October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with the theme “With Survivors, Always.” Mecklenburg County is asking residents to lace up their walking shoes and join us as we highlight survivors, educate the community, and promote resources and hope for healing.

Held during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this event brings together survivors, families, advocates, and community members to raise awareness, honor survivors, and remember those we've lost. This walk is a call to action: to break the silence, support healing, and create a future free from abuse.

This event highlights the power of grassroots leadership and community partnerships working together to drive change, provide support, and amplify the voices of those impacted by abuse. The walk is being organized by Shanté Cotton, a domestic violence survivor and advocate, in collaboration with Mecklenburg County Community Support Services’ Prevention & Intervention Division. Special guests and resource partners joining this year include:

County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell (District 6)
Mecklenburg County Community Support Services/Prevention and Intervention Division
Safe Alliance
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Domestic Violence Unit
Atrium Health’s Domestic Violence Healthcare Project and S.A.N.E. nurses
NC Courts Self-Serv Center
Hope For Humanity, Inc.
Basic Law Enforcement Training Police Cadets, and more...

Why We Walk
To raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities
To celebrate survivorhood and the strength of those who have experienced abuse
To honor victims who lost their lives to domestic violence
To promote prevention, early intervention, and access to support services
To stand in solidarity — because no one should walk alone in their healing

Event Schedule
🕐 Check-in Begins: 1:30 PM
Walk Begins: 2:30 PM
Post-Walk Celebration: Celebrate survivors, connect with local resources, and unite in community.

Wear purple to show your support!