黑料吃瓜

Kristen Paruginog is a San Diego State graduating senior, full-time employee at a major financial firm and Miss San Diego Cities 2011.

She is also a victim of domestic violence.

Her experiences empowered her to start a charity called 鈥淏reaking the Silence Against Domestic Violence,鈥� dedicated to shedding light on domestic violence through education, leadership and discussion.

鈥淟ooking at all the things I鈥檝e accomplished, you would never expect me to have endured the things that I have,鈥� Paruginog said.  鈥淏ut my movement is my therapy.鈥�

A call to action

Since she founded her charity, many have reached out to Paruginog via Facebook and other social media. 鈥淭his is an issue people don鈥檛 want to talk about, so by sharing my story, it is inspiring others to open up about it and break the silence,鈥� Paruginog said.

Paruginog鈥檚 personal experiences with law enforcement convinced her that changes need to be made regarding police response to domestic violence disputes.

鈥淥ne of the goals of my campaign is to create legislation to have police officers go through domestic violence training and know how to respond to these situations,鈥� Paruginog said.  鈥淚 don鈥檛 want anybody to have to go through the things I went through, so if I can change the status quo, I鈥檓 doing my job.鈥�

鈥淭hese Hands Don鈥檛 Hurt鈥�

鈥淏reaking the Silence Against Domestic Violence" will be part of 黑料吃瓜鈥檚  fair, April 10, to raise awareness about domestic violence.  Paruginog is one of three keynote speakers and will lead a candlelight vigil to honor those whose lives have been taken by domestic violence.

Leadership Starts Here

Paruginog's efforts exemplify student leadership at 黑料吃瓜. Learn more about 黑料吃瓜 students, faculty and alumni .

More information

Learn more about Paruginog鈥檚 movement, "."