Bystander Engagement

So much has changed at One SAFE Place, but one thing that remains unwavering is our commitment to provide safety, healing and hope to people traumatized by abuse. Last month I shared a lot of positive news and numbers around all the great things that we achieved through your support of One SAFE Place in the last year. This month, I want to share more news on activities coming up in April that will help us achieve even greater things going forward.

April marks “Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” a national campaign where we raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent it. First, the Women’s Fund is hosting an upcoming forum on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault on April 2nd , at 12 noon at the Redding Library. This will be a time to hear more about the issues and learn how you can make a difference by understanding BYSTANDER ENGAGEMENT. Nationally recognized expert, Alan Berkowitz will speak about how Bystander Engagement can help our community reduce abuse. Later that evening, you won’t want to miss our “Take Back the Night” candlelight vigil, 5:30 p.m. at the Atrium in downtown Redding.

Accompanying our theme of BYSTANDER ENGAGEMENT, we’ll be launching a media campaign engaging our community in the National “No More” campaign. Look for the “No More” PSA’s, posters and other materials that you can share with others.

A special thanks to all the courageous people who will be joining our “Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes” and “Pizza and Pumps” event on May 10th. Because the vast majority of abuse victims are women, this is a “walk-a-thon” event focused on bringing men and their families together to honor the women in their lives and show others their willingness to “step into their shoes” as they walk a mile in high heels. Following the walk, we’ll have food, music and other family activities like bounce houses and games. You can register on our website. Please come and join us.

In conclusion, I want to take a minute to thank all of our dedicated staff who hear such tragic stories each and every day and who work so hard to turn those tragedies into triumphs. They couldn’t do it without your support and encouragement. So, a heartfelt THANK YOU to the dedicated staff who make a difference everyday for victims of family violence.

Warm regards, 

Jean King
Executive Director