Delta Sigma Theta Presents: My Cry in the Dark

Last week, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. hosted an event at the Pace University Westchester campus called "My Cry in the Dark." This event within this organization is a campaign designed around educating youth and families about racial and ethnic disparities, and domestic violence involved with seeking mental health care and services. The president of the organization, Angela Pierre, said that the goal of this program is for students to learn about domestic abuse and how it affects their self-esteem, families, friends, and the community.

“I have close family and friends who have experienced several types of abuse,” Pierre said. “I do not stand by domestic violence. I may not personally understand it, but I want to help anyone in need.” 

This event also informed students of how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse as well as how to prevent it. 

"We need to encourage a support system and reaffirm that having a voice will not hurt," Pierre said. 

Ivonne Scaglione was a guest speaker from Hope's Door, which is an organization with a mission to offer intervention and prevention services to individuals and families that have been affected by domestic violence. They also provide education programs that encourage community involvement.

Scaglione shared a danger assessment, which had a series of questions that students could use as a guideline when dating. Some of these questions included: does he own a gun? Is he unemployed? Does he follow or spy on you? She also showed students how they could take action, by explaining what an order of protection was and how it is used. 

"Hope's Door seeks to end domestic violence and to empower victms to achieve safety, independence, and healing from the trauma of abuse," Scaglione said.

Afterward, she spoke about the following services at Hope's Door: emergency shelter, counseling and support groups, safety planning, a children's program, multicultural programs, the Love Shouldn't Hurt Teen Dating Abusive Prevention Program, the STAR Peer Leadership Program, and Community Education and Outreach.  

She concluded her presentation by talking to students about how they could make a difference right on campus by organizing a coordination committee or how they could help Hope's Door through fundraising and donations. Students also have an opportunity to volunteer or intern.

The final speaker, Cierra Townes, who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, shared her personal experience for the first time. Townes opened up with the audience, describing what it was like growing up in a home where domestic violence was considered normal. She also talked about how it affected her view on relationships as she got older.

The room was decorated in purple to support the organization, National Domestic Violence Awareness. At the end of the event, there was a white paper roll on the wall marked "Stop Domestic Violence. It Hurts More Than One person," along with paint for everyone who attended the event to dip their hands in and place on the paper. This was a pledge as Pierre stated, "To always reach out for help and to always have a voice." 

"I think this was a good event because people have a lot of questions when it comes to domestic violence," Leah Stewart, junior and communications major said. "You never know what someone has been through and you never know when you might need to help a friend out."

Hope's Door's Contact Information & Locations: 

Administrative Office: 914.747.0828

24-Hour Hotline: 888.438.8700

39 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, NY 10570. 914.747.0828 9 AM to 5 PM or by appointment. 

100 S. Highland Avenue, Ossining, NY 10562. 914.747.0828 By appointment.

Family Justice Center, County Courthouse, 111 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., White Plains, NY 10601. 914.995.3100 9 AM to 5 PM.