D.I.V.A.’s Trek Downtown Miles for Domestic Violence Awareness

Women from around Duval County joined 1,500 walkers for Hubbard House’s 9th Annual “Stand Up & Stride,” Domestic Violence Awareness 5k Walk and Run. The annual walk raises awareness about domestic violence and survivor services in the Jacksonville community. Funds raised provide free shelter and services to survivors and their children.

According to the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center, 29% of African American women and 12% of African American men reported at least one instance of intimate partner violence.  On the front line were the Divine Intercessors Virtuous Anointed Sisters (D.I.V.A.), a team of family and friends on a mission to spread domestic awareness in the African American Community. “This walk is very dear to my heart. My deceased sister was a victim of domestic violence. Our team is committed to the mission of saving lives and giving victims a way to escape,” said D.I.V.A. Raquel Lott. Shown on the front line are D.I.V.A.’s Mahalia Napoloean and Iyanna Lott. Ronnie Lott Photo