Photos by Catherine Stachowiak
The Women’s Center-High Desert held its ninth annual Shine the Light on Domestic Violence event, October 4 in Lake Isabella.
This year’s event began at Valley Fitness, on Lake Isabella Boulevard, where participants listened to speakers talking about victims of domestic violence.
Participants brought and received flashlights and joined a march, which led up the main boulevard, to Erskine Creek Road and then back down to the starting location.
Organizers urged participants to wear purple clothing in solidarity for the cause of recognizing victims of domestic violence.
Organizer for the event, Christy Newbern who is a victim advocate at Women’s Center-High Desert, introduced the first speaker for the evening, Victoria Diaz, owner of Valley Fitness.
Diaz talked about her experience as a survivor of domestic violence. She emphasized that she’s a testimony of the ability to rebuild one’s life, after being abused, and still go on to having a healthy relationship, which she did for two decades after leaving her abusive former partner.
Newbern also stated that this event was to let the community know that there is help available. She wanted to emphasize the fact that the Women’s Center-High Desert helps men also. She said, “I’m just trying to get that better known in the community that we do help them. Also to bring awareness that domestic violence doesn’t just happen to women.”
Sergeant Matt Harkey of the Kern Valley Substation for Kern County Sheriff’s Office also spoke. He said that he personally has served hundreds of calls for service, to help with domestic violence issues, from the public. His deputies are here to help anyone in that situation.
Also attending the event was staff of the Kern County Fire Department. The fire fighters and sheriffs escorted the march up and down Lake Isabella Boulevard.
The Women’s Center-High Desert Inc provides typing services for restraining orders and provides victims of domestic violence temporary shelter when necessary. The center provides counseling and court advocacy for victims who need someone to go to court with them.
