City of Orlando Hosts Domestic Violence Awareness Event and Walk

WHAT:
As part of the It Takes Courage campaign, the City of Orlando is hosting the annual Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force Awareness walk on Saturday, October 1. The event will officially kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month and help to increase public awareness and promote prevention activities throughout October.

The event will feature presentations by the Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force, Harbor House and other partner agencies concerning domestic violence awareness. The event will conclude with a march against domestic violence around Lake Eola Park.

About It Takes Courage
The It Takes Courage campaign was launched on August 23 by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Police Chief Rooney and Harbor House in an effort to address the dramatic rise of incidences of domestic abuse in the City of Orlando, over the last three years. This campaign seeks to educate the community on the warning signs of domestic abuse, to empower survivors to take control of their lives and create safer communities. Also, the second Project Courage neighborhood initiative is occurring within the City of Orlando in the Ivey Lane and Malibu Groves area.

About Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force
The Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force (OCDVTF) was formed to increase public awareness of domestic violence issues; to support and conduct research on domestic violence issues; to support and conduct primary prevention activities; to increase public awareness of domestic violence issues; to provide research and information to diverse entities about the needs of organizations that serve or advocate for survivors of domestic violence; and to sponsor reports, meetings and workshops for supporting agencies on domestic violence issues.

About Harbor House
Harbor House is Orange County's only state-certified domestic violence facility and seeks to eliminate domestic violence in Central Florida by providing safety, shelter, empowerment, education and justice. Harbor House provides safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, and emotional support, and legal advocacy for thousands of domestic violence survivors and their children each year. Harbor House also prepares survivors for re-entry into the community - connecting them to resources that will enable them to live independently, safely and peacefully.

For more information about Harbor House and the Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force, please visit their websites:

http://orangecountydomesticviolencetaskforce.org/index_MA7F.html
http://www.harborhousefl.com/

WHO:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney
Carol Wick; Chief Executive Officer of Harbor House
Dr. Anthony Davis, Sr.; Orange County Domestic Violence Task Force Chair

WHEN:
Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 9:00 am.

WHERE:
Lake Eola Park Amphitheatre

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