October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Samaritan House will raise awareness of the issue at the 9th Annual Women Against Violence (WAV) luncheon on Friday, October 6 at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center from 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
This fundraising event will feature a keynote address by Jazmine Smith, a local philanthropist, trauma advocate, author, Army Veteran, and survivor of teenage intimate partner violence (IPV). Ms. Smith is a tireless advocate for individuals who have faced adversity – particularly those who have endured abuse, violence, or trauma.
“In our community, instances of intimate partner violence (IPV), which accounts for 15% of all violent crime, continues to rise, especially among women between the ages of 18-24. We hope that by bringing Jazmine Smith to speak about her story of abuse and survival that started when she was in high school, we can raise awareness about IPV, help young people learn the signs and how to talk about their concerns and experiences,” said Robin Gauthier, Executive Director of Samaritan House.
In addition, the luncheon allows Samaritan House the opportunity to highlight individuals and companies that have donated time to our mission with the Brook Briggs Community Impact Award. This year, we are honoring volunteer Natalie Trem, ABNB Foundation and Eager2Motivate Fitness with the award.
