COVE looking for 100 role models

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2012

Contact: Marie Waite LMSW, Executive Director

COVE – Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters

Phone: 231-843-2541 Email: cove_marieed@frontier.com

100 COMMUNITY MEMBERS CAMPAIGN TO END DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

CAN WE COUNT ON YOU?

The word “domestic” in domestic violence may lead communities to believe it is a private matter between two people who live in the same household or who have an intimate relationship. As a result, communities may feel it’s not “their issue,” or one that affects their lives.

On the contrary, domestic violence is not a family matter – It’s a crime.

COVE – Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters is launching a campaign to appeal to 100 positive role models in our community who will stand up and show a commitment to end domestic and sexual violence. Each campaign participant is asked to donate $100, earmarked exclusively to build community awareness and promote prevention through education and the media, and to publish full-page ads in area newspapers featuring all of the 100 Community Members Campaign contributors publically taking a stand against domestic and sexual violence.

Why should our communities care about ending domestic and sexual violence? Unfortunately most everyone is somehow related, either closely or distantly, to an individual or family that has experienced or is affected by domestic and sexual violence in their lifetime. This Campaign gives our community members the opportunity to demonstrate their support and foster safety.

Every year hundreds of families in Mason, Lake and Oceana counties experience domestic abuse and sexual assault. Last year, COVE handled 1,722 calls to its 24-hour crisis line, while 3,585 nights of safe shelter were provided. An additional 32 individuals were provided sexual assault services. Domestic violence against women, children and men remains a pervasive problem in our communities.

To join this effort and show your support to end domestic violence, contact COVE at 231-843-2541 or cove_marieed@frontier.com by Friday, September 14, 2012.