Victims' Voices:

Empowering Victims of Relationship Violence

I have learned in life that heroes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. I've yet to meet one that wears a cape, has a magic wand or owns a golden lasso. But I have been honored to get to know a variety of people who reach out to others when it seems their entire world is crumbling, who rise above extraordinary circumstances to stand stronger and accomplish more than even they themselves thought possible. At the "Kids are OUR Business" breakfast, a major fundraiser for the Fargo Moorhead Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, I was honored to watch a beautiful young woman become a hero to many. She has been a hero to me since the day we met. Her name is Kaylee. I met her last year as she competed for the title of Miss Teen North Dakota International 2008 and then had the joy of getting to know her even better as she came back this year and tried again placing 3rd runner up and taking the interview award. She is 15 years old and a rape survivor. On April 29, she shared her story o...

With Greg, the executive director of the RACC On April 16 I had the opportunity to speak at the Fargo Moorhead Rape and Abuse Crisis Center Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. It was an opportunity to thank the NUMEROUS volunteers for all the hard work they do to help the victims of Rape and Abuse. The evening was and emotional but empowering evening for me. Sharing my poetry was difficult but actually speaking about my experiences was even more difficult than I imagined. I was under the impression that the past year was all about helping others but have found that I have grown far more than I could possible imagine as I have taken strides in speaking out about my own experience. For that I have Greg, Lynn, Nancy and so many others at the RACC to thank. I did not have the benefit of a Rape and Abuse Center when my wounds were fresh but their help and support has been invaluable despite the years past. I hope the volunteers were able to hear some of the gratitude that I and so many others ha...

I received the following email from Safe Horizon and felt it should be passed along. If you can please help. The scarf is especially beautiful! For many of us, thoughts of our childhood evoke warm memories of our mothers holding our hand, rocking us to sleep, reading us a story, and other comforting moments. Imagine a much different childhood. Each day, you fear for your mother’s life. You hope and pray each day that she doesn’t get hurt again or worse, end up getting killed. This is what 10 million children in this country are exposed to each year. Safe Horizon wants to change the situation for these mothers who deserve a second chance. Safe Horizon directly helps domestic violence survivors by providing a safe haven and the path to leading a new life for themselves and their children. Each year we help over 350,000 victims of crime and abuse recover and find a safe way to live. In honor of your mom this Mother’s Day, help give hope to mothers who want to protect their children and g...