Albany PD hosts annual domestic violence run

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) —Community members in Albany laced up their sneakers this morning at Jennings Landing for a good cause. The Albany Police Department had their annual run/walk 5K to raise awareness, connect survivors with resources, and show the community they are not alone.

Nationwide, about one in three women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime according to the CDC.

This is the 11th year the Albany PD has put on this run and according to organizers more and more people show up every year.

“Numbers are growing. Things have gotten better. I mean, we’ve seen kind of a slump after COVID, but people are getting the word out. Families are getting together and they’re doing this event. So it’s awesome,” said Ramona Ramos, Domestic Violence Case Coordinator.

One local family told News10 Tyanna Xavier why they come out every year.

“A memory of our mother, Millie Dunbar. She, unfortunately, was murdered by her husband on October 9th, 2003. And ever since the first walk 11 years ago, we decided that we would like to help in any way. So, every year we create a Go Fund Me page and ask for the community’s donations, social media, work,” said Nicole Dunbar, Domestic Violence run/walk Participant.

This event touched home for a lot of people and some of the participants were domestic violence survivors as well. Brooke Leavitt who has been doing this run for the past three years and is the first female in her age group to run this 5K three times.

“I am a survivor and a big supporter of domestic violence, and I encourage people to come forward and stop the violence against women and men”

This walk had many people from all different age groups showing their support. All proceeds donated at today’s event will be given to local agencies.

If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence below is a list of resources that an help.

• New York State Chat/Text hotline: Text at 844-997-2121
• National Domestic Violence 24 Hour Hotline 1-800-799-7233 
• Rise – Comprehensive Domestic Violence Services – Binghamton, NY
• Equinox-Domestic Violence Services
• In Our Own Voices, Inc.
• Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence | Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence