The Broome County SOS Shelter is sponsoring the upcoming Walk Against Violence to raise awareness about domestic abuse.

The SOS Shelter is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe living environment for victims of domestic violence, housing up to 20 women and children at a time. Anyone affected by domestic violence can also receive counseling and legal services through the shelter, which is the only licensed domestic violence center in Broome County.

“Many college women victimized by domestic violence do not realize they are being abused,” said Nicole D’Avino, a Binghamton University sophomore and volunteer at the SOS Shelter.

“My goal is to raise awareness among young women and empower them to know the difference between an unhealthy and a healthy relationship,” D’Avino said.

Dr. Patricia Eriksen, executive director of the SOS Shelter, expects that the walk will encourage BU students to consider the issue of domestic violence more closely.

“It’s important that more attention is being called to it,” she said.

The SOS Shelter hopes that the event inspires victims of domestic violence to seek help for themselves or loved ones.

“The more alone a victim feels, the more likely they are to return to their abuser,” D’Avino added.

The walk will take place at the Oakdale Mall on Sunday, May 4 from 8 to 10 a.m. Participants can register with the shelter in advance, or on the morning of the walk. All donations raised from the event will be used to provide assistance for the shelter’s residents.