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By Robert Gehr
October 27, 2017 (El Cajon) - The East County Coalition Hope Rally held Tuesday morning in El Cajon was a rousing event! Many women and a few men banded together in solidarity to bring awareness to the plight and sadness of domestic abuse which has become rampant across the country, even the world.
The march began in front of the El Cajon Police station, then proceeded south on N. Magnolia Ave. to Main Street, then turned east on Main St. ending at Prescott Park in downtown.
At that point, several young speakers read off names of victims which suffered at the hands of another, even killed during domestic violence disputes.
I could feel the energy emanating from the crowd of perhaps 100 or so. It was quite invigorating and inspiring. I hope the next rally will be much larger and vocal so people can begin the much-needed changes in our society.
The end results of domestic violence can often be tragic in many ways. Emotional trauma, physical injury, even death. Men and women alike are affected and let us not forget the children. Oh, how they suffer…
Domestic violence has become a scourge everywhere and must stop. Rally’s like this are paramount in bringing attention and awareness to this seemingly ever-growing problem, and something must be done to abate it.
I’m sure many East county magazine readers have had this abuse touch their lives in some way. Either they themselves have been through it, or they know someone who has. Perhaps a family member or friend.
There is simply no excuse for domestic violence in any form, be it emotional abuse in its many disguises, or outright physical abuse and even death.
If a relationship is toxic, then it must be ended and people need to part company - forever. Why? Because excuses such as “it won’t happen again” or “I love him / her” are words just as empty as the soul of the abuser.
If you find yourself in a bad relationship, don’t just walk away - run! It could just save a life. Your own, perhaps even your child’s.
STOP THE ABUSE! STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!
I write this from my heart: In memory of my daughter’s mother who was killed at the hands of a boyfriend many years ago, may she R.I.P.
To my daughter, herself an abused woman.
Also to a good friend whose husband ultimately ended his own life.
And to all abused women and men: have the courage to speak out and get away from a toxic, or abusive relationship. They do not end well and abusers cannot, or will not change. No excuses, just leave…
Read facts about rates of domestic violence in our local communities, and how you can get help to escape domestic violence, here: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/domestic-abuse-rates-sharply-lemon-grove-and-santee-drop-countywide
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