Diane Kylander

Held at Bones Brewery, Saturday March 10^th, 2013, Greg the manager of Bones, went above and beyond hosting the event! His staff was overly accommodating and very well organized, the menu was excellent.

Comedy Tsunami is a talented troupe of stand-up comedians; this 90 minute, PG-13 show at Bones was their premiere in Billings. A special thanks to Jim Heurtas, who not only does stand up for Comedy Tsunami, but also works in Laurel as a police officer, was able to give a very passionate insight to the problems of domestic violence due to his duties and experience as an officer. The comedy troupe exists of fifteen members, all from Montana.

Other entertainment included a sizzling performance from Spiral Skies Belly Dancing Troupe (the premiere performing belly dance troupe in Billings) during dinner and a hot performance from Black Velvet Undercover (a 6 piece classic rock and country band based in Billings).

Spiral Skies Belly Dancing Troupe

A very special “thank you” to our sponsors!  Without you, this event would have never had happened:

• Sanctuary Spa and Salon
• Precision Automotive
• Serena Irene Photography
• Billings Studio Theatre
• Red Lodge
• Scandia
• Archie Cochrane Ford
• Montana’s Rib and Chop House
• DEV 406
• Big Sky Resort
• Gainan’s Flowers

Thank you to everyone that came out and supported this show and gave to the cause. DVAAS purpose is to raise awareness and prevention of domestic violence. Domestic violence can no longer remain silent, if you are in danger, please reach out and ask for help by calling 1-800-799-SAFE(7233). Domestic violence affects everyone.

Thank you,

DVAAS

BILLINGS – A group in Billings wants to send paper cranes to the people in Newtown, Connecticut.
The Japanese paper cranes symbolize peace and good luck.
The Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Society (DVAAS) organized “Words of Hope Cranes.”
Folding cranes to send to Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown provides an opportunity offer support.
“This is something that just affected the nation as a whole,” said Jamie Schoonover of DVAAS.
The idea is to take a piece of paper, fold into a crane and send it off to Newtown.
“We want to be able to put these cranes together and attach prayers and words of hope to the cranes,” Schoonover said.
“We are in this together as a community, as a nation,” said Serena Anderson, a member of DVAAS. “And being able to let those people know that we love them and we care for them and we are feeling their pain.”
DVAAS says the Newtown shootings can be considered Domestic Violence.
“Violence is violence no matter what form it take,” Schoonover said. “And domestic violence, it happens personally to people.”
And so they’ll send messages because they say it helps to know some one cares.
“The crane is all about being free and loving,” Anderson said. “And also we’re incorporating spiritual prayers as well as some uplifting words of hope.”
“Want this to be a memorial, help us in process in the grieving,” Schoonover said.
“Even though we’re not in their community, we’re all the way across the country, that Billings still cares and that we want to inspire and uplift them,” said Anderson.
“We are in this world together and support each other,” said Schoonover.
The DVAAS plans on making between 700 and 1,000 cranes.

BILLINGS – A student organization at MSU-Billings is practicing their origami skills to comfort children they may never meet.
Multimedia

The Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Society is making paper cranes to send to the children and families of Sandy Hook. Jamie Schoonover, the president of DVAAS, told us how this organization strives for victims of abuse to turn their life around and grow from their past.

“A victim can become a survivor, and hopefully this event will not define them when they grow older, that this is something they can grow from and turn it into something positive instead of something negative,” said Schoonover.

Positive notes and prayers are written on the paper cranes that will be sent to families in Newtown to comfort them and help them to heal.

1.3 million. That’s how many people become victims of domestic violence every year. A fraction of that happens right here in Billings.That’s where the YWCA comes in.

“We help approximately 600 individuals on a given year,” said Erin Lambert with YWCA Billings. “Last year we sheltered 312 women and children. And we answered 1,400 crisis line calls, so we are helping a ton of people in our community.”

Some victims don’t realize what they’re going through is wrong, allowing the abuse to continue. That was the case for Jamie Schoonover. She was a victim of domestic violence and even ended up in the hospital. She is using her experience and has launched the Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Society at MSUB.

“If I went through this, how many other people are going through what I went through or worse? How many can’t make it out? How many don’t have the support that I had when I did get out?”

Jamie also went through another form of domestic violence, the kind that doesn’t leave any physical evidence.
“The emotional and the mental and the verbal abuse, the ‘you’re stupid, nobody is going to want you,’ that kind of stuff, it really, really hurts.”

