Annual HAWC Walk April 27

SALEM ? The 16th annual Walk for HAWC steps off Sunday, April 27, with a start and finish at Old Town Hall in downtown Salem.The event is the largest fundraiser for Help for Abused Women and their Children (HAWC), the North Shore’s largest emergency shelter and counseling service for victims of domestic violence.To register by phone, call 978-744-2299, ext. 27. To register online, go to www.helpforabusedwomen.org.”One third of all American say they know someone who has been physically abused by their partner in the last year,” said Candace Waldron, HAWC executive director. “Each year, about 324,000 pregnant women experience abuse at the hands of their partners putting them at greater risk for low weight gain, anemia, infections and premature delivery, as well as depression, suicide, and substance abuse.”Waldron said walkers are needed for this year’s event to take a stand against domestic abuse.Salem State College President Patricia Meservey is honorary chairperson of this year’s walk.”It’s an opportunity for businesses, residents, students, public officials, survivors and their friends from across the North Shore to come out in force,” said Waldron. “The kick off for the 5-mile walk through historic Salem is at noon at Old Town Hall in Derby Square. There are children’s activities, snacks, music and entertainment, raffle items and festivities before and after the walk, as well as time to explore downtown, browse the many shops or stay for lunch. It’s a fun day to address a serious issue.”Based in Salem, HAWC serves 24 communities along the North Shore. The organization is currently seeking donations of cars and cell phones, and planning for two other upcoming events, Annette’s Climb on May 3 at Tuckerman Ravine in New Hampshire, in memory of Annette Soares, who was murdered in Haverhill in 2002 by her partner, and the annual HAWC Gala on Oct. 18 at the Ipswich Country Club.