The Zonta Club of Dothan, Alabama, USA, lined the steps to their civic center with empty shoes representing victims of domestic violence.

From WFSA:

The Zonta Club of Dothan launched it’s 25-day, “Says NO to Violence” campaign on Tuesday in Dothan.

Community members joined organizers in a rally to raise awareness and kick off the campaign.

Two hundred shoes were lined up on the steps in front of the Dothan Civic Center. The shoes represent women, men and children affected by domestic violence. Organizers attached names of the victims on each shoe.

Several guest speakers spoke at the event, including a representative from the House of Ruth and the exchange center for child abuse prevention.

Houston County and Dothan commissioners also shared a few words, along with a domestic violence survivor and attorney.

“When you have empty shoes on these steps and you look at them and they were once worn by someone who is no longer with us, because they died due to domestic violence, it really makes you stop and think,” said Zonta Club of Dothan President Dianne Marshburn.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a woman is beaten every nine seconds in the United States.

“It’s not a subject a lot of people want to talk about. There is help. There is hope. There is a way out,” said  House of Ruth Executive Director, Beverly Youse.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, reach out for help. The house of Ruth has a 24-hour help line you can call at at 793-2232.

More information on domestic violence services and statistics can be found on the Zonta says no website.