Walk for Peace - Every Fall
Long Beach, New York Boardwalk at Laurelton Boulevard
Círculo de la Hispanidad began its “Peace Walk to End the Silence on Domestic Violence” with a purpose to raise awareness about domestic violence in our community and to provide information to break the silence on violence. It holds the walk every fall on the Long Beach boardwalk at Laurelton Boulevard. The event begins with a program including different speakers following by a walk on the Long Beach Boardwalk.
Círculo’s Salva Domestic Violence Program posts educational information on large posters throughout the boardwalk in both English and Spanish offering facts, statistical information, and resource information about domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence in our society. These educational posters also include artwork by children in Círculo’s youth programs.
The Salva Domestic Violence Program of Círculo de la Hispanidad has been in operation since 1984. Gil Bernardino, Founder and Executive Director of Círculo de la Hispanidad, created the program to serve the needs of the Spanish speaking community in Nassau County who was being victimized. At that time there was no bilingual hotline in New York State to help victims. Círculo created its bilingual English/Spanish hotline for victims of domestic violence, the first in New York State, and has been helping individuals ever since. “When you are in crisis, it is critical to have someone that speaks your language, to understand your pain and suffering, and to help you find support”.
Since its creation, the Salva program has helped to support hundreds of individuals and families over the past thirty years by providing them with advocacy and support to help them reach safety and live free from violence. Support services offered by the Salva program include weekly support groups in Spanish, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy including court advocacy, and education, in addition to the hotline. All staff are bilingual in Spanish and English.
For information on sponsorships, volunteering or to get involved with this event contact the Long Beach office at 516-431-1135