By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Abuse affects virtually everyone directly or indirectly. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and to help shine a light on the issue locally, Family Crisis Center, Inc. is hosting its Break the Silence Community Fall Fest at Jack Kilby Square in downtown Great Bend on Saturday, Oct. 14. Domestic and Sexual Violence Center Program Director Aimee Norris said approximately two dozen area vendors will be at the event.
"We have come together to bring some awareness around the topic of domestic violence," she said. "But also, we wanted it to be a fun-filled day and have a lot of family activities going."
Games, booths, and vendors will set up from 3-5 p.m. All vendors are bringing a raffle prize, and those will be raffled off at 5 p.m. The Great Bend High School Dance Line and Barton Community College Fine Arts students will perform a couple of dances, then the Power Walk begins at 6 p.m.
"What that is is to unite together in support of survivors by walking a lap around the square," said Norris. "We will just stand in solidarity for survivors of abuse in all of its forms. That's domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and also for the caregivers of the children who have been abused. We know they are going through a lot at the same time when they are trying to help their child."
The Triple Play Band will close out festivities from 7-9 p.m. All events are free on Saturday except the food vendors. Attendees can also order Break the Silence shirts. Attendees are encouraged to wear the color purple in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.