More than a dozen women from the Bronx recently gathered at Female Fight Club NYC, an all-female gym in Riverdale, to not only work out but also to raise awareness about domestic violence. The event, which took place at the beginning of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aimed to educate women about the signs of domestic violence and provide information about available resources for those in need.
Belqui Rodriguez, a domestic violence advocate, emphasized that domestic violence is not just about physical abuse but also includes verbal, emotional, financial, and labor-related abuse. This holistic approach to understanding domestic violence was echoed by Johanna Edmondson, the founder of Female Fight Club NYC, who believes in promoting women’s health and well-being through fitness and community support.
During the pandemic, global domestic violence rates rose as people were confined to their homes with their abusers. Female Fight Club NYC, along with its non-profit arm, The Female Fight Club Foundation, now hosts workshops and awareness events to educate women about domestic violence and connect them to support services like My Sister’s Place.
The Bronx has seen a high number of domestic violence complaints, yet survivors in the borough have limited access to mental health and economic empowerment services compared to other boroughs. Chrissy Monroe, a reality TV star and domestic violence survivor, shared her personal story at the event to raise awareness about the realities of abuse and the challenges survivors face in seeking help.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson declared domestic violence a public health crisis in the Bronx and emphasized the importance of bystanders speaking up when they witness abuse. By breaking the silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence, communities can work together to support survivors and prevent future incidents of abuse.
