ROCHESTER, N.Y. — “Domestic violence is happening everywhere, and it’s a very personal thing,” said Mary Jo Gugino Colligan, resident and CEO of Angels of Mercy.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Angels of Mercy is leading an Awareness Stroll on North Winton Road Thursday, October 16. The stroll aims to raise community awareness and honor the many victims and survivors of domestic violence.
All interested in participating will meet in front of Angels of Mercy at 692 North Winton Road at 4 p.m.
Angels of Mercy’s Butterfly Boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accept donations of personal care items, towels and bedding as well as monetary donations towards October’s $500 fundraising goal. All proceeds will directly go towards providing resources to trauma survivors.
Angels of Mercy is a nonprofit organization based in Rochester. AOM’s programs protect, educate and empower women and girls facing domestic violence, human trafficking and similar life-controlling issues.
Colligan is a survivor of domestic violence herself, but tragically, her sister did not make it. Many of the women served by Angels of Mercy have experienced domestic violence, human trafficking, and drug or alcohol abuse in their lives.
According to Rochester Police Department, there have been 4,204 domestic incidents so far this year. 1,641 of those involved a crime. That number is almost identical to last year.
Colligan brought in a mannequin to honor her sister’s life and represent herself as a survivor. She hopes it shines a light on the reality of domestic violence and encourages people to look deeper into what might be happening in their own lives or the lives of their loved ones.
“When we see them and when they call and explain their story, it’s just heartbreaking to hear what they’ve gone through,” Colligan said.
She emphasized the importance of letting these women know they are worthy and have a whole life ahead of them.
“They’ve been told these lies that they’re no good,” Colligan said. “I remember being told that I was no good. I wasn’t going to amount to anything. But it takes a long time to heal. But if you have somebody that’s willing to listen to you, to talk to you and give you the support you need, it can really go deep within their spirit.”
Angels of Mercy provides clothing, personal care items, referrals and a listening ear. They also partner with over 100 different agencies and referral sites to fill orders for those unable to come in.
Colligan believes it’s crucial to support and bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence.
“I truly believe that every woman should be able to spread her wings and fly, discover her purpose for life,” she said. “They have more to gain than what they’ve lost. But it takes time. And time can be a treasure, you know, and the hard work they put into it and what we can help them do.”
You can learn more about Angels of Mercy here.
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‘Every woman should be able to spread her wings and fly’: Angels of Mercy supports domestic violence survivors WHEC.com.
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