Social Good

My Give Back Birthday to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Jillian's Give Back Birthday

Happy birthday to me! Well, almost… For my 27th birthday, I’ve decided that the best gift I could receive is my friends, family and readers coming together for a cause I am incredibly passionate about. This year, I want nothing more than to come together and give back to my two favorite domestic violence and sexual assault organizations: Women in Distress of Broward County and Houston Area Women’s Center. I’d love to raise $1,027 by my birthday, September 4th (a.k.a. Bey Day). I’d love for you to consider donating here on my YouCaring fundraiser page.  

Why Domestic Violence?

If you know me personally, you know that I advocate for a lot of causes but this one is one I’ll always fight for day in and day out. No matter what the extent, each case carries the same heartache and hardships. No matter who you are, I’m almost certain that you can name at least one person who has been affected by domestic violence.

The next time you’re in a room with 6 people, think about this statement from NOMORE.org:

  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.
  • 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.
  • 1 in 5 women are survivors of rape.
  • 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lives.
  • 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18.

Why Two Charities?

I wanted to benefit an organization that I continue to care for from nearly 1,000 miles away. I’ve seen the impact Women in Distress makes in the lives of women and children first hand, so even from afar I know this is a worthy organization. Secondly, I want to give back to the women in my community by connecting with Houston Area Women’s Center. This organization’s presence in Houston has blown me away and they are so committed to their service.

Why Give?

Call it one too many Brene Brown books or one blogger swag bag too many, but I do not need more material items at this time in my life. I love giving heartfelt gifts to my friends and watching their faces light us, but the one thing that will make me and so many others light up in just the same way is a gift that will make a difference and live past my closet or nightstand. Your contribution will be put into education, advocacy and SAFETY. The safety to live free, comfortable, happy and unharmed is a right we all deserve. Here’s your opportunity to help someone achieved that.

Women in Distress of Broward County is an non-profit I was involved in while living in Florida with a mission to stop domestic violence abuse  through intervention, education and advocacy. The organization has a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter program, individual counseling, support groups and professional trainings, which are aimed at educating the community on domestic violence.

For over 35 years, the Houston Area Women’s Center has worked relentlessly to help survivors affected by domestic and sexual violence build lives free from the effects of violence. They provide shelter, counseling and advocacy to support victims in building lives free from the effects of violence.

If you’re at all confused about the need for domestic violence and sexual assault services, I urge you to check out this TED Talk. Woman are often questions and berated for “staying” in dangerous relationship. While it may be difficult to understand why this happens, Leslie Morgan Steiner gives great background to help us understand the mind of a survivor during the time of her abuse.

Thank you for being you, for coming to this support page and for considering donating to worthy causes that will leave a positive mark on the lives of women (children and men, too!) who were once branded by pain, fear and unworthiness!

New posts are coming up on the blog this week, but until then I’ve linked the look in this photo!

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