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Football Hall of Famer to Join County's Annual Awareness Campaign

October 2003

REDWOOD CITY — Former San Francisco 49er and Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott will join Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson, President of the Board of Supervisors, on Thursday, October 16 for San Mateo County's 3rd Annual Walk the Walk - Stop Family Violence Walk. The Walk will take place at County Government Center, Redwood City, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM.

" Ronnie Lott is one of our community leaders who truly believes that together we can stop the devastating cycle of abuse that endangers men, women, and children," said Supervisor Jacobs Gibson. "The Walk is one way in which we can raise awareness about the thousands of individuals who are affected by family violence each year in our community."

Last year alone, the Sor Juana Ines Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (SJICDVP) served nearly 24,000 San Mateo County residents. Their hotline received 4,700 calls, they gave legal assistance to more than 1,000 survivors, and provided emergency shelter to 189 women and children with hundreds more referred out due to lack of space.Last year alone, the Sor Juana Ines Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (SJICDVP) served nearly 24,000 San Mateo County residents. Their hotline received 4,700 calls, they gave legal assistance to more than 1,000 survivors, and provided emergency shelter to 189 women and children with hundreds more referred out due to lack of space.

" It is important for residents to know that help is available for victims of family violence," said Melissa Lukin, Executive Director of SJICDVP. "The Walk not only helps raise awareness, but also provides a forum to say that we, as a community, won't tolerate family violence."

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the County's second White Ribbon Campaign will also take place October 12 - 16. The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest worldwide effort of men working to end men's violence against women. Last year hundreds of San Mateo County men pledged their support, including State Senator Byron Sher, Assemblymembers Joe Simitian and Gene Mullin, Supervisors Mike Nevin, Rich Gordon, and Mark Church, and many others. Men who are interested in joining the White Ribbon Campaign can sign-up at www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/rosejacobsgibson.

All members of the public are invited to participate in the 1/4 mile walk designed to raise awareness about family violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, partner abuse, and intergenerational abuse. A resource and referral fair, with free legal consultation and counseling, will also take place during the Walk and participants will receive a free t-shirt and lunch.