Purple Ribbon Awareness Auction

On October 29th, beginning at 7:30pm EST, I'll be hosting an Awareness Auction for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It's being called the Purple Ribbon Awareness Auction and I've gotten some really great items from wonderful sponsors, that will be auctioned off for donations to be put toward helping victims of domestic violence. The Auction will be begin on October 29 and will continue on for 24-48 hours. The length depends on the turn out. Some of the items being auctioned off will be Jewelry, New Kids Toys, Hand-Made Purple Ribbon Art, Woman's Trench-Coat, plus more! All money raised during the auction will be donated to help Domestic Violence Services in Buncombe County, NC. Helpmate is a domestic violence help center and shelter located in Asheville NC and has been helping the victims of Buncombe County for over 30 years. They have sheltered and assisted many women and children who were being abused by a loved one. Helpmate is my chosen non-profit to help out this year. I personally know how hard it can be to get out of a troubling situation of that sort and that's the exact reason why I'm holding this auction - To do my part in helping to Stop Domestic Violence and Spread the much needed Awareness!

To get a sneak peak of what's to come during the Purple Ribbon Awareness Auction, I hope you will attend the Purple Ribbon Awareness Twitter Party on October 23 at 8pm EST. During the party, participants will get the chance to win a few small prizes to help stir up excitement for the auction. There will be trivia questions and possibly even a small scavenger hunt. I'll also be sharing tips and information about Domestic Violence as well as how and where you can find help if you ever happen to find yourself or a loved one in trouble. As mentioned, I myself am a Domestic Violence Survivor and know how the smallest amount abuse can cause lasting effects which has the ability change you, as a person, as well as the way you view life. During the Twitter Party I'll share a few details of my story and give some insights of what to expect during the Awareness Auction on 10/29. By attending the Party and Auction, you will not only be helping out and supporting a great cause but you can also do some early Holiday shopping as well! They'll be items for children as well as adults and Don't forget that ALL PROCEEDS GO TO HELPING TO STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, Every dime :)

Strength comes in numbers and I am only 1!

If we all come together, learn our options, get to know ourselves and each other while standing strong together as ONE... We can spark a change! I'm not just talking about women and children being the victims... Men can be used and abused just as easily as women can, it just don't happen as often so it's less talked about.

Domestic Abuse is similar to being a huge purple elephant in the middle of a crowed room while no one is brave enough to ask questions! This year - these purple elephants are going to be heard!

Among the prizes available are: One-of-a-kind Hand-Made Awareness Art, A Children's Book, DVDs and more. 
keep up with all of the activities during the Twitter party, Follow the username @AutoFaerie and the hastag #PurpleRibbonAwareness

Break the Silence - A Survivor's Story

My #PurpleRibbonAwareness Auction will go live on October 29, 2013 at 7:30pm EST on the Facebook page - The Realm of Freebies Deals and Fun
All proceeds will go toward Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina.
$4 shipping to US Only - Larger purchases may require a higher shipping cost.

I am a Survivor of Domestic Violence and this is my story...

Written By Danielle the Survivor

I left with my two young children (4 year old son and 4 month old daughter) from our abuser. I was with him since high school, for 9 years. We had our on and off periods, but stayed together for the last 5 years consecutively. The verbal and emotional abuse was ALWAYS there. But the physical started to show when I was just 8 months pregnant with our son. He slapped me. When our son was just over a year, he again got violent and treated me like a rag-doll.. in front of our son.. Common sense said to not fight back, play opossum so he would stop.. eventually he did. He was much larger than me. I was only 140lb at this time with him being around 300lb... Twice my size. There were a few other times that I was hit in the process that were claimed to be "accidents" but now I am not so sure... He was notorious for forcefully pushing his forward into mine, making me step backwards and yelling at me. It actually hurt. But their were other incidences that I cannot even remember.. one being in front of my parents where he pushed me into a wall... But the latest.. was just 3 weeks ago.. Started over nothing really. A bunch of BS. a pack of cigarettes. (for him, i quit smoking almost a year ago when i found out i was pregnant with my daughter who is 4 mo old now) After a loud verbal argument, he pushed me.. I pushed him back.. He grabbed me by my neck and pushed me to the wall. I got back up and he turned around as if to come back at me, and I went berserk. I started hitting him (but he was facing away from me) on the sides. Not hurting him.. I couldn't have. I have never been in a fight in my life.. I've never had to hit anyone.. I have always talked my way out of a situation. All I knew was I was upset BOTH of my children (my daughter being so young, and son witnessing so many times) watched this transpire and I was D.O.N.E. I called the police.. After I got off the phone with them and he found out they were coming he hit himself on the face, blacking his eye.. Blaming me.. He also stood over-top of my 4 year old son saying " Your Mommy is putting me in jail. You remember that. Mommy put me in jail." and then proceeded to call him " Mommy's little bastard " and "Mommy's little prick". The police arrived and separated us.. Each took our statements. He was arrested. They took pictures of a red mark/scratch on my neck. 

