Mutual Ground walk vital to reduce domestic abuse

When you are in an abusive relationship and can't imagine how to get out, hope can be hard to find. As we saw in the Oswego murder/suicide that took Kari Clawson's life on Sept. 8, too many of these stories end tragically. This is why Mutual Ground sponsors the "Walk for Hope" each year.

"The walk is not only to raise money, but also to raise awareness," said Kristin Good, spokesperson for Mutual Ground. "It's so important for women in abusive situations to know that help is available." The funds raised by the walk benefit victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

"We are hoping to surpass the $44,000 raised last year when the community really stepped up and did an incredible job," Good said.

The money raised goes to all the services Mutual Ground provides -- from counseling to baby formula, to backpacks for kids starting school. But the awareness that is raised is priceless. If just one more woman realizes she is not alone and does not have to endure abuse, that is priceless. No woman should ever die like Kari Clawson did.

There is still plenty of time to sign up and gather a team to walk. Just go to the Mutual Ground Web site (www.mutualgroundinc.com) and click on "Walk for Hope." If you register by Oct. 8, you get a T-shirt. Then gather your team and start collecting pledges! Good told me many people walk their choice of either three or five kilometers as a tribute to someone. Last year the team honoring Andrea Will, another woman lost to domestic violence, was the team which raised the most.

If you can't walk, but would like to donate, you can find a list of participants to sponsor at the Web site and can donate online or send your check directly to Mutual Ground at 418 Oak Ave. in Aurora. For more information, contact Judy Jacobson at: 630-897-0084 or judyjacobson.mutualground@yahoo.com.

The walk begins at 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 at the Eola Community Center, but come early for the welcome activities, including a ride in a tethered hot air balloon from RE/MAX, one of the event's sponsors. Other corporate sponsors include: The Hartford, Inner Harmony Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, and RRI Energy in Aurora. If you would like to become a major sponsor, click on "sponsorship opportunities."

Linda Healy, executive director for Mutual Ground, writes in the "Walk for Hope" brochure that every 10 seconds a woman is beaten, and every five minutes one is raped. For 34 years Mutual Ground has been there to provide free services for tens of thousands of women, trying to give hope and help women to become survivors rather than victims.

If you can, get a group together, find sponsors, and walk. If you can't walk, sponsor someone who can. But even if you can't do either of these things right now, be sure to teach your children that abusive behavior is unacceptable, and please help spread the word that Mutual Ground offers help and hope.