Micah’s Place Style Show and Luncheon Video Review

Domestic violence shelters are rarely equipped to accept animals, and sadly many victims stay in abusive homes rather than leave a pet behind to face torture or even death.

Osprey Village on Amelia Island was home to the recent Style Show and Luncheon benefiting Micah’s Place, a Certified Domestic Violence Center serving the residents of Nassau County, Florida.

The room was full of women wearing houndstooth, leather, florals, animal prints and a large number of them donned Micah’s signature color, purple. These supporters ventured out on a very cold February day to preview the upcoming spring fashions from Chico’s and the Monkey Barrel, while enjoying a scumptious lunch, and perhaps taking a chance to win one of the great raffle prizes donated by local companies like David’s Restaurant, the Hoyt House and Dome Healing Center.

Micah’s Place Director of Development, Marianna McIntyre introduced the luncheon’s guest speaker, Family Law Attorney Chanda Rogers, an Associate with the Law Office of Valerie C. Faltemier, PLC. The room was attentive as Ms. Rogers spoke about how offenders of domestic violence typically abuse all members of the household, including children and pets. Domestic violence shelters are rarely equipped to accept animals, and sadly many victims stay in abusive homes rather than leave a pet behind to face torture or even death. Micah’s Place is now equipped to handle just about any family pet, so Nassau County victims no longer have to live in fear; they can bring their pet with them when they leave their abuser to start a new life.

Statistics on domestic violence and animal abuse:
-52 percent of victims in shelters leave their pets with their abusers.
(National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

-Up to 65 percent of domestic violence victims are unable to escape their abusers because they are concerned about what will happen to their pets when they leave.
(Carlisle-Frank, Frank and Nielsen, 2004)

-71 percent of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; 32 percent reported their children had hurt or killed animals.
(National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

Here is a short video of the Luncheon and Style Show:

Ms. Rogers described how Micah’s Place offers free legal services to vicitims, both men and women. Abusers are controlling and very often, they control the money, too. Leaving victims without access to the money for legal protection. Events like this luncheon, the Bed and Breakfast Cookie Tour, and the Purple Dove Re-sell Store help raise funds to keep the doors to Micah’s Place open.

When Ms. Rogers finished, lunch was promptly served and fashion models swept the room to show off the latest fashions for women and children.

Expect to see a lot of yellow and aqua shades for kids this spring, while Mom may be found wearing moss, muted animal prints and pale yellow, too. Long scarves and comfortable slacks were flattering and attractive, and my favorite piece was a very feminine, coral leather jacket.

To learn more about Micah’s Place please visit www.MicahsPlace.org.