 Press Advisory |
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| For Immediate Release September 14, 2007 |
Contact: Deirdre Murphy (202) 225-4572 |
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Rep. Gwen Moore to Lead Second Annual Milwaukee Brides’ WalkMoore Introduces Resolution Commemorating Brides’ Marches, Promoting Awareness of Domestic Violence |
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| (Washington, DC)— Washington, DC – In conjunction with the United Migrant Opportunity Services, Congresswoman Gwen Moore will lead the Second Annual Milwaukee Brides’ Walk on Sunday to honor domestic violence victims and promote awareness of the issue. Rep. Moore also introduced a resolution in Congress this week to commemorate the walk. Wearing a bridal gown, Moore will take part in the annual march to honor the memory of Gladys Ricart, who was killed on her wedding day in 1999 by an abusive former partner. The event is held to raise awareness of domestic violence and support for the UMOS Latina Resource Center. “Domestic violence should not happen to anyone – ever. Unfortunately it does, and this weekend we will march to show domestic violence victims throughout the country that we care,” Congresswoman Gwen Moore said. “By marching through the city wearing our bridal gowns, we want domestic violence victims to know that there is somewhere to turn and we want to honor the victims who are deceased.” Coinciding with Milwaukee’s celebration of Mexican Independence Day, the Brides’ Walk is organized in conjunction with County Supervisor Peggy West, and the UMOS Latina Resource Center. Registration will be from 8-10 am at the UMOS Latina Resource Center at 802 W. Mitchell St in Milwaukee. There will be a press conference at 10 am. The Brides’ Walk kicks off at the UMOS Latina Resource Center at 11 am. Brides’ Marches have occurred all over the country in recent years, inspired by Josie Ashton’s 1,600 mile walk from Ricart’s New Jersey home to Miami in 2001, during which she visited domestic violence shelters along the way to raise awareness. Congresswoman Moore met Ashton at the National Organization for Women’s Annual Intrepid Awards dinner in September 2005 and was inspired to organize a Brides’ Walk in Milwaukee. In coordination with the Brides’ Walk, Congresswoman Moore introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring Brides’ Marches nationwide. In 2005, Moore introduced the Safe Housing Identification Exemption for the Lives of Domestic Violence Victims (SHIELD) Act, to ensure that victims of domestic violence who have fled their abuser are not tracked through a new homeless information system. A modified version of the bill was included in the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, which was signed into law in 2006. BRIDES’ MARCH INFORMATION: Location: 802 W. Mitchell St. Registration: 8-10 AM Press Conference: 10 am Walk Begins: 11 am ### ### For an interview with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, please contact Andrew Stevens at 202-225-4572. |