The sisters of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) hosted “My Cry in the Dark” to discuss domestic violence and ways to prevent it on Feb. 24 in the Multipurpose Room of Kessel Student Center.

Ivonne Scaglione, from Hope’s Door, was a guest speaker at the event. Hope’s Door is an organization that provides help for victims of domestic abuse. The mission of Hope’s Door is to end domestic violence and to empower victims to achieve safety, independence, and healing from the trauma of abuse.

Scaglione started volunteering in social work about four years ago and now works in the family court system as well as at Hope’s Door.

Hope’s Door provides shelter for victims of abuse. When victims leave their abuser, they sometimes have nowhere to go. They also provide cell phones to victims who don’t have one in case of any emergency. Hope’s Door has a location in Washington Avenue, at Pleasantville.

Some of the key points Scaglione addressed during the presentation were red flags to look for if you believe you are in an abusive relationship, reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships, and ways to seek help.

Many victims of domestic abuse feel like it is their fault they are being abused. Often times they feel like they have no one to turn to, either. They also sometimes believe that their partner will become a better person, but unfortunately that is usually not the case.

Programming and planning chair of DST Akyra Horry Sams created this event because she believes there should be more awareness about domestic violence.

“Many college students are in abusive relationships and don’t know how to get help,” Sams said. “It is important to me to help raise awareness for this issue.”

One of the attendants at the event, sophomore Jennifer Appel, wasn’t sure what the event was going to be about, but was happy she came to support the cause.

“I heard about this event from a friend and I wanted to come to hear more about domestic violence,” Appel said. “I know there are many students on this campus who suffer from domestic abuse so it is important to raise awareness and stop it.”

Appel also explained how she knew someone who was a victim of domestic abuse. The victim felt like she had no one to turn to and didn’t want more people to feel that way if they were in her shoes.

Last week was Women’s Empowerment Week at Pace, with daily events relating to domestic abuse. Student athletes and members of Greek life were required to attend the events.