CARA Walk Heightens Awareness

COURT HOUSE – The Coalition Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) held a walk at Cape May County Park and Zoo June 21 to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence. Many attended from the community, government, and local offices to show support for CARA. It was the first year the annual walk was combined to feature both forms of abuse.
Martina Singleton, CARA sexual assault program coordinator and domestic violence specialist, felt that the first day of summer at the park and zoo was a great day for the event.
“At CARA, we are here to support, encourage and inspire,” said Singleton. “Unless you are wearing someone else’s shoes, you can’t assume why they stay in an abusive situation. But actions speak louder than words and that is what this walk is about, showing support by spreading awareness.”
Volunteers prepared the staging area. Employees from Kohl’s department stores in Mays Landing and Millville donated time, hung dozens of t-shirts decorated by abuse victims as part of the Clothesline Project, a national project that began in Cape Cod in 1990.
Carol Realer, domestic violence specialist and CARA counselor, brought the clothesline to Cape May County.
“For six or seven years we have displayed the shirts at Atlantic Cape Community College in October during Domestic Violence Awareness month,” said Realer. “The shirts are a great way for survivors to release their feelings.” She added that many of the T-shirts were done by children affected by domestic violence.
CARA staff and volunteers provide emergency services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse. They offer counseling, protection and support. Ongoing outreach programs at churches, schools and other community organizations inform audiences about the reality of domestic violence and sexual assault.
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd), a speaker at the event, said CARA was an outstanding organization.
“Domestic violence and sexual abuse often go unnoticed except by the victim and family,” said LoBiondo. “It is a terrible problem that can be solved if more people get involved. Today we are spreading the word.”
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes spoke of her 29 years as a detective with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office investigating sexual assault and child abuse cases.
In the 1970s she worked side-by-side with Juanita Battle, CARA supervisor, who at that time was a survivor creating an organization for victims. CARA is Battle’s legacy.
Those involved with CARA seem to view it more as a calling than a job, said Kristen Bixby, executive director since 2002. “There is little turnover among the staff and many stay for a long time,” she said. She also spoke of the dedication of volunteers.
“We have about 40 volunteers and they are very important,” said Bixby. “Our sexual assault response team (SART) responds 24/7 to any victim, anywhere, whether it be the hospital, police station or court. Volunteers are often these responders and they become the first face of CARA for the victim.”
Bixby pointed out that Cape May County is the only county in the state where the police departments from every town, and State Police, participate and call upon CARA for a representative in domestic and sexual abuse issues. “Cape May County is a great place where everyone works together to help end this abuse.”
Walkers were warmed up with a dance choreographed by Debbie Allen called “Break the Chain.” Volunteer Cathy Cashmere led the crowd through the song which used bodily movements to show someone breaking the chain of violence and abuse.
Jennifersara Alpert entertained next, strumming the guitar while singing a haunting ballad about waiting until it was too late. Alpert, along with her sisters, Gloria and Victoria Hope, was raised in an abusive household.
“I followed the pattern and found myself in a series of abusive relationships,” said Alpert, who had tried to take her own life to escape the abuse. She became a client at CARA and was able to find the strength to end the pattern. She is now interning to be a counselor at CARA.
After Alpert’s performance, everyone gathered behind two Kohl’s employees and walked in unity behind a banner stating: “Community Walk Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault” and “Stop the Silence, End the Violence!” Survivors and supporters wound around the park grounds and actively showed support for CARA and its efforts to eliminate these issues.
“It’s our job not to be silent,” said Alpert. “As survivors, we need to open up to save a life.”