A big shout out to Eaton for collecting “comfort care” blankets for the children who receive services at the agency.

Accepting the blankets for the agency is Alison Romagnoli, Beyond Abuse’s Director Finance.

Citizens of Laurens County came out in full force to support an awareness event held in honor of Brantley Smith, a 2 year old who recently passed away as a result of physical and sexual abuse.  Beyond Abuse was one of many agencies on hand to increase awareness of child abuse and the services offered to victims.

pictured below:  Melissa Macias, Education Specialist and Deanna Kelly, Family Advocate

Quarterly staff meetings include “Self Care” activities as a way for employees  to decrease stress, increase relaxation and deal with challenging emotional situations that they face in their day to day work environment.   June’s staff meeting was led by Bess Park who gave an overview of the benefit of Yoga for Sexual Trauma victims as well as self care.  The lecture was followed by an interactive demonstration.   A big THANK YOU to Bess for such an informative meeting!!

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Beyond Abuse staff wore denim in support of Denim Day as a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Denim Day is a campaign aimed at protesting flawed and biased attitudes concerning sexual violence. It was launched after the enrage that ensued an overturned rape conviction in Italy due to the justices’ claim that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the perpetrator remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. We at Beyond Abuse also stand in solidarity with all sexual assault victims.