Sooo--come join us for a great night of conversation, music and community planning. We will be honored to have some veteran domestic violence advocates in attendance--Joan Shippen and Betty Bolander. These women are founders for Chainbreakers, which is our Utah County "connecter" organization for those experiencing DV and recovering from the effects of DV. Check this out:
http://www.chainbreakerfoundation.com/
Also-- I saw the DV label and had to buy these boots even though they are all man made materials AND I saw them by accident while looking for a household appliance in Sears--at a mall in Provo (the odds of that happening again are 0). Sears is normally horrific but I was walking through--saw them, looked closer, saw the DV label and it completely sold me. I bought them on the spot even though they are 6 1/2 instead of 7's and hurt my feet. For me, it was about the thrill of standing on DV, metaphorically speaking.
Being more serious now--here's a little more about DV and our event!
We want to work with our community members to focus efforts and gather resources for quickly addressing the needs of those being victimized on any level--whether that is domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner abuse, and the list goes on. Our biggest need in Utah County would be housing options for those who are rebuilding lives after trauma and victimization. Safety and security are the building blocks for all progress in DV recovery. For some people, this means completely switching grids and finding new/healthy connections/relationships. Others might be in imminent danger where a "hidden and secured/lock down" shelter system is necessary for a number of months. There are also those who've just had unfortunate run-ins with an "out of the ordinary" relationship that becomes obsessive and possessive. This happens a lot in the current dating scene. Its a very real problem and support/information is critical to the person affected so they are not pushed further into that never ending darkness.
DV is no respecter of persons--it affects all races, genders, socio-economic levels, religious affiliations and cultures. It affects sibling, parent-child and marital relationships. It affects friendships between women and men, women and women, men and men. It preys on dysfunctional relating styles, powerlessness and inequality. It is pervasive and it is deadly if you do not know how to define Domestic Violence. Being educated and surrounded by safe and healthy individuals can take you far into recovery if you've experienced or are experiencing DV. It is beatable and it is time to #breakthesilence
Also--there is strength in numbers and there is strength in unity. Domestic Violence is isolate, separate, target, divide, conquer and abuse. It is very often invisible and hides very well. Raising awareness of DV dynamics has a neutralizing effect in many ways because it dilutes the potency of DV by weakening its grip on individuals who are experiencing oppression (prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control). Information is vital medicine towards a cure and our goal is to have the best information available as a highly aware community!!
Our singers for the evening include myself, Jenna Pinegar, Nyrie Hadnot and Whitney Call (my lovely daughter)! We will have gifts and prizes as well as resources and information for anyone in attendance who has questions or needs support.
God Bless~~
Rachelle
Oh please, please, please keep up the great work you ladies are doing!! What a great connection with Jenna, sorry I am unfamiliar with Nyrie, but I am sure Whitney inherited more than just her mom's great looks. I've got to find a better way to keep up with you!
ReplyDeleteKAREN HILL!! Where have you been all my life?!! I love you!!!:))
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