Domestic Violence Victims, Survivors Commemorated In Mother's Day Walk
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Sunday was a day to dote on moms, but for one group, it was also a chance to pay tribute and give attention to a very important mission.
As CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported, on a picture-perfect day honoring mom, there were dances of celebration – but also for many, heavy hearts.
"There's not a day that goes by that I'm not thinking about her," said Brenda Liz of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Liz and her group came together in honor of her best friend, Jasmine Rodriguez. A year and a half ago, Rodriguez was killed by her husband, who later took his own life.
The group was among many participants who marched from City Hall across the Brooklyn Bridge Sunday, for the Second Annual Milagros Day Worldwide Mother's Day Walk, honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence.
"One out of every three women globally will suffer some type of abuse or victimization in their lifetime," said walk founder and chief executive officer Dawn Diaz.
"Being a domestic violence survivor, walking over a bridge, over water symbolically feeling healing; moving forward -- I couldn't think of a better way to spend my mother's day," said walk grand marshal Rhina Valentin.
And on this Mother's Day, the moms who participated said they are walking not only in honor of those lost, but with the hope of sharing this important message with the next generation.
"I want my children to be aware," said participant Rosa Ray. "I want to make sure they don't grow up in ignorance of domestic violence."
Together, they acted as inspiration for each other.
"I never lost faith," said Karen Hoyos, a domestic violence survivor. "I knew there was something better for me."
It was a spirit of hope and remembrance for those like Jasmine.
"I still have her name alive," Liz said. "Her memory will never fade away."
"Ms. Berry, Ms. DeJesus, and Ms. Knight have asked -- in fact, have pleaded -- for privacy at this time so they can continue to heal and reconnect with their families and their lives," said attorney Jim Wooley.
Ariel Castro, charged with rape and kidnapping, remained jailed under suicide watch on $8 million bond Sunday as prosecutors prepared additional charges. Those charges could include the possible murders of unborn children.
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