Por LUC\u00cdA VITI | Noticias del Centro<\/p>\n
Glenn and Claudia Sinkule lost their 25-year-old daughter Nicole to domestic violence. The \u201cartistic beauty\u201d was bludgeoned to death with a hammer \u2013 13 blows to her head and neck \u2013 by her boyfriend who was high on methamphetamine.<\/p>\n
Upon arrival, the police removed the hammer\u2019s claw still protruding from Nicole\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n
The young couple\u2019s relationship ran rabid with the red flags of domestic violence. Incredibly, the police were called to the couple\u2019s apartment earlier that fateful day. Assured that the incident in question lacked physical violence, they left. Three hours later Nicole was dead.<\/p>\n
In exchange for a guilty plea for first-degree murder, Nicole\u2019s abuser and murderer received the minimum punishment, 16 years to life in prison.<\/p>\n
Nicole\u2019s story of domestic violence is sadly a familiar tale, one that the Sinkule\u2019s have dedicated themselves to ending.<\/p>\n
Glenn and Claudia will be among the many participating in San Diego\u2019s YWCA\u2019s Walk A Mile In Their Shoes event to be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Downtown\u2019s Martin Luther King Promenade at K Street.<\/p>\n
Men, women and children will don high heels \u2013 although heels are optional \u2013 and walk a mile to raise awareness for domestic violence while supporting the many programs offered to victims of abuse by YWCA\u2019s Becky\u2019s House.<\/p>\n
The Sinkules also participate to \u201ckeep Nicole\u2019s memory alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe walk to help others spread the word about a topic few are willing to talk about,\u201d said Claudia.<\/p>\n
\u201cDomestic violence is a non-issue until people become victims,\u201d added Glenn. \u201cWalk A Mile In Their Shoes is a lighthearted day that brings exposure to the victims shamed by domestic abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n
The self-described \u201cposter children\u201d for a club they never wanted to belong to, promise to walk at the annual event, now in its 12th year, until the cycle of abuse ends.<\/p>\n
\u201cWalk A Mile In Their Shoes engages men and women to discuss the issues surrounding domestic violence,\u201d said Heather Finlay, YWCA\u2019s chief executive officer. \u201cMen walk in heels as a symbolic gesture to initiate a conversation and raise awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence, although heels are optional; all shoes are invited.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone walks in their chosen shoes to raise money as we \u2013 the YWCA and Becky\u2019s House \u2013 educate the community to the services that we provide for victims too frightened to ask for help,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n
Finlay described the endemic of domestic violence as \u201cpervasive.\u201d One in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience domestic violence, usually at the hands of a spouse or partner. One in 7 children are added into the mix. No one is exempt.<\/p>\n
\u201cDomestic violence knows no boundaries,\u201d she said. \u201cDomestic violence affects everyone regardless of race, gender, age, creed, income or socio-economic status. Walk A Mile In Their Shoes engages the community to understand the issues of domestic abuse while reaching out victims to let them know that they\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n
Finley noted that the programs offered by the YWCA and YWCA\u2019s Becky\u2019s House are dedicated to helping victims and their families secure safety from their abuser and recover from the trauma of violence. In addition, counselors work with victims to obtain permanent housing so survivors may ultimately achieve independence.<\/p>\n
Finlay encourages everyone to join Walk A Mile In Their Shoes and speak out against domestic violence.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoin us to walk a mile with your friends, family and colleagues in solidarity with domestic violence survivors,\u201d she said. \u201cEveryone and every shoe is welcome!\u201d<\/p>\n
Post-walk activities will include fresh Mediterranean fare provided by Luna Grill, the musical trio Mo Jo Jackson, and family-friendly activities and games including a \u201cbest-looking shoes\u201d competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cMo Jo Jackson are fabulous musicians,\u201d said Finlay. \u201cAnd Luna Grill truly understands that a strong community is a community that\u2019s supported by its businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walk A Mile In Their Shoes is sponsored by The Smile Generation; Cavignac & Associates; Grahovac Construction Company, Inc.; Macy\u2019s; Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; Benefit Pro Insurance Services, Inc.; LMC A Lennar Company; KFMB; and Luna Grill.<\/p>\n
Event proceeds benefit survivors overcoming trauma and abuse at <\/a>Becky\u2019s House Domestic Violence Programs.<\/p>\n Registration includes access to all festivities, lunch, an official event T-shirt and a tote bag. Adults are $50 and youth are $30.<\/p>\n To purchase tickets, contact Allison Hall at 619-239-0355 x217 or ahall@ywcasandiego.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n