Canton barbershop hosts 'Cut the Silence' event to combat domestic violence

BALTIMORE -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and barbershops have long been known as a safe space for open discussions. 

That's why the city says Gud Shop was the ideal spot for young people to learn about domestic violence signs and healthy behaviors.  

"This is a safe space," the owner of Gud Shop said. "Whenever your time is ready. Just let it out, let somebody know..." 

Wan Gud owns the Gud Shop in Canton Crossing, where 'Cut the Silence, End Domestic Violence' was held Monday night. 

The second annual event was a collaboration with Monse, a city agency that aims to stem the tide of violence. 

A group of Booker T Washington Middle School students came there to drive the discussion while learning about life-saving signs.  

"We wanted to bring young guys to a space like this that way they can learn about building relationships early, they can learn about intimacy and normalizing conversations in any setting," Ashley Rivera, an intimate partner violence prevention court liaison explained to the students. 

One block away... 

The pre-planned event was just a block away from where Baltimore Police say a 28-year-old woman was found shot to death inside the Porter Brewers Hill apartments earlier that day. 

The management company sent a statement to residents Monday afternoon, confirming the homicide was domestic.  

While domestic violence awareness month nears a close, some say the incident is a stark reminder that the work remains constant year-round. 

"I'm just thinking about that now and how much more important this night has become," Gud reflected. "...to be better and to do better as a community...When you see something and hear something, to use your best judgment," Rivera added. 

While the Porter Management team says the shooting was an isolated incident, police have yet to confirm whether a suspect is in custody.