Volunteers gather at annual It Takes Courage event to raise awareness of domestic abuse

Orlando, Fla. — Harbor House, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando Police Chief John Mina want all of Orlando to stand together to prevent domestic abuse.

On Saturday morning, the annual "It Takes Courage" event went underway at the parking lot on the west side of the First Baptist Church campus. Among the key speakers included Harbor House CEO Michelle Sperzel, OPD Chief John Mina and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings.

Volunteers joined with law enforcement officers to fan out across the Orlando area to distribute door hangers with information about a simple life saving message: That if abuse is happening now, call 911, but if its ongoing to reach out to the Harbor House hotline to get help and get to safety.

The goal is to reach over 10,000 homes in the Orlando area.