No More

On April 2, One SAFE Place, along with the Women’s Fund, Health and Human Services Agency and the Strengthening Families Coalition, launched an awareness and educational campaign focused on the national “NO MORE” campaign against domestic and sexual abuse. Over 500 citizens of Shasta County attended our presentations that day and agreed to join our campaign.

We are so fortunate to live in a community that really cares about what we do and demonstrates that by listening, giving and volunteering. We have heard a lot lately about all the problems in the Redding and Shasta County area. There is no doubt our community has its share of challenges. So, what are we to do? Well, I think it is time we said, “NO MORE.”

Dr. Alan Berkowitz spoke at the forum about “Bystander Engagement” offering advice on what each community member can do. Simple actions can make a difference. Below are just a few. If you would like more information or to request a presentation, please email me at jeank@ospshasta.org

• If you see a friend with bruises – don’t ignore it. Let them know you’re there for them and can help them get help at One SAFE Place. Do it discretely.
• A fight is going on next door – create a distraction – set off your car alarm. Approach the victim when it is safe or call 911.
• Use your cell phone
• Discourage derogatory comments about women

I agree with Silas Lyons’ editorial in the Record Searchlight on March 29th. It is time for a new vision, a time to look forward - a season of change. If we pull together as a community, I believe we can meet these challenges. Since becoming the Director of One SAFE Place three years ago, it’s been my position that all of us are the solution. No non-profit can do it alone. It has to be all of us coming together as a community.

These are the reasons that the Shasta Women’s Refuge and Family Justice Center merged into One SAFE Place, why we launched an awareness campaign, why we expanded our education program and why we expanded our partnerships. We are stronger together.

We want to do more. The goal is to provide our community with the information and tools they need to help neighbors, friends and family suffering from abuse. When we commit to “NO MORE,” we’re saying we WILL do more. Much as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) began, we urge a grass roots response. We can do better!

As part of the campaign, we now have great tools on our website that help you recognize abuse and learn how to safely intervene. By saying “NO MORE," we’re showing that we’re committed to doing all we can to make our community a better place, a safer place. If you’re like me, ready for a new season of change, please join us in saying, “NO MORE."

Warm regards,

Jean King
Executive Director