Bringing Awareness to Domestic Violence

By Theresa M Racine

October is observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative that brings together advocates and survivors in solidarity. By standing with survivors, you support their healing journey, which is crucial. There is an upcoming opportunity to stand with survivors and learn more about DV locally, this Friday, October 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center in Arverne.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.”

In 1989, Congress formally recognized October as National Domestic Violence Month through legislation, a designation that is renewed every year. Theresa Racine, a dedicated advocate in the Rockaways and driving force in promoting awareness, hosted her first pivotal Domestic Violence forum on October 17, 2015, in Rockaway. The event brought together survivors, law enforcement, representatives, and community members to discuss DV.

Over the years, Racine has been steadfast in elevating her mission to educate and unite the community. Sharing her personal experience to support fellow survivors, she encourages others to stand up and tell their stories, fostering a safe environment for healing and community growth. She continues her mission to spread awareness through programs which include education and awareness, and bringing like-minded partners to help her fulfill this mission. “This is purely God doing this through me,” Racine said.

Racine invites everyone to attend her 3rd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness event titled “Striving to Thriving,” which will be hosted by the Child Center of NY at Oceanside Cornerstone (339 Beach 54th Street in Arverne). Join us for a singing contest, or dress up like Tina Turner, Prince, Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Shania Twain, Kelly Clarkson or Lionel Richie for some fun contests. There will be prizes for best dressed and best performance. A self-defense demonstration will also be led by Moises Reyes. Racine emphasizes the self-defense training is essential for personal safety for anyone. The event will also feature Domestic Violence officers from the 101st Precinct, who will share vital information. There will also be stories from survivors. Visol Smith and Theresa Racine will be among those sharing their stories and personal experiences, and others are welcome to share their experiences. Jeanine Lattimer will serve as the master of ceremonies and DJ Rhythm Selector J will provide music and entertainment.

A special thank you is extended to the donors of this year’s event, Lonni Kehoe, Ozzy Edwards, Melissa Washington, Kathie Dean, graffiti artist Mike Johnson, Ocean Side Cornerstone and St. Rose Of Lima. The event will offer free food, prizes, and a safe place to bring light to shine the light on Domestic Violence and stand with survivors.

For those experiencing domestic violence, there are some ways to reach out for help. The National DV Hotline is: 800-799-SAFE (7233). For more info, their website is: www.thehotline.org. Both local police precincts also have dedicated DV units. The 100th Precinct’s DV Officers can be reached at 718-318-4251. The 101st Precinct’s DV Officers can be reached at 718-868-3443.