October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, recognize the signs, support survivors, and strengthen our community through knowledge and compassion. At New Mt. Zion AME Church, we believe awareness can lead to action, and action can help save lives.
Know the Numbers. Know the Signs. Know How to Help.


“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”
Proverbs 31:8 (NLT)

Domestic Violence by the Numbers

Domestic violence is not a distant issue. It affects families in our community, students on our campuses, and people sitting beside us on Sunday morning. The numbers reveal the impact across Tallahassee, the Big Bend, and beyond.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, New Mt. Zion AME Church is committed to breaking the silence, increasing awareness, and creating a community where survivors feel seen, supported, and safe. By learning the signs and knowing how to respond, we can help make a difference.

Understanding Domestic Violence

What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior one person uses to gain or keep power and control
over another person in a close relationship. Under Florida law (Section 741.28, Florida
Statutes), domestic violence includes any assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping,
false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or
household member by another.

Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or
marriage, people who live or have lived together as a family, and parents who share a child,
whether or not they were ever married.

Dating violence is violence between people who have or have had a continuing and significant
romantic or intimate relationship (Section 784.046, Florida Statutes). This is the form most
common among college students and young adults.
Warning signs of domestic violence are not always visible. Changes in behavior, relationships, confidence, or daily routines may indicate that someone is struggling. Recognizing a pattern and responding with compassion—not judgment—can be an important first step toward helping a loved one find safety and support.

Children and Domestic Violence

Children are deeply affected by domestic violence, even when they are not the direct target. What they see, hear, and experience can influence their emotional well-being, behavior, relationships, and sense of safety. Protecting children means creating safe environments, supporting families, and helping break the cycle of violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness Resources

Teen Resources

These resources are provided for informational purposes and as a community convenience only. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by New Mount Zion AME Church or Zion Cares, Inc. of any organization, individual, product, service, or expressed opinion.

Join Us For
💜 SAFE AT THE ALTAR 💜

"Breaking the Silence. Creating Safety. Restoring Hope."
Domestic violence often happens behind closed doors—but silence should never prevent someone from finding safety, support, and hope.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, New Mt. Zion AME Church in partnership with Zion Cares, Inc. invites you to Safe at the Altar, a compassionate and necessary conversation about domestic violence.

This important discussion will bring together Domestic Violence Survivors, Law Enforcement, Licensed Mental Health Professionals, and Domestic Violence Advocates to offer insight from multiple perspectives. Together, we’ll talk about recognizing warning signs, understanding the impact of domestic violence, creating safe spaces, accessing support and resources, and empowering survivors and families toward healing.

The altar should be more than a place where we bring our prayers—it should also be a place where people can find compassion, support, safety, resources, and hope. 
This initiative was made possible through a meaningful partnership with Zion Cares, Inc. and Bro. Raeshaun Coonce, Domestic Violence Advocate, working together to raise awareness, provide support, and connect individuals and families with valuable domestic violence resources.

MEET THE VOICES BEHIND THE CONVERSATION

Voices of Experience, Advocacy & Hope

dr. Ghia Kelly

Faith Leader, Mental Health & Leadership Consultant 
As a nationally recognized speaker, faith leader, and leadership consultant, Dr. Ghia Kelly brings expertise spanning leadership development, systems change, racial equity, domestic and sexual violence, mental health and wellness, community engagement, and organizational transformation. She is known for empowering people to move from vision to action and purpose to impact. As an ordained minister and CEO of Ghia Kelly Coaching & Consulting, she combines professional expertise and biblical wisdom to inspire healing, growth, and transformation.
Professor, Domestic Violence Advocate & Author
An Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education and QEP Faculty Lead at Tallahassee State College, Dr. Pendleton is also a domestic violence advocate, author and community volunteer. She serves with the Leon County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, writes for awareness initiatives and founded Camp Summer Garden for children with autism. She authored Now I Can Wear Pink (2024) and was recognized among the Tallahassee Democrat’s 2025 Women You Need to Know.  

Raeshaun Coonce

Child Survivor & Community Advocate
A higher education professional at Florida State University and founder of Coonce the Creative, Raeshaun uses his lived experience to advocate for survivors. His work includes hosting the Love Shouldn’t Hurt panel at UCF and Purple Wednesday at FSU. He promotes awareness, community engagement and access to resources, so survivors are believed and supported.

Shannon Roberts

Domestic Violence Survivor, Advocate, and Author
A speaker, author, nonprofit leader, and thriving domestic violence survivor and as Founder and Executive Director of Purple S.O.W., she advocates for domestic violence awareness, prevention, and survivor support. Drawing from her lived experience and professional background in government, nonprofit, and faith-based settings, she uses education, storytelling, and advocacy to inspire healing, resilience, and hope. She is also the author of A Fighting Chance: How to Rise Against Severe Trauma, sharing a powerful message of perseverance and overcoming adversity.

Sheriff WalT McNeil

 Law Enforcement & Community Safety Leader
As Sheriff of Leon County and a distinguished public servant with over 40 years of experience, Walt McNeil has dedicated his career to law enforcement, public safety, and community engagement. His leadership includes serving as Chief of the Tallahassee Police Department, Secretary of two Florida state agencies, and President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. A respected advocate for community partnerships, he has served on the board of Refuge House and continues to champion efforts that promote safety, prevention, and stronger communities.

Tanesha McDonald

Domestic Violence & Faith-Based Partnerships Leader
As Chief Program Officer for the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence, Tanesha McDonald brings over 17 years of social services experience and nonprofit leadership. She strengthens coordinated responses to domestic violence through statewide initiatives and partnerships, but considers the intersection of faith and domestic violence her purpose. Her leadership includes developing faith-based initiatives and establishing Florida's Statewide Faith-Based Domestic Violence Task Force to equip faith communities to support survivors and promote safety, healing, and hope.
This initiative was made possible through a meaningful partnership with Zion Cares, Inc. and Bro. Raeshaun Coonce, Domestic Violence Advocate, working together to raise awareness, provide support, and connect individuals and families with valuable domestic violence resources.