Saving Grace calls on community to support survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- One in three women and 1 in 4 men face domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) in their lifetimes.

“Those startling statistics underscore the importance of community involvement to change the narrative around violence in our community through education, awareness, and support,” says Abby Rowland, executive director of Saving Grace, Central Oregon’s sole provider of comprehensive services for survivors, offering a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling and community education.

This October, Saving Grace participates in the nationally recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and supporting survivors.

Saving Grace is asking community members to wear purple ribbons to show support, along with hosting a series of local events alongside partnered businesses throughout the month, culminating in an exciting online raffle featuring incredible prize donated by area businesses.

Online Raffle Prize:

• Indoor Winter Fun Package: Valued at over $1,000, get ready for some winter fun – indoors, with this package featuring gift cards, products, and experiences from a variety of local businesses including Pickleball Zone, Mountain Burger, Roundabout Books, Bevel Craft Brewing, Spider City Brewing and Mountain Air! Tickets are 1 for $20, or 6 for $100!

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase starting Oct. 1. To see more info on events and resources visit: www.saving-grace.org/dvam.

Upcoming DVAM Events Include:

• Desperado Boutique First Friday Art Walk – October 4^th 6-9 PM – art, music & shopping for a cause
• Nancy P's Art Show – Saturday, October 5^th 10 AM – 2 PM – an art-filled day to support our mission
• Not’cho Grandma’s Bingo at Silver Moon Brewing with The YOUNI Movement – Sunday, October 6^th 9 AM – Noon – a fun, interactive bingo experience in support of Saving Grace
• Bingo With Bren at Bevel Craft Brewing – Monday, October 7^th, 14^th, 21^st 6 – 8 PM – a night of bingo fun & fundraising
• Pint Night at Craft Kitchen and Brewery – Friday, October 18^th 4 – 7 PM – proceeds from pints sold benefit Saving Grace
• Bingo at Deschutes Brewery Taproom – Thursday, October 24^th 6 – 8 PM - a night of bingo fun & fundraising
• Pint Night at Spider City Brewing – Sunday, October 27^th – grab a pint and support Saving Grace!
• Give Back Day at Mountain Burger – Wednesday, October 30^th All Day! – enjoy a meal with a portion of proceeds benefiting Saving Grace
• Flights Wine Bar – ALL MONTH LONG proceeds from any sale of “Ancient Cellars ‘Mirror Pond’ Pinot Noir 2015 from Willamette Valley will go to Saving Grace

These events, along with the recently launched Violence Prevention Partner Program in conjunction with local bars/restaurants, are an opportunity for the community to get involved and support survivors. Want to do even more? Fall volunteer training starts on October 1^st! Visit www.saving-grace.org/volunteer or email jenna.m@saving-grace.org to find out more!

About Saving Grace: Saving Grace offers safety, hope, and healing to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking and engages Central Oregon to build life free from violence. Survivors have access to our 24-hour helpline, free and confidential counseling services, legal and court advocacy, shelter, safety planning, and more. Saving Grace’s 24-hour helpline is available at 541-389-7021. If you or someone you know needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.