GIFFORD — Supporters and advocates lifted spirits and raised awareness on sensitive issues with local women and girls who attended the Women & Girls Summit at the Gifford Youth Activity Center.
Around 30 women attended the summit that focused on their health and safety. This is the third time the event has been held. The slogan this year was “It’s your time.”
“We’re here to provide education on topics for girls and women of all ages,” said Rose Parker, director of nursing at the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County.
The summit, which started on a foggy morning at 8 a.m. filled the much of the day with discussion sessions, Zumba, and a range of speakers.
During the first session, a panel consisting of SafeSpace’s Geny Canello, Certified Sexual Educator Claudia Jimenez, and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office representatives Shirley Rosemond and Roberta Barker, discussed a variety of issues. Issues they touched on included sexual violence, domestic violence, personal safety, and teen pregnancy prevention.
Indian River County Sheriff’s Shirley Rosemond, Coordinator Victim Assistance, talked about domestic violence.
“In kids it starts out bullying,” said Rosemond. “If it’s not corrected in children they grow up to adult bullies.”
Rosemond went on to warn women that “you don’t want to be in that position when that fatal attraction happens.”
Tammy Broxton-Brown, a parent and school teacher in Indian River County, stated, “If he’s willing and capable to hitting you, he’s capable of killing you.”
Women who are in this situation were encouraged to have a safety plan and a bag that included snacks, two or three days of clothes, and money for a hotel and gas. At first they were suggested to hide it, then the idea of making it a “hurricane bag” with some of the partner’s clothes in it as well.
Indian River County’s Roberta Barker talked about personal safety.
“Never scream help because no one’s going to help you – scream ‘fire’,” said Barker. “Never try to fight for material things; it’s not worth it.”
Barker said to throw your purse in one direction and run in the other.
Certified Sexual Educator Claudia Jimenez discussed teen pregnancy prevention.
“Sometimes parents want to say ‘not my kid’,” said Jimenez. “Seventy-six percent of teens say they would postpone sex if they talked to a parent.”
Blood tests were also offered during the summit, checking blood sugar levels, for HIV/AIDS. Participants also had their blood pressure checked.
The event was sponsored by the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County, Indian River County HIV/AIDS Network, Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County Area 15 Program Office, Gifford Youth Activity Center, and Habitat for Humanity.
Other groups and vendors that attended were Zumba with Dr. Connie/TLC Learning, Pregnancy Center of Indian River County, Substance Awareness Center of Indian River County, Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, Inc, Sebastian River Medical Center and VNA Community Wellness.
“It’s a day to celebrate them,” Rose Parker said of the community’s women.