A few years ago, as part of a service project for Sistagraphy, I attended the Sisters Empowerment Network’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 5K Walk/Run Against Domestic Violence. This event, takes place October 21st at Clayton County International Park, draws the community together to commune, fellowship, and compete. I reached out to Ms. Veda Brown, the organization's founder, who advocates for social change. The Sisters Empowerment Network advances its mission by empowering women to realize their full potential. While we know that Domestic Violence happens across all demographics, including race, gender, age, education, and class, the research also shows that Black women are affected more than any other race or ethnicity. The Institute of Women's Policy Research indicates that around 31% of all women will experience domestic violence. For Black women, that statistic is more than 40%.
Brown is on a mission and I ask her how she came to start the Sisters Empowerment Network. She speaks about the trauma in her own childhood and learning that she was not the cause. Learning at an early age that the victim is never the cause for the abuse shaped her understanding of domestic violence.
Her organization has evolved to also work with young women who are not victims of domestic violence. She shares that women can be a catalyst for change and support. It is important that women learn how to be allies. Brown reminds us that domestic violence can present as financial, physical and verbal abuse and often begins subtlely.
The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 5K Walk/Fun Against Domestic Violence started twelve years ago and is a celebratory event where victims of Domestic Violence share their stores. Sharing stories helps to remove the stigma and shame associated with being a victim. Brown said this act of sharing gives others the courage to come out.
To Register for the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 5K Walk/Run Against Domestic Violence
For more information about Sisters Empoerment Network