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Walk against domestic violence raises awareness and funds

Their message hit the streets at the 'Break the Silence Walk in Alliance'
Posted at 11:47 PM, Oct 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-24 02:47:57-04

TUCSON, Ariz. — Their message hit the streets at the 'Break the Silence Walk in Alliance."

It was organized by the Pima County Attorney's Office.

"I think we're really fortunate in Pima County, we have a very collaborative approach to servicing domestic violence victims," said Vanessa Helms, Director of the Victims Services Division.

Involved in the collaboration, Helms says, were the Sheriff's Department, Tucson Police Department and the "Emerge Center Against Domestic Violence."

That's where Rachel Tineo is a volunteer.

"We have to do something as a family, as a community to make sure that no one else dies from domestic violence.

That's a rallying cry for her, after she says her niece was killed in 2013, a victim of domestic violence.

"Her name is Tina Soto, she was just shy of her 26th birthday," Tineo said.

"Knowing that there's help and not knowing is a matter of life and death."

Which is why Tineo and everyone walked, said Vanessa Helms.

"That's why it's so important that we have events like this to bring awareness to the community that you are not alone, that there are people that are willing and ready to help," Helms said.

"One of the biggest needs that domestic violence victims have is shelter services and 'Emerge' does a great job at providing that for all of the southern Arizona community."

"It costs money and there's always more that can be done."

Click the link below for information about donating to the Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse:

https://www.emergecenter.org/