SOUTH EL MONTE — Domestic violence often happens behind closed doors. On Oct. 15, South El Monte will bring the issue into public view.
The South El Monte Walk will gather residents at City Hall for an evening focused on survivors, remembrance and access to help. The event combines a resource fair with a family-friendly walk and a closing luminaria ceremony.
Its message is simple: “Love Shouldn’t Hurt.”
For organizers, the walk creates a public show of support for people who may otherwise face abuse in isolation. It also puts residents in the same place as organizations that can help families experiencing domestic violence.
The resource fair begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 1415 Santa Anita Ave. A community program follows at 6 p.m., with the walk starting at 6:15 p.m. The luminaria ceremony begins at 7 p.m.
Participants may receive a free event T-shirt and tamales while supplies last.
South El Monte Walk Makes Support Visible
The South El Monte Walk continues a local tradition of pairing awareness with practical assistance.
Previous city walks have included community organizations that provide information and support to survivors and families. SPIRITT Family Services has participated in past events.
The city has not announced which agencies will attend this year’s resource fair.
That part of the evening can serve an important purpose. Residents who may not know where to seek assistance can meet service providers in a community setting. Friends and relatives of survivors can also learn what resources are available.
The walk then takes that message beyond the resource tables.
By inviting children, parents and neighbors to participate together, the city is turning domestic violence awareness into a community conversation. Residents can show support without requiring survivors to publicly identify themselves or share their experiences.
The family format also gives adults an opportunity to introduce conversations about healthy relationships and personal safety.
Remembering Lives Affected By Abuse
The tone will become more reflective at the end of the evening.
A luminaria ceremony at 7 p.m. will honor survivors and remember people whose lives have been affected or lost because of domestic violence.
The illuminated display provides a visual conclusion to an event that begins with information and moves toward collective remembrance.
Domestic violence can affect people across age groups, neighborhoods and economic circumstances. Community events cannot replace professional intervention, but they can make services more visible and remind survivors that confidential assistance is available.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day at 800-799-7233. People can also text “START” to 88788 or visit TheHotline.org for confidential assistance. The hotline provides crisis support, safety planning and referrals to local resources.
More information and confidential help are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Get Help page: Get Help from the National Domestic Violence Hotline
The Oct. 15 gathering begins at 5 p.m. at South El Monte City Hall. By walking together, residents can make a private struggle visible while showing survivors that support exists beyond their front door.
