Yesterday, the streets of the Bronx were overrun by brides. Okay, not really. But more than 300 women donned their wedding finery and took to the streets of New York to call for an end to domestic violence. And while there were few smiles among those participating in the sixth annualNew York Latinas Against Domestic Violence’s Brides’ March (which memorializes Ms. Gladys Ricart, a Dominican woman who was murdered by a former abusive boyfriend on her wedding day in 1999), it’s hard not to raise awareness when you’ve got scores of women barreling down major thoroughfares in blazingly white and ivory gowns.
According to the LADV, “To date, five marches have been held in New York City bringing together hundreds of women, men, and youth, among them members of the Ricart family and other families affected by domestic violence, elected officials, civic leaders, clergy, students, and scores of domestic violence advocates. Marches have also taken place in Lawrence, Massachusetts and Miami, Florida in 2004 and 2005.”
I can’t think of a better reason to haul an old wedding dress out of storage for a day.
This is a great cause. I can’t tell you how heartbreaking it is to read about and listen to women talk about stalking, domestic abuse, etc. especially with children involved. I am a legal assistant and I read about these cases every day.
It’s sad how restraining orders are just paper tigers.