Domestic Violence shelter continues annual event despite impacts from storm

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – They serve hundreds in the Cape Fear that are dealing with the dark and dangerous situation of abuse at home.

Thursday marchers took to downtown Wilmington to raise awareness over domestic violence. The march corresponds with the month of national awareness. It comes after a tough month of September, both for the shelter, and for victims impacts by Florence.

“It’s such a great to celebrate not only the efforts we make together, to recognize the people who have lost their lives to domestic violence,” said shelter community outreach coordinator Andrew Stough. “But also recognize the strength it takes to make that difference and to make that change in someone’s life.”

For 29 years the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services of Wilmington has united survivors, advocates and family members like Shequana Sidberry. She lost her sister ten years ago to domestic violence.

“More and more people hear about it, more and more people come out and more and more people are affected by it,” said Sidberry.

More challenges have come, however, for the shelter. They typically handle around 200 cases a month. Now the space it uses to house victims while they transition or seek asylum is closed due to Florence storm damage.

“We’ve had to come together as a staff suddenly going from our two locations to one,” said Stough. “And we’re just sharing a lot of space together much like a lot of the families in a lot of different spaces together and just pulling together.”

That’s the message they carry along Wilmington’s streets ‘Together we will R.I.S.E’.
As much as the night is for remembering abuse, it’s also to advocate resiliency from the abusive storm that happens within the home.

“It keeps my sister’s memory alive,” said Sidberry. “I hope that when I talk about her story or just share some encouraging words with some one that has experienced it that it will help them to realize that love is not abuse.”

The Shelter plans to continue events through the month to spread awareness. You can also donate online and it will aid their repairs the the victim shelter.