Intimate partner violence prevention has been part of my life and work for more than 25 years, and, sadly, it is also personal to me.

In college at Mizzou, I became a peer rape counselor and worked with both the Greek community and the Women’s Center to support survivors and raise awareness. After graduation, I served through AmeriCorps at a legal aid organization, where I conducted research for the Lasting Solutions unit and helped raise funds to support women experiencing intimate partner violence. I later worked as a court advocate with Legal Advocates for Abused Women, managing the St. Louis County Order of Protection Program and helping survivors navigate the legal system during some of the most frightening and vulnerable moments of their lives.

I have watched close friends and family members experience intimate partner violence. This issue is not abstract to me. I know how hard it can be to leave, how many barriers survivors face, and how important it is to have someone say, “I believe you. You deserve to be safe. We are here to help.”

Here in the DC region, domestic violence affects thousands of people every year. DC SAFE reports more than 32,000 domestic violence-related police calls annually, and survivors often face enormous barriers to finding safety, stable housing, legal assistance, and trauma-informed care.

That is why, from September 14–18, I will join other Junior League of Washington members in wearing the same black dress or outfit for five days as part of the Little Black Dress Initiative. We are raising awareness and funds for JLW’s Community Assistance Fund Grants, which provide up to $5,000 to local nonprofits helping survivors meet urgent needs.

I set my personal fundraising goal high—$5,000—because reaching it could fund one full Community Assistance Fund Grant for an organization serving survivors right here in our community. Every gift matters, no matter the amount, and each one brings us closer to providing that meaningful, practical support.

Together, JLW members hope to raise $40,000, enough to fund eight grants! I hope you will consider supporting this campaign and helping more survivors find safety, support, and a path forward.

Please visit our website to learn more about JLW, the Little Black Dress Initiative, and our Community Assistance Fund Grants.