News

Actions

Two women to walk from Milwaukee to Chicago for domestic violence awareness

Posted at 9:40 AM, Apr 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-24 11:43:00-04
Two women who say they've each been victims of domestic violence will walk nearly 90 miles together this fall to raise awareness. 
 
Askia Haney and Raven Wilson plan to walk from Milwaukee to Chicago in September. 
 
Wilson says despite the 20 year age difference between her and her godmother, they share a deep bond over their shared experience. 
 
"I think sometimes we turn a blind eye to the fact that it happens," said Wilson. 
She's talking about domestic violence, something she says she's experienced in three separate relationships. 
 
Haney says she was born into abuse. 
 
"My mom was my first abuser and thereafter I continued to follow into abusive relationships," she said. "I know how hard it was. If I can prevent another person from ever having to experience that just from sharing my story." 
 
Haney has done walks like this before. She says she walked to Madison in the 90s and she's also walked to Chicago and Canada. Her first three walks she said were a healing process. Now she will bring Wilson along. 
 
They hope their walk will show other victims that there is a way to survive. 
 
"Sometimes it's hidden, sometimes we just don't know," said Wilson. "I feel like knocking at the issue, we gotta keep bringing it up." 
 
"It's never the end, you can always change things," said Haney. "Some people don't think that when they're going through it but I'm hoping that by seeing us, they'll see they can escape it as well." 
 
The two women are raising money for their accommodations and food along the way. You can learn more by visiting their GoFundMe page.
 
Be sure and watch TODAY'S TMJ4 on Roku! We are the only station in Milwaukee to provide the latest news, weather and sports on the device. Search for us on Roku today!