Samaritan House Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with 8th Annual Women Against Violence (WAV) Luncheon
Luncheon will feature keynote address by Barbara Amaya, award-winning author, advocate and survivor leader in the movement to end human trafficking and violence against women.
NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 3, 2022 – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Samaritan House will raise awareness of the issue at the 8th Annual Women Against Violence (WAV) luncheon on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center from 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
This fundraising event will feature a keynote address by Barbara Amaya, human trafficking survivor, advocate, author, consultant and leader in the movement to end human trafficking. Barbara is also the author of best-selling, award-winning memoir Nobody’s Girl, describing her experiences growing up in (and eventual escape from) “the life” from age 12 to 24 on the streets of New York City as a victim of minor sex trafficking. She holds a background in education, a credential in early childhood development, and a Ph.D. in psychology. Barbara has been actively raising awareness of the sexual exploitation of children and domestic sex trafficking since 2012.
“The recent pandemic dramatically increased the numbers of people being trafficked in Hampton Roads but highlighted the need to protect those most vulnerable – children under the age of 18. Samaritan House is addressing this need by building The Hallow, the region’s first shelter for trafficked youth and we hope that by bringing Barbara Amaya to speak, we can raise awareness about this important issue affecting our community,” said Robin Gauthier, Executive Director, Samaritan House.
In addition, the luncheon allows Samaritan House the opportunity to highlight individuals and companies that have donated time of our mission with the Brooke Briggs Community Impact Award. This year, we are honoring Kristen Crowley, Linda Whitehurst and PRA Group with the award.
“Ingrained in our culture at PRA Group is a commitment to making a positive impact on the communities where we live and work—locally and globally. In our many years of partnering with Samaritan House, their impact continues to amaze us as they foster personal safety, growth and self-sufficiency in individuals and families,” said Elizabeth Kersey, senior vice president of communications and public policy for PRA Group. “It is an absolute honor to accept this award on behalf of the company. We are grateful to Samaritan House for allowing PRA Group to be a part of their essential work.”
Originally published by Samaritan House.
About Samaritan House
Since 1984, Samaritan House has sought to foster personal safety, growth and self-sufficiency in adults and their children through freedom from sexual and domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness in Hampton Roads by providing emergency and permanent housing, support services and community outreach to victims. For additional information, visit: www.samaritanhouseva.org.