WAIMEA — What do a lawyer, a police officer, a politician, a psychiatrist and a therapist on the Big Island all have in common?
Each have been involved in multiple domestic violence cases in North Hawaii and will share their thoughts and suggested solutions as guest speakers at the third annual Waimea Peace Walk &Vigil this Friday.
With October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the event’s purpose is to join efforts raising awareness and educating residents around the island on how this topic can effect women, men and children of all ages.
In just the last month alone, at least three instances of domestic violence — reported or unreported — have occurred in Waimea, according to sources. At least one was drug related.
Friday’s event will begin with a parade that any residents can march in from Anuenue Playground to Church Row starting at 4 p.m., followed by sign waving along Mamalahoa Highway until 5 p.m. Next, the guest speakers will share their presentations at Imiola Hall, also on Church Row.
Hawaii County’s first deputy prosecuting attorney, Dale Ross; South Kohala Police Officer May Lee; District 9 Councilman Tim Richards; Dr. Peter In and Jennifer DeCosta, a behavioral health therapist at NHCH, have been asked to speak about various aspects of domestic violence and what they are doing to find solutions to this very real problem.
Ross has participated at past Kona domestic violence events. At the Waimea gathering, she will honor the victims, acknowledge their sacrifice, let them know they are not forgotten and share her office’s position.
“Domestic violence is one of the root issues that we need to address effectively,” she said.
District 9 Councilman Tim Richards will discuss family stresses that tend to exasperate domestic violence, such as a lack a housing, financial resources and opportunity.
“All can contribute,” he said.
Richards will also share ways the government may be able to mitigate.
“If we have economic development and better resources, we’ll be better able to take care of our people,” he said. “I think government can make a difference.”
Officer Lee has played a key role in the Domestic Violence Awareness Committee (DVAC) since the Waimea volunteer group formed in 2016. Currently on a leave of absence, if able to speak at the event she will address existing laws that police can enforce.
Dr. In will share his experience working as a psychiatrist with domestic violence victims.
“I’m going to talk about the characteristics, the dynamics, of domestic abuse and some of the problems victims face,” he said. “Also, the legal justice system and the police.”
Jennifer DeCosta, a behavioral health therapist at North Hawaii Community Hospital, will speak on what families and children endure during domestic violence.
The event isn’t just for those who have suffered directly from domestic abuse, but their families, friends and anyone interested in learning more about the problem and how they can help.
“Our main goal is to join the east and west side (sides of the island) to raise awareness and education regarding domestic violence,” Lana Incillio said, a domestic violence survivor who was instrumental in starting the first Waimea Peace Walk &Vigil in 2016.
Last October, instead of holding the Peace Walk &Vigil, DVAC manned an education and fundraising booth at the Pumpkin Patch event.
“We want to get back on track to honor the victims and their survivors and bring the event back to awareness this year,” Incillio said. “We need to strengthen our DV community. Our long-term goal, beyond raising awareness and education, is to get a shelter in this district and raise funds from individuals and grants.”
DVAC is looking for food and beverage donations for the event. If interested, contact Lana at 557-5626.