Hillsboro saw the pavement pounding with purpose yesterday as roughly 300 locals laced up for the second annual Run for Hope, aligning with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Attendants hit the ground at Hare Field not just to mark times but to mark support in leaps and bounds for survivors of domestic abuse, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and the Family Justice Center of Washington County (FJCWC) teaming up to host the awareness-raising event.
As reported by KOIN, Rachel Schutz, FJCWC's Executive Director, highlighted the importance of knowing that options are available for those currently trapped in abusive relationships. The annual run, she stresses, is not only an attempt to shed light on the matter but also a lifeline demonstrating the community's solidarity and support for survivors. Meanwhile, KPTV captured Schutz’s sentiment that challenging the silence surrounding victims is crucial. "The hardest part about domestic violence is how isolating it is and how silencing it is, and we want to make sure that people can use their voices to talk about domestic violence. They can talk about it happening to them," she elucidated.
The 5K walk/run was a crucial intersection where community engagement and support physically manifested. Free to join, it was an open invitation not only to runners but also to contributors who, while skipping the marathon, did not skip on charity. KATU noted that the event also served as a collection point for donations, including gift cards, diapers, and hygiene products—each item a testament to the community's willingness to aid those recovering from domestic challenges.
For some, like Helen Eskalsen, the event was personal, and piercing, her attendance was more than a stride; it was a stand against a tragedy no family should endure. "We just absolutely miss her. I guess I just don't know what to say cause it's something that you go through, it's just all emotion. It's just something no parent should go through. But we're so grateful for these walks. Because sometimes you feel like you're kind of alone," Eskalsen told KATU, her words a raw echo of loss yet a fervent echo of gratitude for a gathering that brings solace to the solitude engendered by violence in the home.
