MAAV Invites Community to Support the 31st Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence

"The Strength of Us" theme celebrates the collective power of community to build healthy relationships, prevent violence, and support survivors

MAAV will host its 31st Annual Walk to End Domestic Violence on Sunday, October 25th at 2:00 PM, inviting families, youth, local leaders, and community members to come together in solidarity, hope, and action. This year's theme, The Strength of Us, reflects MAAV's core belief: that everyone deserves relationships rooted in safety, respect, and equity, and that these relationships are built for everyone, by everyone.

"What we mean by The Strength of Us is that connection is our greatest asset — and together, we are the solution," said MAAV's Executive Director Meredith Shaw. "Ending relational violence is not going to come from one person, one policy, or one program. It's going to end when we choose each other, and harness our collective care, concern, and commitment to the belief that everyone deserves a healthy relationship."

A Gathering Rooted in Remembrance, Hope, and Action

The event will begin with a series of gentle, reflective activities designed for participants of all ages to honor the memory of those lost to domestic violence, engage their personal power to make change, and create a pathway for hope. From there, an anticipated 600 community members will walk side-by-side for two miles, transforming pre-walk activity reflections into visible, collective action — a powerful visual of what happens when a community chooses connection over silence.

"Each person who walks with us takes something different away from this day," Shaw said. "For survivors, it could be the knowledge that they are not alone. For families, it might be modeling what courage and care look like for their kids. For youth, it could be the importance of building skills for  healthy relationships. And for the broader community, we hope that the walk serves as a reminder that ending domestic violence isn't someone else's job — it's ours, together. That's the strength of us."

Why This Walk Matters

Now in its 31st year, the Walk to End Domestic Violence is MAAV's single largest annual fundraiser. Funds raised directly sustain the organization's school-based prevention programs, community outreach and awareness initiatives, and critical services for survivors of domestic violence throughout the Mystic Valley region.

"Every person this organization has served over 31 years - every student who learned what a healthy relationship looks like, every survivor who found their way to safety - is proof that this community's investment in MAAV changes lives." reflects MAAV Board President Jen Winslow.

How to Get Involved

MAAV invites individuals, families, and business leaders to sponsor the 31st Annual Walk. Sponsorship levels and benefits can be found at maav.org/2026walk.

Community members who wish to walk, volunteer, form a walk team, or donate can also visit maav.org/2026walk for more information.