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Marchers call for end to domestic abuse
By LINDA WELLER
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The Telegraph/MARGIE M. BARNES
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Derek VanDeusen, 7, leads the pack as community leaders walk against domestic violence Monday afternoon down State Street in Alton. The walk, sponsored by the 3rd Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council, began at Johnson’s Corner restaurant and headed south to West Elementary School.
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The Telegraph
ALTON - It took only a half-hour Monday, but grownups, children and even a friendly canine took a walk against domestic violence in North Alton.
"Violence offends us all; lessening violence is something everyone could get behind," said marcher Bruce Bertolino, Alton Weed and Seed site coordinator. "Less violence could improve the quality of life in Alton and the rest of the world."
Bertolino brought along Frank, his muscular beagle-shepherd-basset hound mix, who kept up with the 30 marchers in the annual "Walk Against Violence."
The noon walk, sponsored by the 3rd Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council, began at Johnson's Corner restaurant, 2000 State St., and headed south to West Elementary School, 1513 State St.
From there, the line of people carrying bobbing, purple helium balloons crossed the street and turned back to get refreshments and informational gift bags at Johnson's Corner. Purple is the official color of anti-domestic abuse efforts.
Organizer Tina Culp, of the Council and also Oasis Women's Center, said the Council holds a walk every year in late spring to call for an end to domestic violence.
"At this time of year, we think about the victims," Culp said.
The march also is intended to raise awareness about child abuse, elder abuse and teen violence, she said.
From time to time, passing motorists honked and waved in support as the contingent made its way down and then back up State Street.
Among participants were Alton Police Chief Chris Sullivan, five officers and a cadet from the Alton Police Department, Madison County Board member Michael Holliday Sr. of Alton, Alton School Board member Ben Golley, Ron Wenzel of Arms of Love Pregnancy Resource Center in Godfrey and Sue Hardin of Pride Inc.
Jennifer Weller, grant coordinator for the Alton Youth Development Strategy Partnership, brought two of her children, Jalen 5, and Tevin, 2. They took turns walking, riding in a stroller and then pushing it empty.
"The Police Department always likes to be represented in this; we see the ‘business' end of these," Sullivan said.
He said domestic violence can happen in any neighborhood.
"It is not limited by social class, by race or by age. It can happen in any part of town," Sullivan said. "You can walk out of your house in the morning, and you don't know if someone in the house on the right or on the left is an abuser or a victim.
"It's a societal problem."
The Rev. George Humbert, pastor of College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Alton, also spoke to the group before it began moving down State Street. He wore a purple clergy shirt for the observance.
He told about an incident years ago, when he lived in Indianapolis, involving the family of his sister's best friend. The father of the family shot the girl, then shot his other daughter as she was going out the front door of their home. He then shot his wife as she stood at the kitchen sink and, finally, killed himself.
"I've gone over and over it again," Humbert said about the tragedy.
"The church's commitment is to educate clergy and educate members about domestic violence and help prevent it," Humbert said. "It is not a normal way of life. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. We need to have an open mind and an open heart.
"Domestic violence occurs around the world in all kinds of places," he said. "We thank God for our Police Department. They get the phone calls, and they have the sensitivity they need to have to bring to that situation."
He said the 3rd Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council's Clergy Committee, Alton Memorial Hospital and Oasis will hold a seminar in September for clergy regarding ways to recognize symptoms of and to prevent domestic violence.
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