Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment: WSLB Vigil Honoring Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention month. WomenShelter of Long Beach (WSLB) and the office of Councilmember Al Austin hosted a special vigil and event in the city of Long Beach on October 19, 2024. The event and vigil provided a safe, empowering and educational space for community members to come together to honor those lives lost and raise awareness and outreach in hopes of preventing future lives lost.

Council Member Al Austin

The hosts balanced the somber and sobering message of the toll that domestic violence takes on individuals, families and communities with music played by Sugi of Tamotsu Music and Entertainment and with booths of educational materials, outreach and interactive arts and crafts that were welcoming and engaging for people of all ages.

WSLB had staff throughout the event to offer emotional support to all those present and outreach for those that needed help with current and past domestic violence situations. Esther Ogunrinu, Senior Community Affairs Deputy for the office of Council-member Al Austin was on hand to welcome participants and document the event.

Many domestic violence survivors feel alone and isolated even from their families. For many, isolation, shame, grief, fear, financial problems, and housing insecurity are all intensified when they feel literally scared for their and their children’s lives and think that no one can help end their nightmare. The list of speakers at the event was inclusive and highlighted that various people and organizations were there to do all they can to not only provide an end to the nightmare of abuse but also to help find safe places to live and to heal. Each speaker brought their unique perspectives and lived experiences as well as understanding, compassion and promoted a feeling of community. The event not only shown a light on domestic violence it also demonstrated that there is a vast network of diverse people and organizations working together and that survivors don’t need to stand alone.

We want to thank all the speakers that shared their hearts, inspired us, educated us, and reminded us that domestic violence survivors are not alone. We also want to thank all the volunteers and staff that made this event and vigil possible. Their example of compassion, courage, commitment and understanding create stronger bonds for our community and give hope for a better tomorrow for us all. They are the unsung heroes that are present every day for so many in need of safety, protection, education and healing. Thank you all!

Mike Vela, WSLB Board of Directors President

Kent Wallace-Meggs, WSLB Executive Director

Long Beach Councilmember, Al Austin

Long Beach Chief of Police Hebeish

Longwood Neighborhood Association, Connie Espino & Coolidge Neighborhood Association, Pamela West

Gabriela Eddy Community Organizer

Spoken word representative- Aurora G.

SAFETY ALERT: If you are in danger, please use a safer computer and consider calling 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 / TTY 1-800-787-3224 (se habla español) or the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1−844-762-8483 (call or text) are available to assist you.

Helpful Links

US National Domestic Violence Hotline (Se habla español)

Safety Tip from National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) DOJ

United Nations – Domestic Violence Information

Health.Mil - Domestic Violence Resources for Military Partners

Thank you for honoring the feminine and thank you for visiting. Wishing you peace.