He post bail with the restrictions of No Contact or could return to our residence until after his court date Oct 1. (Which I moved out on Sept 30) and I have no idea what the result of his arraignment was. But I filed my EPO on Sept 25 (10 days after the incident..)

Many emotional roller coasters were ridden while he was in jail, and a lot of thinking was done.. I spoke with my mother who is also a survivor of domestic violence she has been my biggest support in all of this. I made the decision to leave and never look back. I do not regret it.. I instantly felt better. But the mental stress was still there and I had not realized it.. As I was moving out and smiling, I had a sore throat.. Within the next 24 hours I was extremely sick with an Upper Respiratory Infection and have developed Laryngitis. I have lost my voice.. Still no voice and struggling (Hard to live with 2 kids with no voice!) But I feel better.. About all the situation.. I have an EPO filed against him and have court on the 9th.. But I was just served yesterday with an EPO he filed against me.. FULL OF LIES!!!!! 

I was a Stay At Home Mom for the last 5 years. I am only 23 years old. I completed One Semester of College and have almost 5k in debt because of it. I do not have my license. I have 2 small children depending on me. It is very disheartening.. but I continue for my children. I continue on because I know there is more to Life than what I have been living. I continue on because of the feeling of inner peace I felt overcome me when I made my decision. 

I am a Survivor!

If you are in trouble and need help getting away from your abuser,
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

California modified the Three Strikes Law & Domestic Violence Victims are Suffering!

California recently modified Proposition 36

also known as the Three Strikes Law

Learn more below about how these changes to the law have affected Domestic Violence Victims in California and if you agree with what the following petition stands for then please add your signature below and show your support for each and every Domestic Violence Victim that is suffering in this crazy world that we live in!

(I am not a resident of California nor have I ever visited the state. I'm supporting this petition in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the many victims that can't or don't know how to get the help that is available to them.)

Recently, California modified Proposition 36 or the Three Strikes law. Originally, the law stated that after committing three felonies a person could automatically be sentenced to a term of 25 years to life. Though a good law, it was flawed, in that it could treat small time felons as big time criminals. In order to make the Three Strikes law fair, legislators changed it so that a convicted felon could only get life in prison after committing three “serious or violent crimes.” The problem is that domestic violence is not on the list of serious or violent crimes. Sooo.... It's not okay to beat a stranger, but it is okay to beat your family!? 

Are you serious?

Review the Petition Below:

View the full petition

Domestic Violence Awareness - Speak Up - Guest Post

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month I've partnered up with Erin at 3SonsHaveI and have changed the focus of our blogs to help spread awareness for a very important cause, Domestic Violence Awareness! Erin was kind enough to share with us some information that may help someone get the help that they need. I hope you enjoy her guest post.

It is always hard for me to share these-but I saw this and had to! How could I not share?

This song and slideshow speaks the truth. You can see it in their eyes. Those were my eyes once and situations may change, but the horrible memories never go away...

You talk to your kids about drugs, sex and school - Have you talked to them about Domestic Violence? Odds are someone you & your kids know needs your help...

If you ever suspect anyone may need your help, speak up! Don't turn your back. I remember all those that turned their backs on me. I can't ever forget that. And I hold very close those who did and still do remind me they care...

