FSA and IUK hold 20th annual Angel Walk

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The most difficult thing Carrie Barnett Hamilton had to endure in her life was cleaning her sister’s blood off the floor. Hamilton’s sister died at the hands of her husband in February 2023, and life hasn’t been the same since.

“My sister would never really tell us what was happening or how bad things were really getting at home,” Hamilton said. “We knew, though. She had changed. She was depressed. She was not her normal, bubbly self. She was isolated from family, not even coming around on Christmas, which was her favorite holiday.

“She wasn't spending any time with her friends, always having excuses. She wasn't even using her cell phone at times, afraid that he was listening in on her calls. When we found out she was murdered, we were in shock and disbelief. How could this happen? How did we get here?”

Sadly, stories like this are repeated across the country every day. According to Angie Ciski, executive director of the Family Service Association (FSA), more than 10 million people in the U.S. experience domestic violence every year. One in three women have experienced it, and every nine seconds a woman is assaulted or beaten in this country.

A crowd of students, citizens, and supporters gathered at Indiana University Kokomo on Oct. 8 to participate in FSA’s annual Angel Walk. Now in its 20th year, the event aims to raise awareness and funds to combat domestic violence in all its forms. Proceeds from the walk were directed to FSA’s domestic violence shelter.

“Domestic violence is not just a personal problem, and it requires a community solution,” said Ciski. “Everyone has a part to play in standing together and saying ‘no more’ to domestic violence. Together, we need to create communities where healthy relationships can thrive.”

Kokomo Common Councilman Greg Davis attended for Mayor Tyler Moore and read a proclamation, declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Kokomo.

Tracy Brown, program manager for the FSA's domestic violence shelter, detailed the impact domestic violence has on the Kokomo community. She said that in 2023 the shelter served 553 adults and children. It provided 5,387 days of shelter to victims seeking to escape violence. It handled 376 crisis calls and provided 1,586 advocacy-related services.

“Domestic violence is just not an individual problem; it's an issue that affects our whole community,” said Brown. “Domestic violence also does not discriminate. The first step in acknowledging victims of abuse is to be aware of the issue.”

For Hamilton and her family, the problem was discovered too late. Sometimes the difficulty in addressing domestic violence is realizing that it is happening.

“Sandy (her sister) lost her life at the hands of her spouse, who had only been married for six weeks,” said Hamilton. “This monster took everything away, including her life. She was brutally beaten, left unconscious, bleeding to die a painful, slow death alone on her floor.

“We never knew she was married until the day we found her body. We felt like we had missed so much. Why would she marry him? Why wouldn't she leave him? Until you are in their shoes, you will never know why. I should have known. Domestic violence is real, and it is ugly.”

Andrea Halpin, IU Kokomo's Dean of Students, endorsed the university’s relationship with FSA and the Angel Walk, pledging continued support in the fight against domestic violence.

“Our presence here is a powerful testament to our collective commitment to the ending of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Halpin. “Let us carry forward the spirit of solidarity and support that's evident in this room today. Each step we take symbolizes our unwavering stand against violence and our dedication to fostering a safe and respectful community for everyone.”

Halpin encouraged the community to educate, advocate for, and support survivors of domestic violence, ensuring that they are heard and validated.

Following the ceremony, those in attendance began the Angel Walk across the IUK campus, eventually ending at the Student Activities and Event Center, where the IUK women’s volleyball team took on Indiana University East.

The FSA domestic violence shelter provides one-on-one case management and sexual assault advocacy. It is a certified rape crisis center and provides services to victims of human trafficking. It also provides children's programming and supportive housing for survivors, along with assistance with other community resources and referrals.

For more information about the Family Service Association of Howard County, visit https://fsahc.org/. For additional photos of the 2024 FSA Angel Walk at IU Kokomo, visit the Lantern's Facebook page or group.