Life without violence…it’s not a slogan, not a gimmick and it’s not impossible. It’s the foundation of a life worth living. And it starts with each of us. This is the “It Starts with Me” message you’ll find coming this month from Saving Grace. “Our society in general has a lot of discomfort around discussing sexual violence and abusive relationships, so giving words to these issues is the first step to overcoming them,” explained Saving Grace Executive Director Cassi MacQueen.
For more than 40 years, Saving Grace has provided thousands of services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Central Oregon. “Forty years from now, don’t we all want to see even more safe and healthy relationships, families and homes?” asked Saving Grace Development Director Ryan Stillwater. You’ll find the “It Starts with Me” message around town on shirts donated by Bend-based company, Bulldog Brand Solutions and custom pints donated by Silipint.
According to the CDC, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, almost one in three of Oregon women reported experiencing some kind of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault or physical assault.
“Because these issues are often difficult to discuss, we’re excited to see what new conversations start when you wear your shirt around town,” Stillwater said. “When your friends, family and colleagues see you take a stand against violence, that is the moment this community will make a difference.”
“A united community is the doorway to changing social norms, and preventing violence from occurring in the first place,” MacQueen continued.
Shirts and pints are available for purchase on the Saving Grace website: saving-grace.org/withme. All proceeds benefit its programs and services. Want to learn more about addressing violence? You can read more at saving-grace.org/intervene.
