This past Saturday, New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud hosted her annual Domestic Violence Awareness and Informational Event at John Wilson Intermediate School (I.S. 211) in Brooklyn — bringing together residents, families, advocates, and service providers in a unified stand against domestic violence.
The event served as both a forum for education and a celebration of resilience, emphasizing the message that ending domestic violence requires community awareness, compassion, and collective action.
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“When we remind people of their worth, we can change communities — we change generations,” said Dr. Cheryl Barker of Consuming Fire Ministries. “Let us commit to being the safe space, the steady hand, and the voice every survivor deserves, because empowerment isn’t just what we do — it’s who we choose to be.”
Community in Conversation
Saturday’s gathering brought together multiple stakeholders including the NYPD, Spice Generation Dance Company, Divine Exploration Arts Program, and clergy leaders such as Rev. Dr. Anthony Graham of New Hope Family Worship Center.
“We have to raise strong men and women in Christ,” Rev. Graham told attendees, reminding the audience that prevention begins with values instilled at home.
In a powerful moment of dialogue, a local resident, Anderson David, asked about breaking cycles of generational trauma. Dr. Barker responded with empathy and guidance:
“The first step is recognizing what’s repeating in your family — then seeking help beyond your own strength. Breaking these patterns requires consistency, awareness, and faith. It’s spiritual work.”
Empowerment Through Movement and Action
Physical empowerment was also a major theme of the event. Sensei Jackie led a live self-defense demonstration, showing attendees practical techniques for personal safety, while NYPD dancers performed an inspiring routine to honor survivors and symbolize resilience through rhythm.
The Spice Generation Dance Company and Divine Exploration Arts Program contributed artistic performances that celebrated healing, strength, and unity.
The Reality of Domestic Violence
Health professional Dr. Audrey Dupree Sealey delivered a sobering presentation about her experiences treating domestic violence survivors, particularly pregnant women.
“Many come to us with broken bones and bruises, desperate for help,” she said. “Our trauma teams are trained not to judge, but to listen — because every time we see someone return, it means there’s something more we can do.”
A Survivor’s Story of Strength
One of the day’s most moving testimonies came from Consuelo Pinales, Senior Vice President of Shelter Services and a survivor herself. Pinales shared her journey of witnessing abuse as a child, enduring it as a young woman, and ultimately turning her pain into purpose.
“I realized I was stronger than my circumstances,” she said. “What I experienced didn’t define me — it guided me to help others heal. Healing is transformation. It takes accountability, but it starts with believing that you deserve better.”
Her story underscored the event’s central message: awareness is action, and empowerment begins with compassion.
A Community Commitment
From faith leaders to social workers, artists to law enforcement, the event reflected a shared determination to support survivors and prevent future violence.
Senator Persaud, who has long championed domestic violence prevention initiatives across Brooklyn, thanked participants for their continued commitment:
“Each of us has a role to play in ending domestic violence,” she said. “Together, we can build safer homes, stronger communities, and a culture of respect.”
As the day closed with applause and unity, one message rang clear — Brooklyn stands together in breaking the silence and building hope.
