Dear Friend,

If you follow our social media accounts or the local news, you’ve likely read about the recent rise in domestic violence homicides in the Toledo area. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to those who were close to the victims. We will not forget your loved one or what happened to her.

The extreme level of violence we have borne witness to over the last several months has been devastating. As a community member, you may be wondering what can I DO to make a difference? In fact, with no actions to take, it is all too easy to go through a cycle of outrage, overwhelm, then numbness. While there is no magic button that will make domestic violence disappear or bring these women back, our united efforts can create lasting change for the survivors of domestic violence in our community. 

Here are three actions you can take right now:

1. Read our Statement on the Upsurge of Domestic Violence Femicides and follow up with a call or email to your elected state officials. 
2. Listen to and believe the survivors in your life. Be ready to connect them to resources if they ask for help. Here’s a great resource for learning how to support the survivors of domestic violence in your life.  
3. Donate to an agency that supports survivors of domestic violence. Choose an organization you love (even if it’s not us!) and give as generously as you can. Some good news to share is we are halfway to our current goal to raise $35,000 by the end of April.