The statistics for men who are abused are within 10% of women statistics. Educate yourself-hear the messages Amber and myself ( http://www.3sonshavei.com/ ) are telling you this month as our Blogs switch focus to Domestic Violence Awareness Month of October. Learn to see the signs, keep your eyes open to both Men & Women you know. You may get pushed away, you may feel like you are not being listened to, but you are heard! I can tell you from my own experience I heard every kind word, but my walls were built too high. It takes constant reassurance and words from friends to slowly chip the wall away. One day it will come down for them...just make sure it comes down because people cared, not because their life ended!

"It's hard to confront a man who is abusing his wife, but not nearly as hard as being his wife!"

What did you think about the video?

If you would like to Donate to the Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign on My Kind Of Introduction, Use the button below! All collections will be used to benefit Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated!

Helpmate - Domestic Violence Help Center & Shelter in Asheville, NC

During the month of October, I've chosen a local Domestic Violence Help Center and Shelter to collect donations for, Helpmate is located in Asheville, NC and help many women and children into a safer enviorment as well as helping them with every day needs that many of us may take advange of. I've posted the contact informtion for Helpmate below as well as their donations Wish List. I'll be collecting these items throughout the month of October and if you would like to help out in any way, email me at AutoFaerie@gmail.com

Domestic Violence Help Center & Shelter

Located in Asheville, NC

828-254-0516

www.helpmateonline.org

Wish List

ONGOING CLIENT AND SHELTER NEEDS:

• Spiral notebooks 
• Pocket size Kleenex 
• Pocket size hand sanitizers 
• Wax ear plugs 
• Tampons 
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste 
• Deodorant 
• Toilet paper and paper towels (continuous need)
• Shampoo and conditioner 
• Forks and spoons 
• T-shirts and pants (all sizes for women) 
• Bath towels
• Bath soap and bodywash
• CD/radio/tape player combo
• Laundry Detergent (High Efficiency only - available in most major brands)
• Baby wipes, baby powder and diaper rash ointment 
• Diapers Sizes 3,4,5,6
• Baby wash and baby shampoo 
• Potty training toilets 
• Garbage Bags
• Stainless steel pots, pans and skillets for the shelter
• Dishwasher Detergent
• Women's new underwear (sizes 5,6,7,8,9)
• School age girl's clothes - pants and tops
• Children's new underwear of all sizes
• Table lamps (appropriate for bedrooms)
• Sleep Wear - flannel pajama bottoms/boxers, oversized t-shirts, sweat pants
• Women's Sweatpants/Sweatshirts (Sizes 6-3x/new and gently used)
• Women's socks (new)
• Crocs and similar shoes (all sizes, gently used and new)
• Gift Cards for Clients (to Target, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Ingles, Old Navy, etc.)
• Portable fans
• Shelf stable food items
• Kitchen staples (coffee, coffee creamer, cooking oil, sugar, aluminum foil etc.)
• Alarm Clocks
• Combination Locks
• Brooms and Mops
• Emergency assistance for heating and other home bills
• Date/appointment books

For more information about donations:

Please contact Ann Flynn, Development Director

at 254-2968 Ext. 11

I'm also collecting Children's Books and School Supplies as well as the items above to donate to Helpmate at the end of October.

If you happen to be interested in Donate to the Domestic Violence Awareness Event on My Kind Of Introduction, Use the button below for monetary donations or Contact me at AutoFaerie@gmail.com for more information about Donations, Becoming a Sponsor, etc. All donations collected will go toward Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated! I will continue to spread awareness throughout the entire month of October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Helping to Turn Victims into Survivors

~ Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~

Helping to turn Victims into Survivors!

No woman, man or child deserves to be abused by someone they love. Having the trust ripped out from underneath you is much worse than you think. It can be life changing and leaves you feeling damaged... The worse part is feeling trapped without any choices. It's a sad place to be and you will gain no good from ignoring your pain and "toughing it out for the kids." That phrase needs to be erased from our vocabulary because truthfully.... What advantages do you think a child receives when they have to deal with violence and abuse at home? Divorce/Separation is always hard at first, for children and parents, but the benefits are much higher and safer than Injury, Depression, Fear, Loss of Self-Confidence and possible Loss of Life...

