Race helps fight domestic violence

Sept. 30--ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP -- A small child in a stroller and an 88-year-old woman were two of more than 60 people who gathered at Lake Shore Park to fight domestic violence in Ashtabula County.

A variety of domestic cases occur each week and throughout the nation. Many area leaders gathered to participate in a walk, and run, to raise funds to help Homesafe, an area domestic shelter for women and men who have been abused.

Zonta Club 5K and One Mile Walk for Homesafe Race Director Linda Coblitz, said individuals stepping out to fight domestic violence is very important."Advocacy for violence prevention," she said.

The one-mile walkers were able to learn positive ways to fight domestic violence from signs posted along the course. The signs suggested a variety of options ranging from standing up to sexist and violent behavior to supporting those who have been abused.

The Zonta Club of the Ashtabula Area is a women's organization that seeks to help women throughout the world, Coblitz said.

Participation in the event was a little up from last year, she said. "We ended up with 65," Coblitz said.

Several area political leaders participated in the event and State Rep. John Patterson spoke of the importance of fighting against domestic violence especially in light of many area cases that have been the focus of local news stories.

"It (the event) is very important because of awareness to the community," said Homesafe Executive Director Sherri Price. She said funds raised at the event also help the day-to-day operation of the shelter that serves at least 60 people, including children of abused people, during the course of a year.

"We want them (people who are being abused) to know there is a shelter," Price said. She said people may contact Homesafe at 992-2727.

Price said Homesafe also serves a much wider service to the community in addition to the work that happens at the shelter.

Price said the organization provides legal advocacy for people in abusive situations, coordinates support groups for people in similar situations and works with schools throughout the county to educate children regarding relationships.

Former Ashtabula Police Chief Dave Colucci participates in the event annually and was chairman of the Homesafe board of directors for 14 years.

"You need some place for them (those in abusive situations) to escape to, if they have to," he said.

Zonta president Lois Jones said the organization has been around since 1927 and has a worldwide mission to support women.

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