‘I Thought That Was Normal’: Domestic Violence Awareness Walk Helps Survivors Break The Cycle

On Saturday, survivors of domestic violence, along with advocates, gathered in Miami Gardens for the Fourth Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk. Organized by the Miami Gardens Police Department, the event aimed to bring attention to the issue and encourage victims to seek help. Dozens of participants, dressed in purple, marched through the streets, chanting messages of empowerment.

Survivor Stories: Turning Pain into Power

Among the participants was Tiffany Myers, a survivor of domestic violence who shared her personal story. Myers explained that for many years, she believed the abuse she endured in her relationships was normal. “Throughout my early adult years, from one relationship to another, they were all physically and emotionally abusive,” she said. “It was normal to be called out your name daily. It was normal to be bruised and hit.”

Myers revealed that it wasn’t until she sought therapy and did deep self-work that she realized the abuse was not normal. Now, she uses her experiences to help others by advocating for domestic violence survivors and encouraging them to seek support. “I thought that was normal until I began to do a lot of the deep work, got into therapy, and realized that this is not normal,” she explained.

Myers now runs her nonprofit organization, which provides victims with the resources and tools they need to escape abusive situations. Her organization helps survivors build the strength to leave and connects them to a supportive community. “We arm them with tools, so when they’re ready to make the decision, they’ll have a community, they’ll have support, and they’ll have the tools necessary to walk away,” Myers said.

The Importance of Breaking the Silence

Chief Noel-Pratt underscored the importance of speaking out about domestic violence, stressing that it’s an issue often kept behind closed doors. Many victims feel trapped and ashamed, preventing them from seeking help. By organizing events like the Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, the police department hopes to shine a light on the problem and encourage more open discussions within families and communities.

The event was a powerful reminder that domestic violence is not just a personal issue but a community one. Through advocacy, awareness, and support, survivors can break the cycle of abuse and rebuild their lives. The walk also demonstrated the critical role law enforcement and nonprofit organizations play in offering victims the resources they need to escape dangerous situations.

As the marchers chanted, “End the silence,” it was clear that events like these are crucial in promoting understanding and providing hope to those still suffering in silence. By coming together, survivors, advocates, and community members are working to stop domestic violence and create a future where no one has to endure abuse in the shadows.