AUBURN, CA (MPG) - All too often domestic violence goes unseen, hidden inside victims’ homes. What began in 1981 as a “Day of Unity,” eventually became “Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” thanks to commemorative legislation by the U.S. Congress.

Most of us know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Abuse isn't limited to a bruise or a black eye. It's coercion, stalking, and threats. It’s posting “revenge porn” online. It’s sending the victim to the store with a shopping list of specific items and then yelling at them for spending too much money. It’s putting another person down until they believe they’re worthless. The physical and emotional violence can happen daily and go on for years. Domestic violence is not confined to a day or a week or a month. It’s a pattern and it’s happening to thousands of people in our own county every year.

Throughout 2020 our community has faced unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact with our loved ones, colleagues, and neighbors. For survivors of domestic violence who may be continuing to live at home with an abuser, the violence, isolation, and fear are worse than ever. It’s no surprise then that the number of survivors coming to us for help has grown during this time of COVID. We continue to make our services accessible through our online crisis chat line, remote advocacy, and video/telehealth therapy and support groups.

October 2020 is more than just another month working from home. It’s an opportunity to join the movement to end domestic violence. It’s a time to speak out, stand up, and break the cycle. Join us as we empower survivors and raise awareness.   

Here are ways you can help:  

• Continue your generous donations. From handmade self-care bags filled with bath bombs and face masks to monetary donations, big and small. Your support and care mean so much to survivors who feel alone in the world.  
• Volunteer. Our volunteers are the backbone of Stand Up Placer. We rely on YOU to support our staff, help survivors, and graciously give your valuable time.  
• Educate yourself and your community. Speak out about domestic violence. Share the signs of domestic violence with your friends and coworkers, and post on social media. Your voice makes a difference. Together we can continue to raise awareness, support survivors, and advocate for a world free from violence. It starts with us.
• Share Stand Up Placer resources with friends, family, and your community. Access our resource flyers and service information at www.standupplacer.org.
• Participate in "Wear Purple Day," Thursday, October 22; our upcoming virtual conference; and other Domestic Violence Awareness Month events.

Your generosity as a community has been monumental in supporting survivors, advocates, and our agency. Thank you for standing up with us this October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Help Us Celebrate Halloween!

Help us fill bags for our drive-through Halloween this year. We’ll be handing out candy, stickers, and family activities for the survivors. 

We are looking for donations of:

• Candy
• Plastic baggies
• Small decorations
• Pumpkins
• Activities such as scavenger hunts, coloring books, stickers
• Non-food treats (glow lights, stamps, crayons)
• Costumes
• Masks (Halloween theme) 

If you are interested in donating please contact Jessica Gebhard, [email protected] or Tabitha Leeds, [email protected] by email or by phone 530-823-6224. We will need donations by Tuesday, October 20th. Thank you for your generosity.

The Holiday Season Is (Almost) Upon Us

This year we will be hosting our popular Holiday Shop, where survivors can personally pick holiday gifts for themselves and their family members

If you would like to help stock the shelves with a gift for a survivor and their family, please contact Jessica Gebhard at 530-823-6224 or [email protected].

Donate Today

Stand Up Placer | Crisis Line: 800-757-5352 | www.standupplacer.org