The issue of domestic violence has been around for ages and the number of cases that are seen here in Billings remains steady. Leaving the question, what is the solution to this problem?
“We have to start with the kids,” Lambert said. “Intervening in families where this is occurring when kids are still young so it’s not being perpetuated.”

“If we were to boost some of the prevention and awareness, I think we could definitely let the victims know that they don’t have to go back, they don’t have to stay in that situation, that there are ways and places that they can go to get out,” Schoonover added.

BILLINGS – October is domestic violence awareness month and the Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Society (DVAAS) is asking the community to participate in “Running Out of Silence,” a fun run taking place on Saturday to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Jamie Schoonover is the founder of DVAAS and she’s a survivor of domestic violence. She encourages all community members to support the cause.
“I lost my home, I lost everything because of it. Luckily I was strong enough to get out when I did and start my life over again but there’s a lot of people that don’t know and that’s why we’re here, we want to raise that awareness and get people to know where to go.”

The run is affiliated with the YWCA and the Gateway House in Billings. Erin Lambert is the Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Services Program Manager at the Gateway House who talks about what women learn when they come and seek shelter.

“We see it sort of like riding a bicycle, that every time they come here, they are going to learn something about how to keep themselves safe and hopefully build their self esteem. And realize that there’s no excuse for violence and they don’t have to put up with it. And eventually they’ll have enough cumulative knowledge that they’re going to be able to leave that relationship for good. And, break that cycle of violence.”

Lambert says the Gateway House is welcome to anyone facing domestic abuse.
“We really want to help them build their tool kit. As far as learning how to use public transportation if they don’t have a vehicle, learning how to get an apartment and how to apply for a job, so they can have those supports in place, so they can live independently, that they don’t need someone else to support them.”
Both women emphasize how important it is to get the word out about domestic abuse. The “Running Out of Silence” fundraiser will also feature a silent auction, face painting for kids, games, and a live band.

Courtesy of kulr-8 – http://www.kulr8.com/news/local/Domestic-Violence-Awareness-172744641.html

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — A new student organization is taking a stand against domestic violence by encouraging others to put their feet to work.

The Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Society, a new student-led organization at Montana State University Billings that also has connections in the community, is sponsoring “Running Out of Silence” on Saturday, Oct. 6 as a way to help build more awareness of the issue. The walk/run will stage at the MSU Billings university campus and is open to everyone. Family-friendly activities and other events begin at 11 a.m. on the lawn just north of McMullen Hall with the walk/run starting at noon.

Music will be provided by the local band “Downtime” and areas will be set up for vendors, face painting for kids and other activities. The walk/run follows a one-mile route around the campus or a four-mile route that will take participants from the university to the YWCA and back.

Registration for the walk/run is $25 for the general public, $15 for college students, $10 for high school-aged students and free for students under the age of high school. Participants will receive a “Running Out of Silence” T-shirt and bracelet. Proceeds will be used to support the efforts of local organizations that offer support and education to victims of domestic violence.

For more information, contact Jamie Schoonover at (406) 591-4085 or go to the website www.DVAAS.org.

There’s a brand new charity in town.  It’s called DVAAS, and it has big plans and even bigger goals.  DVAAS stands for Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Society, and the founder of the MSU-B student organization, Jamie Schoonover, knows first-hand why we need more awareness of domestic violence in our community and more support for victims of the abuse.  Jamie has an amazing story to tell about her own personal journey from victim to advocate.  The incredible thing is that her story isn’t that unusual.  She’s just brave enough to tell it.  Over, and over, and over, hoping that her story can help others.  DVAAS has members and supporters across the community– students, business owners, and everyday individuals (like me!)– who hear Jamie’s story, and many others like it, and want to do something to make a difference.

On Saturday, October 6th, DVAAS is hosting an event called Running Out of Silence on the MSU-B campus.  There will be a fun run, vendors, live music, and tons of other entertainment and activities.  The run will start at noon, with a day full of family-friendly activities to follow.  The cost for the run is $25 for the general public, with discounted rates for students and children.   You’ll also receive an official Running Out of Silence t-shirt and bracelet for your fee.  DVAAS is hoping to raise over $100,000 in their first year, and this event will be the largest part of their fundraising.  That big plan includes hosting this event every year on the first Saturday in October.

