Caring Connections says about 50 people came out for its “Hope in Every Step: Purple Ribbon Walk” this past Saturday to raise awareness of domestic violence and the services available to survivors.
The event began at the Michigan Works office in Benton Harbor, featuring remarks from Corlis Nichols, a survivor who shared her story. Caring Connections domestic violence therapist Esther Caro tells us Corlis witnessed abuse while growing up and later was in an abusive relationship but overcame it. Caro says hearing stories like hers can be helpful to others.
“A lot of times when you are in a situation of abuse, you feel like you’re all alone,” Caro said. “A lot of people feel like they’re in this alone. They don’t have anyone to talk to. They kind of feel trapped in this kind of feeling of loneliness.”
Caro says the abuser wants to kill hope, and stories from those who have escaped abuse can do the opposite. She says Caring Connection offers help.
“For anyone who has experienced any type of domestic or sexual violence, they can come to us to seek services and it’s completely free. Anyone that comes to see me, we don’t go through insurance. We don’t go through anything. It is a grant funded program.”
Caring Connections operates a 23-bed shelter for those getting out of an abusive home, and it serves hundreds each year. And Caro says they offer counselling and legal support.
For more information, visit CaringConnection.org.
