This October, Younity (formerly Womanspace) invites the community to stand together during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Guided by the national theme, With Survivors, Always | Con los Sobrevivientes, Siempre, Younity will host two cornerstone events that uplift victim-survivors and honor lives lost: the Stepping Out of the Darkness DVAM Walk and the 24th Annual Communities of Light.
On Saturday, October 25, the community will gather at Cadwalader Park in Trenton for the Stepping Out of the Darkness DVAM Walk. Survivors, families, and supporters will walk side by side to break the silence around abuse and affirm that no one is alone. Ambassadors include Eva Phillips, a survivor whose courage and advocacy challenge the stigma of victim-blaming, and Maureen Spataro of the Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation, which honors the legacy of a young woman whose life was tragically cut short by domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is so often whispered about. Victim-survivors are asked to carry the burden in silence. This walk is about saying out loud: You are not alone, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and your community is here to stand with you, always,” said Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Teams Coordinator.
The walk begins at 9:00 AM, with registration opening at 8:30 AM. Families are invited to walk in remembrance by carrying a photo, a banner, or simply a loved one’s name.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month concludes with the 24th Annual Communities of Light on Monday, October 27. At sundown, thousands of luminaries will glow across Mercer County in a shared act of remembrance and solidarity. What began as a grassroots effort 24 years ago has become one of Younity’s most vital fundraisers, providing critical support for shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and prevention education.
“Lighting one candle may seem like a small act,” said Nathalie S. Nelson, President & CEO of Younity. “But when thousands shine together across all of Mercer County, they illuminate the path forward and send a promise to every survivor: we see you, we believe you, and we will not turn away.”
In Mercer County alone, recent tragedies have underscored why awareness and action are so urgent. In May, Malika Whiting and her 14-year-old daughter, Jairah Biggs, were killed in their home. Just weeks later, Claribel Torres-Duran and her 11-year-old daughter, Evangelina Blaribel Velasquez, also lost their lives to domestic violence. And in September, a multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of eight people and the rescue of 15 survivors from a human trafficking operation (source).
“These tragedies underscore why we walk, why we light candles, and why our community must keep speaking out,” added Nelson.
How to Participate:
- Join the DVAM Walk on October 25 at Cadwalader Park. To learn more about the walk and register, visit: https://younitynj.org/event/stepping-out-of-the-darkness-younitys-domestic-violence-awareness-month-dvam-community-walk/
- Purchase luminary kits for Communities of Light and light them at sundown on October 27. Kits are available through Younity and participating retailers. To learn more, visit: https://younitynj.org/event/save-the-date-24th-annual-communities-of-light/
- Share your photos on social media with #WithSurvivors #DVAM2025 #CallforUnity #YounityNJ #StrongerTogether.
This October, Younity reaffirms its mission to prevent abuse, protect families, and change lives. Together we are stronger than abuse.
About Younity (formerly Womanspace)
Founded in 1977, Younity (formerly Womanspace) is a nonprofit organization serving Mercer County and the state of New Jersey by providing emergency and long-term support to individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence. Services include 24/7 crisis intervention, emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and crisis hotlines. Younity operates the 24/7 Mercer County domestic violence hotline (609-394-9000), the New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (800-572-SAFE), and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Texting Hotline (609-619-1888). More information is available at www.younitynj.org.