According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women have been victims to drastic physical violence by a close one at some point in their lives and one in fifteen children are exposed to this type of abuse. Many of these women and children have no place to go and as a result are trapped in an endless cycle of violence. Here at CCHS, students in Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA) want to change that.
Partnering with Women in Distress, a nationally recognized domestic violence center located in Broward County, FFEA is trying to do their part by doing a drive to collect items for victims, who are often left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Requested things include backpacks and toiletries (e.g. toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, etc.).
“It is very important to not only help Women in Distress,” FFEA historian Jude Miles said. “But to also give back to the communities and school, which students can do by donating to the drive.”
Items can be donated in the front office as well as in Mrs. sponsor Emily Rodriguez’s room, 3457. Students who would like to contribute to the drive can do so until November 17 although FFEA will still be accepting until November 27, giving time to students who would like to participate and are encouraged to do so.
“It is very depressing for children who are victims or witnesses of domestic violence,” Rodriguez said. “Aside from the fact that they are removed from their homes, they often have no belongings, so we wanted to do something to bring just a little happiness in such a turbulent time in their life.”
Students have welcomed this drive with open arms, seeing this project by FFEA as a positive influence on campus and an important step in helping the women and children who are subject to physical violence in Florida.
“I think that this drive could help increase the awareness on this issue,” senior Bailey Kraus said. “So it is important that people participate because it helps spread the message that there are people who are victims of domestic violence and that it needs to be corrected.”
For people who would like to contact Women in Distress for anything relating to domestic violence can do so by calling (954)-761-1133 or visiting their website: https://www.womenindistress.org/. Those who are interested in participating in further community service projects that FFEA has planned can go to their after school meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month in room 3457.
Photo courtesy of Women in Distress
