Local men “walk the walk,” raise domestic violence awareness

florida weekly Take A Stand 4-2-20
By Kaydee Tuff
Photo by Charlie McDonald

More than 65 Collier County men turned out to “walk the walk” on March 10, Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence Day, part of the Take A Stand initiative coordinated by The Shelter for Abused Women & Children.

“We were thrilled with the turnout,” said Take A Stand chairman Dan Bennewitz. “Nationally, over 80 percent of domestic violence is perpetrated by men. It’s up to us to stand as equal partners with women to stop and prevent it.”

The event was held in partnership with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Naples Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office. That afternoon, teams of volunteers, officers, GADV members and shelter staff distributed thousands of educational door hangers to raise awareness of domestic violence and how to get help.

Earlier in the day, GADV leaders accepted a proclamation by Collier County Commissioners commemorating the second Gentle’men Against Domestic Violence Day. GADV was formed in 2008 by a group of like-minded men as an initiative of the shelter. Since its formation, the group has raised more than $1.8 million to support shelter services, educate the community and create social change.

“We are especially proud of these men because they are truly ‘walking the walk,’” said Shelter CEO Linda Oberhaus. “We hope their willingness to be a visual presence will be an inspiration to other men in our community.”

For more information, visit www.naplesshelter.org/gadv or call 239-775-3862. If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, call the shelter’s 24-hour crisis line at 239-775-1101.