Domestic violence survivors and their allies raise awareness and funds in Sarnia

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicked off, survivors and their allies gathered at Lambton Mall in Sarnia, Ont. to not only bring attention to the abuse, but also raise money for the local shelter.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicked off, survivors and their allies gathered at Lambton Mall in Sarnia, Ont. to not only bring attention to the abuse, but also raise money for the local shelter.

The 10th annual Walk a Mile was held Saturday to start the Shine the Light campaign and illuminate Sarnia.

“I was in a violent situation, a marriage that was just really hard to escape from,” said Candace Hamilton, who left her partner 40 years ago.

She took her four-year old and sought refuge at the Women’s Interval Home (WIH).

“I left many times to escape, and it took quite a few times to be honest, to finally break the violent situation. I probably tried six times before I finally left,” said Hamilton, who told her story to the crowd at the event.

Hamilton is also one of the survivors who have been brave enough to put her face and story on a banner, which will remain at the mall over the next two months.