11th Annual Run for Love raises awareness for domestic violence 

SANTA BARBARA, CA— One UCSB sorority is bringing the college community together to shed light on domestic violence through their 11th annual Run for Love.

“My sister went to UCSB, she had a wonderful family, a great education. She had a career, and she was taken by domestic violence,” said Candice Tang-Nyholt, who was shocked to hear the news of her sister’s murder back in 2012.

Candice wants people to know that domestic violence can happen to anyone and to pay close attention to the warning signs.

“Certain things are really not as obvious, even, you know, if you feel like maybe your friend is being more isolated, maybe just check in,” said Candice.

Candice says events like these are bittersweet but critical.

“We feel that her death won't be in vain if we're able to really raise awareness and really help even one person,” said Candice.

“Events like this, it it really makes people aware that domestic violence is happening every day,” said Alexander Tang, father of Alexandra Tang

Currently, domestic violence affects one in three women and one in four men.

“This is something that happens a lot that people are just kind of like afraid to speak up about it,” said Sorority President Amanda Sandoval.

Domestic Violence Solutions says that within Santa Barbara county alone, they have seen a 30% increase in survivors in the county seeking emergency shelter.

They have also seen a 20% increase in survivors calling in to their 24/7 crisis hotline.

“Those crisis counselors can help them develop a safety plan, or they can go through the different resources that Survivor may need, such as housing help with financial assistance, how to make sure that they have groceries for themselves or for their children,” said Cat Castle from Domestic Violence Solutions.

It could take domestic violence survivors up to 11 times before they officially leave an abusive relationship.

But with proper resources and events like the 5k run that build solidarity, organizers say that more people will have the tools to make empowered choices.

“There is a community here that stand by survivors,” said Castle.

“We love seeing the community come out together and support us for a good cause and just to kind of like create that greater bond between UCSB and the greater Santa Barbara community,” said Sandoval.

Event organizers say it doesn’t matter if you’re first or last as long as you finish the race.