In light of Hurricane Milton, the 2nd Annual “Break the Silence, End Domestic Violence” Symposium has been rescheduled. While we may have faced an unexpected storm, our resolve remains unshaken.
Join us on December 19th, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the City of Lauderhill Commission Chambers for an evening that will challenge assumptions, stir conversation, and bring our community together in the spirit of healing.
This year’s theme, “Together We Stand, Together We Heal”, will carry a special resonance as we host a “Holiday Edition” of the symposium. This is not simply a gathering but a critical call to action—a chance to confront domestic violence and its lasting ripple effects. As we come together to reflect, learn, and inspire change, let us seize this moment as a powerful opportunity to protect our communities from the inside out.
Why Domestic Violence is Everyone’s Concern
Domestic violence doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s a silent epidemic with impacts that reach beyond the immediate family. It’s a public health crisis that fosters additional forms of violence, damages community trust, and creates an unstable foundation for future generations. Domestic violence is the gateway to a host of other social issues, from child abuse to community violence, ultimately affecting public safety, mental health, and overall societal wellness. If we don’t address it, we are condoning a culture where power and coercion erode the values we should be working together to uphold.
This symposium goes beyond words; it aims to confront the underlying forces that perpetuate violence, from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) that sustain cycles of harm. The pandemic reminded us all of the dangers of disconnection, isolation, and the weakening of our social fabric—conditions that have allowed domestic violence to fester largely unchecked. Now, more than ever, we must reclaim our connections and heal as a community.
A Critical Conversation During a Vulnerable Season
The holidays, while a season of joy for many, can also amplify tensions and pressures within families and communities, especially where abuse may already be present. Financial stress, heightened expectations, and close quarters can exacerbate existing dynamics, making this season particularly challenging for those affected by domestic violence. It’s a topic that can no longer be avoided, especially when we know that the impact is far-reaching. This year’s symposium is a chance to bring this pressing issue to light, to raise awareness, and to foster the understanding that no season should come with fear or danger.
Your Role in Building a Safer Community
We invite you to be part of the solution. Attending the symposium is more than showing up; it’s about lending your voice and your commitment to a cause that touches every layer of society. With experts, advocates, survivors, and community leaders on hand, this event will not shy away from the uncomfortable truths of domestic violence. Together, we will confront these realities, explore meaningful solutions, and reinforce our collective power to break the silence.
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, we’re asking attendees to bring an unwrapped toy for our holiday toy drive to benefit children in shelters. Your donation not only brings joy but also represents a commitment to brighter, safer futures for all. Each toy donated will also earn you a raffle ticket for a chance to win a special prize, making this a meaningful way to contribute while celebrating the season.
A Call to Action for Leaders, Policymakers, and Community Members Alike
Our symposium serves as both a wake-up call and a rallying point. Domestic violence is a crisis that transcends political lines, economic classes, and neighborhood boundaries. This is a time for leaders and policymakers to take notice, for community members to take a stand, and for all of us to recognize that ending violence begins with us. Join us as we work to dismantle the structures that enable abuse, and let’s build a society that prioritizes safety, respect, and collective resilience.
Event Details
Date: December 19th, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City of Lauderhill Commission Chambers - 5581 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, FL 33313
Theme: Together We Stand, Together We Heal – Holiday Edition
Admission: Bring an unwrapped toy for our holiday toy drive to receive a raffle ticket for a prize.
Let’s end the silence. Let’s end the violence.
Comentarios