Marching Against Domestic Violence

Working Women's Committee and Family Assistance Coordinator Giselle Martinez (second from right) with Committee Members Celeste Kirkland (far left) and Isabel Camacho (far right)
Working Women's Committee and Family Assistance Coordinator Giselle Martinez (second from right) with Committee Members Celeste Kirkland (far left) and Isabel Camacho (far right)

The Working Women’s Committee participated in two marches that were held in Washington Heights to raise awareness about domestic violence, which affects millions of Americans.

Committee members joined Working Women’s Committee and Family Assistance Coordinator Giselle Martinez at The Bride Walk on Sept. 26 and the Shine The Light Community March on Oct. 1.  Both events were started in response to brutal murders of young women from the northern Manhattan neighborhood.

These public demonstrations are held to condemn violence and educate community members about services that are available to help victims escape abusive relationships, Martinez said. 

 

“It’s important to attend because we are the voice for so many people who are going through domestic violence and suffering in silence,” Martinez said. “By showing up, we are showing support and letting them know that they are not alone.”

The Bride March started after the death of Gladys Ricart on Sept. 26, 1999.  Ricart, who was from Washington Heights, was killed in New Jersey by a former boyfriend on the day she was supposed to marry her fiancé.  The Shine The Light Community March was held in memory Ramona Elizabeth Rodriguez, who was killed in Washington Heights in April 2021 by her partner. The intersection of Audubon Ave. andWest 167th St. was renamed Ramona Elizabeth Rodriguez Way.  

Photo: Martinez with Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa (District 10).

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