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and My Kind Of Introduction will be sharing all sorts of information, personal stories, giveaways and so much more throughout the next few weeks. I'll have local information as well as information that will help you no matter where you're at in the world.

I want to start out by sharing a bit of my story.

My name is Autumn and I am a WAHM of 2 daughters, I also have 2 step-sons who don't live with us. I live with my daughters and fiancé in North Carolina and as you know... I run this blog, My Kind Of Introduction, as well as sell Soy Candles and Spa Supplies from SoyL Scents. I'm just like everyone else - I'm a normal girl, living a normal life. I'm also a Domestic Violence Survivor.
My childhood memories are a mix of wonderful moments along with many not so great memories. I've seen a lot of things that a young girl shouldn't of had to witness and my little brothers have too. I've gave my brothers comfort when the yelling got too bad in the rest of house. I've ran away, just to climb back in through my bedroom window. I watched my mom  get abused for years, I've been abused myself (Physically and Emotionally) . But I don't let all of that bring me down. You have to think on the bright side... I got out of the abusive home many years ago and  my mom is no longer married to the man who hurt us. It may have taken us some time and alot of strength, but we did it.
There is HOPE out there!!

If you or someone you know is being abused, get help NOW! The situation will only get worse with time and you never know what day will be too late. 

During the month of October, I've chosen to help out a local Domestic Violence Help Center and Shelter in Asheville NC called Helpmate. They are located in downtown Asheville and have helped many women and children throughout their time of operation. Helpmate has a Wish List on their website full of many items that are needed for them to continue helping all of their clients who are in need. I've decided to host a few donation drives, in hopes to collect some of the supplies that are needed.

Some examples of the items that I'm collecting this month are:

• Book Donation: Used/New Children Books, School and Office Supplies (paper, notebooks, small calendars, crayons, pens, pencils)

• Clothes Donation: New or Slightly Used Winter Clothes and shoes for kids of all ages (Newborn - Teenager) & Adult Women Clothes in all sizes. - New Socks and Underwear for children and adults.

• Household Donation: Kitchen Items (Stainless Steel Pots & pans for the Shelter, Tableware, silverware) Alarm Clocks, CD Player/Radios,  bedding, table lamps, Mops, Brooms, Blankets, other home needs.

• Gift Card Donation: Helpmate also accepts gift cards for stores like Walmart, KMart, BiLo's, Ingles, Old  Navy and other stores where needed items can be purchased. After long thought, I've realized that many people give gift cards during holidays and birthdays and such, but not all of those gift cards are used. Maybe you don't shop at the store that the gift card is from, or you've already purchased what you want from the store and have a balance left over that you would like to donate. You don't have to spend money to do the right thing. Every little bit counts and can help out a family in need. (Gift cards are used to purchase Shoes and Clothing, Food, Household Items, Toiletries etc.)

Other items that are also needed are: Personal bathroom items  such as Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, tampons, toilet paper, etc. Non-perishable Food is always needed as well as Baby Supplies such as Diapers, Baby Wipes, Clothing, Furniture, etc.

I will also be taking Monetary Donations for Domestic Violence Awareness as well and would love your help and support!!
Donate to the cause using the button below or through PayPal with the following email:
(DomesticViolenceAwareness.MKOI@yahoo.com)

All collections will go toward Domestic Violence Services in North Carolina and are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for supporting this cause!

Domestic Violence is a dangerous curse that is poisoning the save haven that we all know as Home. Something has to be done!

If you would like to be a sponsor, donate any items to the cause or have ideas to help out, Send me an email at AutoFaerie@gmail.com. I’ll be collecting donations throughout all of October and can meet up with local contributors. At the end of the month, I will be personally delivering all collected items to Helpmate in Asheville, NC. The Donation Paypal account will continue to stay active, I'll be accepting monetary donations for Helpmate and Domestic Violence Awareness for as long as they are given.

Help me add more Purple Ribbons to the line of popular Awareness Ribbons that are promoted and seen everywhere.