Why We Walk

Our Community Collaborations

• Did you know that 49.8% of immigrant womxn experience intimate partner violence? Or that abusers will often use the threat of deportation to assert control on immigrant victims?
• Did you know that 61% of bisexual womxn experience rape, physical violence or stalking? Or that 1 out of every 2 transgender people are victims of sexual violence?
• Did you know that domestic violence survivors are 7x MORE likely to attempt suicide? Or that disabled womxn are 40% MORE likely to experience intimate partner violence than abled bodied people? 
• Did you know that more than 40% of Black womxn experience intimate partner violence? Or that 1 out of every 4 Black girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18?
• Did you know that in Berkshire County, we have had 14 deaths related to domestic violence in the last 5 years? Or that rural womxn (like womxn in the Berkshires) experience 1.5x MORE violence than urban womxn?

These are some of the reasons why we walk.

It takes our entire community to create a more just, equitable, and safe society for every one of us. That is why we are so proud and honored to work with amazing local organizations who join us in pursuing hope, help and healing for the most vulnerable in our communities:

• Berkshire Immigrant Center
• Berkshire Pride
• Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention
• NAACP - Berkshires Chapter

Last year more than 900 Berkshire County residents of all ages and backgrounds took to the street and walked a mile united against rape, sexual assault, and gender violence. Together we raised over $90,000 to support Elizabeth Freeman Center's life-saving services. Thank you!

This year we take the walk virtual! And we need your help to make this year's Walk a Mile as memorable and successful as ever. Here's how you can participate:

• Spread the word that EFC is here, open, and ready to help;
• Take photos and videos at various Walk a Virtual Mile displays and share on social media with #wereherewewalk to join Elizabeth Freeman Center in spreading awareness about sexual and domestic violence in Berkshire County;
• Walk a Virtual Mile with us between Tuesday, September 8th, and Friday, September 18th (Click here for schedule of socially distanced planned walks and suggested routes);
• Register and help us raise funds with your family, friends, and coworkers;
• Donate so that we can raise the funds that we desperately need to continue to fight gender based violence. 

Stay tuned for more details!  Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates, acknowledgements, and to follow the hashtag #wereherewewalk  

Thank you for joining us to Rise Together for Safety and Justice.

Violence is a community problem and together we are part of a community movement to end domestic, sexual, and dating violence.

Please join us as we walk. Because of COVID, we will still have smaller walks. We currently have walks scheduled in Williamstown, North Adams, Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Lee and Lenox. See the full schedule and routes HERE.

When COVID hit, we never closed our doors, and Elizabeth Freeman Center continues to provide needed services to survivors and others in the community. No one deserves to be abused, raped, or assaulted. 

Every hour of every day, Elizabeth Freeman Center provides lifesaving, life-renewing help to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families. 

Each year we reach over 3,000 people from almost every city, town, and hamlet in Berkshire County and  we know that we are only scratching the surface. During COVID-19, calls to our hotline increased over 40%. We are seeing situations more dangerous and difficult than ever before. 

Elizabeth Freeman Center has offices in Pittsfield, North Adams, and Great Barrington, and staff at Probate and Family Court, Northern Berkshire District Court, Southern Berkshire District Court, Central Berkshire District Court, and the Adams and Pittsfield police departments. Our staff can meet people in safe locations almost anywhere in Berkshire County. We can provide transportation to help you reach us.

Call us for help – we are here for you. If you know someone who needs help, we can give you information.
Whoever we are, however we look, wherever we go – we all deserve safety and justice.

#RiseTogether #WhyWeRise

• The Petricca Family donated $250.00 September 24, 2020
• Kristin Valentine Supporters donated $58.00 September 28, 2020 ... "In support of Kristin Valentine"