Advocates fight to end the cycle of violence

XENIA, Ohio (WDTN) - Advocates against domestic violence paused for peace Monday evening.  The Greene county Family Prevention Center held a candlelight ceremony at Shawnee Park Pavilion in Xenia in light of Domestic Violence Awareness month. 

Dozens of people gathered at the site to bring awareness to the physical and mental abuse so many people silently endure.

Organizers honored the 37 women who lost their lives to domestic violence in the state of Ohio last year.  It was a somber statistic read, followed by a glimmer of hope found in 24-year-old Ashley, who was once a victim, but now survivor of domestic abuse.

"You come to the end of your road and I told myself I'm either going to be taken out of this world or I'm going to choose to walk away," said Ashley, before the crowd.  "Its not an easy situation either way."

Ashley requested her last name not be disclosed.  The Fairborn native said she married her estranged husband six years ago and remained silent about the physical and mental abuse she had been enduring until earlier this year.  That is when she said she confided in a friend.

"This person told me I didn't deserve this kind of treatment," said Ashley.  "That was the moment I decided enough was enough."

Ashley said the abuse happened again, but this time she didn't allow her husband back into the home they shared with their young son.

Ashley said in walking away she actually gained everything and now hopes to dedicate her time to encouraging other victims to find the strength to do so as well.

"You will have scary moments of uncertainty," said Ashley.  "My advice is to get out now and lean on your support people.  Give yourself a second chance at life."

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence and needs help, contact the Family Violence Prevention Center's 24-hour crisis hotline at (937) 426- 2334 or (937) 372- 4552. 

The center is located at 380 Bellbrook Avenue in Xenia.