By Esther Boileau
New Yorkers marched in solidarity with victims of domestic violence on the evening of October 27, beginning their “Gathered in Light” event in two Williamsburg locations and ending on the steps of NYPD’s 90th precinct in South Williamsburg.
The vigil drew about 30 patrons. Speakers prompted a call to action, asking members of the community, family members and strangers alike that if they see something, they should say something. Often, they warned, it becomes too late and domestic violence claims another fatality. Speakers directed their words to members of the public as well as police officers in attendance.
Congress recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then many organizations have gotten together to protect and educate their communities about domestic violence.
North Brooklyn Coalition, one of the groups that organized the event, provides holistic support to survivors of domestic abuse, with services including, but not limited to, support groups and even short-term therapy, as needed. North Brooklyn, alongside its partners Southside United HDFC-Los Sures and St. Nicks Alliance, created the event “Gathered in Light,” a vigil and march for the survivors and victims of domestic violence and the families affected by it.
The organizers invited the public to participate and to wear purple in solidarity. They began the march at two locations, one at South 4th and Roebling and the other at 140 Johnson Ave. Both marches concluded in front of the South Williamsburg precinct house. The two-hour event featured speeches from survivors and organizers.
Meagan Betances, a survivor since 2020 now turned volunteer, shared how this event and the services of North Brooklyn Coalition helped her through her time of hardship. “Theres no pressure to do anything you’re not ready for……even if you’re not sure,” she said. Betances explained how the coalition being there for her helped her get her confidence back to speak up for herself and others. “I loved seeing the Hispanic culture, people who looked like me that were caring for me, and the mental help support was free.”
Betances, who had spoken at two previous Gathering Light events, was marching for the fourth year for those she called her “angels above.” She introduced Ralph Perez, a program manager for the Neighborhood Safety Coalition, and employee at Los Sures.
“You came at one of the most important nights of the year,” Perez said as he spoke. Working for the Neighborhood Safety Coalition, which is part of Los Sure, for over seven years, Perez has focused on community work and activism. Perez stated that since January his organization alone has received over 9,000 cases.
Daniel, another organizer of North Brooklyn Coalition, who did not provide a last name, has been with the coalition since 2020, working with domestic violence survivors since 2014. Daniel shared tips on how those facing DV can receive help and support. He spoke about how communication works at his location. “All our services are confidential, so if they do decide to come forward, they don’t have to worry about getting someone in trouble.”
“Because that’s at the root of the situation, is that client’s safety, so the main thing we do is safety planning.” Daniel said.
Daniel stated that North Brooklyn Coalition is a no-judgement zone. Walking in is the hardest part but is the first step towards a new tomorrow, he believes.
For now the vigil stands as a moment of solidarity for domestic violence survivors and victims. “Order of protection, that’s the problem,” shouted a bystander as the vigil ended. Short of that, the organizers asked that everyone speak up and speak out against domestic violence.