WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s been a difficult past few months for Estefania Dempsey, whose been taking things one step at a time after her 4-year-old son Liam was shot and killed by his own father back in March.

“He was my sunshine, and he brought so much light to this world,” Estefania recalled.

However, as she walked at the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center Walk to End Domestic Violence, she says she felt him there.

Hundreds of people from family and friends to classmates, teachers and even strangers gathered at Rocky Point State Park Saturday morning to walk in honor of Liam and to raise awareness against domestic violence.

“It was just such a tragedy and you know just the horror and confusion of the situation,” Lisa Indermaur, who is the principal at Liam’s school, said. “It was hard for the staff of that classroom especially and just the entire school as a whole so we just really felt the loss and the sorrow for his mom and family.”

For Estefania, seeing everyone’s support was overwhelming, but special.

“You could see the love that everybody had for Liam and how much he was loved. It meant the world to me,” Estefania said.

She’s now making it her mission to break the silence and share her truth in hopes that others don’t have to go through the same pain.

“I had a lot of people make me feel guilty for reaching out for help,” Estefania said. “Questioning myself, am I a bad mom if I leave? Am I bad wife if I leave? But, I want everybody to know. Don’t be afraid. Follow your heart. Trust your gut before it’s too late.”

Organizers of the events say they’re ready to help as soon as anyone reaches out to them. Online resources can by found here .

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