Community Walk Builds Awareness of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse

COURT HOUSE – “Awareness is the key.” This was the sentiment repeated over and over in the group of CARA (Coalition Against Rape and Abuse) supporters gathered June 6 at the Cape May County Zoo and Park. The attendees were there for the organization’s annual Community Walk Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse.
Martina Singleton, walk coordinator and CARA sexual assault specialist, thanked everyone for helping to spread awareness through their presence. “Each one reaches one,” said Singleton. “One person takes the message back to another person and the message keeps going. We are making victims aware that there is help. CARA offers free and confidential counseling services.”
Singleton stressed that it is not only females that are in need of assistance. Males are also victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. These crimes affect every segment of society and CARA is always available to provide assistance.
“Abuse is not just physical,” said Elaine Bailey, a member of the CARA staff. “It can be things like manipulation, coercion and derogatory words. The emotional and mental abuse can take much longer to heal.”
T-shirts from the domestic violence Clothesline Project were hung around the perimeter of the event area. The shirts, decorated by victims and supporters, use pictures and words to visually express the feelings and fears of the artists. Singleton invited event participants to create their own shirt at the end of the morning’s walk.
This year’s t-shirt display included contributions from students at Woodbine Elementary School. Woodbine eighth grader, Jaelyn Murphy, read the poem, “I Got Flowers Today” by Paulette Kelly. The poem told the tragic story of a woman who was given flowers by her husband for no reason, while she silently suffered his mental and physical abuse.
Carol Realer, CARA counselor and domestic violence specialist, introduced the crowd to Sarah, a mannequin standing at the edge of the stage. Sarah, who has a broken arm and a black eye, explained Realer, is a representation of a real woman from Cape May County named Sarah, who is no longer with us. The real Sarah lost her life to domestic violence. The mannequin Sarah is a representation of all the people who are too afraid to come forward and get help.
“It’s heartbreaking to listen to the stories of survivors and hear why they lived in years of silence,” said Denise Frontiero. She is a graduate of CARA’s eight weeks of “intense training” on domestic violence and sexual abuse. Frontiero, along with classmates Valerie Troupe, Donna Parsons, and Steve Savage, are now part of CARA’s team of volunteer advocates. They meet and support victims at police stations, hospitals and as requested.
Troupe said her family and friends are amazed that these problems exist in Cape May County. “Domestic violence, sexually assault, and human trafficking are more prevalent than most people know.”
Savage, one of a few male volunteers, spoke of the 24-hour hotline available at CARA and the importance of seeking help, whether female or male. A retired karate studio owner and instructor, Savage and his daughter, Michelle, have provided self-defense demonstrations at CARA events.
“Awareness really is key,” said Middle Township High School Nurse, Tracey Nagle. She was joined by student members of the school’s Red Cross Club and was also a speaker at the walk. “The school programs that Martina runs are so important because the earlier kids learn to be aware of the signs of abuse, the better.”
The walk began as the crowd gathered behind a CARA banner held by CARA’s young adult volunteers, Jennifer Sara and Zachary McDonald. In unity, men, women, and children walked together through the park.
“It keeps getting bigger and better,” said Singleton. “One day we will be filling the park up!”
To contact Heather Burns, email hburns@cmcherald.com.