Domestic Abuse Awareness Walk: Four Miles of Courage and Conversation
COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT | OCTOBER 2026 | COLUMBUS OHIO
Four Miles of Courage and Conversation
JLU Abuse Awareness Walk brings generations together to recognize abuse, strengthen boundaries and connect women with resources
Participants crossed the trail together carrying messages of awareness, safety and solidarity.
15 to 20 | Ages 3 to 70+ | 4 miles |
Awareness That Moves With the Community
COLUMBUS, OHIO - On Saturday, October 17, women and girls gathered in Columbus for the JLU Abuse Awareness Walk, an event built on a simple truth: communities cannot prevent abuse if people do not know how to recognize it, discuss it or find help.
The group included approximately 15 to 20 participants, ranging in age from 3 to over 70. That span mattered. Domestic abuse is not confined to one age, background or stage of life, and prevention becomes stronger when generations learn together. The walk created space for women to speak, listen and exchange practical knowledge without judgment.
Before and during the four-mile journey, participants discussed how domestic abuse can appear beyond physical violence. The conversation explored warning signs, controlling behavior, emotional and financial abuse, manipulation, isolation and the importance of knowing when a relationship has crossed a boundary.
From Courtship to Clear Boundaries
Participants also examined the expectations people set during courtship. Honest conversations about values, respect, finances, communication, family roles and personal boundaries can reveal compatibility and concerns before deeper commitments are made. The discussion reinforced that boundaries are not acts of hostility; they are tools for safety, clarity and mutual respect.
Young participants helped convey that prevention and confidence-building must begin early.
Women shared valuable examples from their own observations and experiences, helping others connect abstract definitions to real-life situations. Available resources and the importance of reaching out for support were also discussed. The result was not a lecture delivered to an audience, but a community conversation shaped by the people present.
Young Leaders Recognized
Two teenage girls received the fun exercise award and the knowledge award. Both are members of the Anchored Girls Leadership Development Program, JLU’s affiliate initiative for teenage girls. Their participation reflected the program’s prevention-focused purpose: helping girls build confidence, healthy boundaries, leadership skills and the courage to use their voices before unhealthy patterns place them at greater risk of abuse or exploitation.
Conversation continued along the trail as participants turned four miles into shared learning and solidarity.
Partners Who Made the Walk Possible
Just Like You Global Foundation extends sincere appreciation to Lindora Diawara-Kolu, founder of Columbus Women Connect, for supporting the gathering and helping strengthen women’s community connections. We also thank Loyalty Market, our snack sponsor, for providing refreshments that sustained participants throughout the event.
Special gratitude goes to Florence Ngati, President of the ExSSA Ohio Chapter, and to Dr Akem Nkongho for organising alongside Dr Linda Eteki and the entire JLU team. Their time, coordination and commitment turned an important idea into an accessible community experience.
Why Sponsorship Matters
Since 2018, JLU has advanced awareness of domestic abuse and human trafficking through education, community engagement, survivor-centered advocacy and prevention programs. Sponsorship helps us expand outreach, engage facilitators, provide educational materials and refreshments, support transportation and safety needs, and reach more women and girls through Anchored Girls and other initiatives.
Partner with JLU. We invite businesses, foundations and individual donors to sponsor future awareness walks, workshops and youth programs. Your investment helps a woman identify a warning sign, gives a girl language for her boundaries and equips a community to respond before harm escalates.
SUPPORT AWARENESS | STRENGTHEN PREVENTION | SPONSOR THE NEXT WALK
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Together, we can empower survivors, raise awareness, and create a safer world. Your support is invaluable to us, reach out today and be a part of the change.