During the night, a young girl and her mother tiptoed out of their house and away from the girl's abusive father. Arriving at the Peace River Center, they finally felt safe.

To help these and other victims of domestic violence, a group of University of South Florida Polytechnic students has organized a Walk From Abuse to support the Peace River Center. The walkathon takes place Nov. 8, 2008, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Bartow High School football stadium. The public is invited to walk, donate cash or pledge funds for the walkers.

"Victims of domestic violence usually have to leave home with none of their belongings, so we are also accepting donations of clothing, shoes, undergarments, toiletries, toys, cribs and high chairs," says USF Poly student Ashley Thomas.

The Walk From Abuse grew out of a human relations class at USF Polytechnic, where student groups chose a community service project to direct and conduct during the current semester. For Ashley Thomas, Art Griffin and Dawn Chartier, that project turned into the walkathon.

"We talked to the manager at the Peace River Center, and she explained what the women and children needed," says Thomas. "We felt a great need to help them, especially the children, who had no choice whether they could stay or run from an abusive situation."

According to Cara Hewett, mental health counselor and adjunct instructor, "These students are working hard on this project to make it successful and should take great pride in what they have accomplished. Service learning projects are an important addition to classroom learning and help to provide a better understanding of human relationships and the needs of so many people in Polk County."

Each year, more than 5 million women are abused, and domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, according to the American Institute on Domestic Violence.

Peace River Center is a private, not-for-profit, community mental health organization. We have been providing Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties with quality mental and behavioral health care services for over 60 years

For more information contact Ashley Thomas at 863.604.2515 or amgriffin2809@aol.com.