Night of Hope set for Sept. 25
The annual event honors victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The keynote speaker for this year’s Night of Hope is Melissa Dohme Hill, a survivor of domestic violence and active advocate. [Photo courtesy melissadohmehill.com]
The Marion County Children’s Alliance has a Family Violence Prevention work group that helps address the impact of domestic violence locally.
The group includes representatives from social services, nonprofit and for-profit agencies, businesses and the community. Its mission is to organize activities that increase public awareness through education, training and collaborations with individuals, community leaders and public and private organizations.
“In Ocala/Marion County, we average more than 3,000 reported cases of domestic violence each year. The Ocala Police Department had 415 reported domestic violence cases through August of this year and 58 dating violence cases. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office had 1,515 reported domestic violence cases through July of this year. They don’t report dating violence cases. Since we started tracking homicides in 1997, 154 people have died as a result of domestic violence. There have been three homicides this year,” Family Violence Prevention Coordinator Monica Bryant stated.
“In 2024, the work group provided emergency assistance such as shelter, food, gas cards, bus tickets and more to 182 families (270 children) affected by family violence and also provided safe shelter in our domestic violence apartment for eight families (13 children),” Bryant noted.
Family Violence Prevention Coordinator Monica Bryant speaks during the “Night of Hope – Honoring Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence” event in 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
To help further its programs, the work group organizes the annual Night of Hope – Honoring Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence.
“The event, which includes survivor testimonies, dinner, entertainment, vendors and free childcare for attendees, is designed to provide a night of hope for those living in an abusive relationship plus raise awareness and provide education about domestic violence in our community. We also recognize our Conquerors and the Advocate of the Year. All proceeds stay local and are used to provide resources and services to victims and survivors of domestic violence in our community,” Bryant explained.
This year’s Night of Hope is set for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25, at the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. The keynote speaker will be Melissa Dohme Hill, a survivor and advocate.
“She definitely has a story and, as a taskforce, we thought she would help bring more awareness about domestic violence and show the devastating impact it can have, but she’s also an example that recovery is possible and you can still live a fulfilling life,” Bryant shared.
According to her website, in January 2012, Hill survived a brutal and nearly fatal attack by her high school ex-boyfriend, who stabbed her 32 times in the neck, face, arms and hands. She lost nearly all her blood, flat-lined four times and suffered a stroke in the emergency room. Against all odds, she made an extraordinary recovery and found a renewed purpose. Today, she serves as executive director of Hands Across the Bay, where she helps families in crisis while raising awareness and providing education about the dangers and lasting impact of domestic violence.
Night of Hope tickets are $40 and may be purchased by calling (352) 438-5990 or going to fb.com/search/top?q=night%20of%20hope%202025 and scanning the QR code on the flier.
To learn more about Hill, go to melissadohmehill.com
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