be able to participate in the Angel Walk and many other events throughout our community. Thanks to Indiana University Kokomo and Family Service Association of Howard Co. Inc. for your commitment to Kokomo! Please, join me in supporting our local nonprofit efforts, and please consider giving me your vote for Kokomo Common Council District 2 on Nov. 7! www.jonidelon.com
A long thread of purple wound around the campus on Indiana University Kokomo last week. Hundreds of people walked to raise awareness about domestic violence as part of the Family Service Association’s (FSA) annual Angel Walk. It was an evening to show support for those who have suffered from abuse and to celebrate those who survived it.
The crowd first gathered in IU Kokomo’s Alumni Hall on Oct. 24 to hear a proclamation from Mayor Tyler Moore as he declared the day for domestic violence awareness.
“It's great to see you out doing the walk, but also to see the interest from our future leaders about concerns, challenges, and issues that we face in our community,” said Moore, noting the large contingent of IU Kokomo students participating in the walk. “Domestic violence is probably one of the worst. A lot of times, it goes unnoticed and unseen until it's too late. I applaud everyone for being out here and supporting the Family Service Association.”
Angie Ciski, Director of Community Services for FSA, explained the impact domestic violence has had on Kokomo and Howard County and how the organization’s shelter and services have aided victims.
“Domestic Violence does not discriminate, and it's not just a personal problem,” said Ciski. “It affects the whole community. The first step in recognizing victims of domestic violence is being aware of the issue. How serious is the problem? To put it in perspective, we serve a total of 490 adults and children in our shelter programs and rapid rehousing program. That translates into almost 4,000 shelter nights and almost 12,000 meals.”
FSA took over the community’s domestic violence shelter 20 years ago, providing critical services to women men and children fleeing abuse. It also operates a 24-hour crisis hotline, one-on-one case management, sexual assault advocacy, and this past April, it became certified as a rape crisis center. FSA also provides services to victims of human trafficking, offers children's programming and supportive housing for survivors, and assistance with other community resources.
The Angel Walk also heard from Arianna Shanks-Hill, 2023 Miss Heart of the Midwest in the Miss America scholarship competition. Shanks-Hill experienced domestic abuse at age 15, victimized by a boyfriend for two years. She now advocates for victims.
“I remember being so afraid of the consequences of speaking out that I chose silence,” said Shanks-Hill. “And then I realized that if he can do that to me, he could do that to someone else. I remember thinking someone should say something. I came to the conclusion that if anyone's going to do it, it had to be me, No one was going to advocate for me.
“I stand before you as the girl who refused to let someone else's anger turn her into something she was not. I was determined to create something good out of it. And I will continue to do everything in my power to support and uplift those victims. I encourage all of you to do the same.”
The Family Service Association has been in operation for 55 years, offering supportive services to pregnant mothers, young families, victims of child abuse and domestic violence, and homeless veterans. For additional information, or to get involved, visit www.fsahc.org or call 765-457-9313.
To see additional photos from the FSA Angel Walk, visit www.kokomolantern.com or the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.