Steps Against Domestic Violence Day at Green Lake Park

A Fundraiser Walk at Green Lake Park to Benefit New Beginnings Children’s Services, organized by Shoreline resident Arthur Peach.  Photos by Steven H. Robinson

The 3rd Annual Steps Against Domestic Violence-Seattle walk was held at Green Lake Park on October 3rd. This day was proclaimed by Governor Chris Gregoire as “Steps Against Domestic Violence Day” in the State of Washington. 

The walk had over 200 participants and raised nearly $5,000 for New Beginnings, whose mission is to provide shelter, advocacy and support for battered women and their children, and to change attitudes and social institutions that foster and perpetuate violence.

Information booth.  Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The walk focused on providing information for Domestic Violence Awareness while raising funds for the Children’s Service programs at New Beginnings. 

Guest Speakers were the Attorney General’s Policy Manager Chris Johnson, and New Beginnings Children’s Advocate Megan Ham. (Photo, left, with Arthur Peach.) 

The walk also honors the courage of all Survivors of Domestic Violence, the men and women who work for agencies that offer Domestic Violence services, and to remember the victims of Domestic Violence.

Shorewood graduate Marisa Peach

Arthur Peach, lead organizer for the event stated “We organize this walk because we are now more aware that DV can happen to any family, in any situation.” 

Marisa Peach was murdered by her fiancé in Harrisburg, Pa in 2007. Her fiancé was charged with 3rd degree murder and is now serving a 20-40 year sentence. A family friend, Karen Martin, organized the first Steps Against Domestic Violence after Marisa was murdered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Peach thanked the participants for their contributions, and support.

Arthur Peach, Ellen Potter

Steps Against Domestic Violence-Seattle is planned every year for the first Sunday in October and corresponds to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

This year’s sponsors were AA Party Rentals, Carter Subaru, Rotary of North Seattle, Port of Subs Mountlake Terrace, Duke’s Chowder House, Marshall Boyd and Associates and Lupe’s Tienda. New Beginnings, Eastside Domestic Violence Program and Northwest Men's Project offered program and service information.

Mrs. Washington, Shorewood grad Ellen Potter, came to support the event.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

If you are in need of Domestic Violence Services for yourself or someone the New Beginnings 24-hour Help Line is 206.522.9472.

If you would like more information about Steps Against Domestic Violence email questions to Arthur Peach or call 206-412-3198.

Contributions can be made to New Beginnings at their website.