Wallace is the executive director of the William Kellibrew Foundation, which organizes an annual “sleep-out” to raise awareness for victims of domestic violence. Wallace and several more will sleep outside the John A. Wilson Building, where the D.C. Council meets, from 7:30 p.m. on Friday to 7:30 a.m. Saturday. How does a sleep-out in the cold bring attention to domestic violence victims?
All too often, taking to the streets is the only option these women and families have when faced with domestic violence situations. When we sleep outside, we want to bring attention to the fact that there are more dog shelters than shelters for battered women — and that shouldn’t be. It’s obviously very cold when we do it in December, and sometimes it’s snowing and raining and sleeting. But the victims of domestic violence, they don’t get to choose the weather when they leave. Either they leave, or they stay in a constant state of terror.
Why did you choose the John A. Wilson Building?
City Hall is certainly one of those places that needs to pay attention; we’re not asking anything from City Hall other than for them to pay attention. There are bills out there, certain things to address, and we certainly want them to look at those options before them. We’re not pushing anything on City Hall other than that their people, the people of D.C., need them to care. We need them to be aware of victims’ plight and to do all they can to make it easier.
What happens, other than sleeping?
The stories that come out of these sleep-outs is amazing. Many people are survivors of violence of all kinds, gang violence, gun violence. This is an opportunity for us to come together and share in that common pain that violence brings, and bring healing. – Lisa Gartner
