A Community Awareness event at Grace Baptist Church in Batavia on Monday included Featured Presenter Linda Dynel (pictured below), Author of Leaving Dorian: A Memoir of Hope and also a Panel Discussion on how someone can get help and assistance with representatives from local organizations.
Dynel spoke about her journey as a survivor of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence that usually takes place behind closed doors. She also discussed the psychological toll of abuse and the unacceptance that survivors can experience. Leaving Dorian by Linda Dynel | Goodreads
The free event was open to the public and its aim was to honor victims and survivors, raise awareness about victim services, and strengthen community support.
The 2025 national theme is “Kinship: Connecting & Healing,” stresses the importance of community
connections in the healing process for victims and survivors.
The Panel Discussion included Detective Eric Hill with the Batavia Police Department. Hill is currently the department’s Youth Detective and has a passion for supporting and guiding young people and at-risk youth. Zack Dawson, the Associate Pastor at Grace Baptist Church and Chaplain for the City of Batavia Police Department. Agnes Bowers, an education and outreach advocate from RESTORE Sexual Assault Services and Board member of GLOWOut!, Jacquelyn Wheeler, a YWCA of Genesee Domestic Violence Counselor, and Samantha Rychlicki, a YWCA Prevention and Education Coordinator.
Opening & Closing Remark were presented by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office. An Honor Guard & Bagpipe Ceremony opened the session at 10:00a.m.
