DECATUR, Ga. — February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, which is why the DeKalb County District Attorney is hosting the 9th Annual Love Run 5K.
"Every dollar that you spend to register for our race is going to support women and families that are in need, whether it's for services, whether it's in our emergency shelters, whether it's providing temporary housing for families that are trying to flee abusive relationships," DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said.
Proceeds from the run benefit the Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.
"It is such a situation where many people and families, it's secret. It's not talked about. It's taboo, especially in communities of color," Boston said, adding that her grandmother is a survivor of domestic violence. "And so I am so thrilled to be in a position to raise awareness, to come out of the shadows, and to support a cause that is so important for families today."
Jean Douglas, the executive director of the center, said the money raised makes a "huge difference."
"The women that come to us with their children have a plethora of needs. And so we are able to respond to families with financial resources, which is a really important thing," Douglas said. "Whether that's, we need to hire someone to move furniture, or we need to buy a washer and dryer or rental deposit, utility payments. I mean, anything that they need for their basic life necessities. It's great to be able to say 'yes' and to be able to help them."
Nimota, a survivor who gets help through the center, said it's a place that saved her life. She said she was married for 25 years while her husband continued to threaten her.
"He would literally tell me he was going to kill me," she said.
But she found a haven at the Women's Resource Center.
"This place, it’s one of the best places I've ever been in my life," she said. "And whatever I get today or tomorrow, I'm going to give back because they contributed so much to everybody's life. If you walk into their door, they are ready to give it all. They are."
Nimota is a chef who, with the help of the women's center, started her own business.
"It's not about what you're running from, but what you're going to," Douglas said. "And so there's a lot of looking forward."
The Love Run 5K is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, at 8:30 a.m. Participants should meet at the Gazebo on Decatur Square on North McDonough Street.
To sign up for the Love Run 5K, click here.
If you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship and need help, you can reach the Women's Resource Center 24/7 at 404-688-9436.