Monday Musings by Melinda M.

808.935.0677 is the phone number 2,440 people of all genders and ages from our island called last year for help related to sexual assault.

808.935.0677 is the number they called if they or someone they knew needed a free forensic exam or counseling.

808.935.0677 is the only number on Hawaii Island for this kind of help and it is maintained 24/7 by the YWCA Hawaii Island because people like you donate to keep it in service.

This Saturday, October 28, you can participate in a one-mile walk through downtown Hilo to raise awareness that sexual assault happens daily in on our island. You can join our community to show support for the victims and give them courage to seek help. And you can help raise funds to keep trained local nurses available to answer 808.935.0677 and provide a medical forensic exam and counseling for free. (Note: the national sexual assault hotline is 1-800-656-HOPE)

The 9th annual Walk-A-Mile event starts at 7:30 a.m. at the YWCA’s Ululani Street location by downtown Sack N Save. Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, Hawaii Police Chief Paul Ferreira, Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Bugado and radio personality Darrin “DC” Carlson will lead this year’s event that gives men the opportunity to “walk a mile in her shoes” if they choose by providing women’s shoes. There’s even a prize for the best decorated shoes!

I’ve read that what’s been happening lately – with sexual assault victims from Cosby to Weinstein to (gulp!) Trump coming forward publicly – is called an unleashing: a moment when victims are feeling more empowered to step forward and seek help. If this “unleashing” happens in our community, if more people are ready to call for help, who will answer?

With your support, the YWCA Hawaii Island and its trained nurses will. Please join me this Saturday to help raise $25,000 to keep this line open and nurses available 24/7. The registration fee is $25 but will be waived if you collect $100 or more in pledges. You can also become an outright sponsor with a gift of $100 or more, or donate prizes for the walkers.

Get involved! Join this year’s Walk-A-Mile! Call 808-935-7141 ext 162 or email Events@YWCAHawaiiIsland.org find out how.