This particular cause is one that matters to me, a lot.  I know people directly involved, past and present, in abusive relationships.  I worked in a local courtroom, and I saw firsthand the effect domestic violence has on the abuser, the victims, and the spectators, who are often innocent kids.   I know, after that experience, that we all know someone impacted by domestic violence.  It might be your friend, your neighbor, your relative, or it might be you.

DVAAS’ goal is twofold; to raise awareness of domestic violence in our community, and to assist victims of domestic violence.  In the courtroom, I heard the stories of people (notice I don’t say women, because domestic violence affects both genders) who said that they couldn’t leave the abusive situation.  They had no way out, no money, no place to go, and no way to care for their children alone.  I hope that DVAAS can surpass their goal and help decrease both the abuse and the trap that victims feel caught in.

I hope to help DVAAS shoot past that 100k goal.  Please join me, by spreading the word, making donations, and easiest of all, attending the event on October 6th!

You can find out more information on this event, including how to register, or make a donation at the organization’s website, www.dvaas.org.

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

For far too long, domestic violence was ignored or treated as a private matter where victims were left to suffer in silence without hope of intervention. As we mark the 18th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, authored by Vice President Joe Biden, we reflect on how far we have come. We have made significant progress in changing laws and attitudes, providing support to survivors, and reducing the incidence of domestic violence. But we also know that we have not come far enough, and that there is more work left to be done. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with all those who have been affected by this terrible crime, recognize the individuals and groups who have stepped forward to break the cycle of violence, and recommit to putting an end to domestic violence in America.

Despite considerable progress in reducing domestic violence, an average of three women in the United States lose their lives every day as a result of these unconscionable acts. And while women between the ages of 16 and 24 are among the most vulnerable to intimate partner violence, domestic violence affects people regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or religion. Tragically, without intervention, children exposed to such violence can suffer serious long-term consequences that may include difficulty in school, post-traumatic disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and criminal behavior.

My Administration remains committed to getting victims the help they need, from emergency shelter and legal assistance to transitional housing and services for children. We are also working to stop violence before it starts. Last year, agencies across the Federal Government held town hall meetings nationwide to promote men’s roles in ending violence against women. Through Vice President Biden’s 1is2many initiative, we built on that progress earlier this year by releasing a public service announcement that features professional athletes and other role models speaking out against dating violence. This April, I directed leaders throughout my Administration to increase efforts to prevent and combat domestic violence involving Federal employees and address its effects on the Federal workforce. Since August, the Affordable Care Act has required most insurance plans to make domestic violence screening and counseling available as a preventive service for women — without co-payments, deductibles, or other cost-sharing. And most recently, we developed a new initiative to reduce domestic violence homicides through high risk screening and linking victims with services. Moreover, my Administration looks forward to working with the Congress to strengthen and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.

While government must do its part, all Americans can play a role in ending domestic violence. Each of us can promote healthy relationships, speak out when we see injustice in our communities, stand with survivors we know, and change attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse. We must also ensure that survivors of domestic violence know they are not alone, and that there are resources available to them. I encourage victims, their loved ones, and concerned citizens to learn more by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE, or by visiting www.TheHotline.org.

This month, let us renew our efforts to support victims of domestic violence in their time of greatest need, and to realize an America where no one lives in fear because they feel unsafe in their own home.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2012 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to speak out against domestic violence and support local efforts to assist victims of these crimes in finding the help and healing they need.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

By: Livin Large Larry |
Earlier in the week on the Billings Morning News we talked with Jamie Schoonover about a very important run bringing out the awareness of Domestic Violence. The Running Out Of Silence, run is coming up on October 6th and October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Jamie Schoonover on FM Newsradio 95:
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Did you know that more than one in four women suffer cases or repeated episodes of domestic violence? While women are among the most commonly targeted, men and children are also victimized. Domestic violence alters and destroys the lives of millions each year.

There are ways to combat this and make a difference in the lives of victims.

The Domestic Violence Abuse Awareness Society (DVAAS) is a new student organization on the MSU Billings campus, but beyond being student led, this group has already gained the membership and support of community members, organizations, and businesses throughout the city.

On Saturday, October 6, DVAAS will host “Running Out of Silence” on the MSU Billings main campus. “Running Out of Silence” is a walk/run to raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse, as well as to raise funds to combat this epidemic.

Jamie Schoonover, a student of MSU Billings, is the President and founder of this organization. When Schoonover originally proposed the idea of the walk/run, that is exactly what it was meant to be, but since has expanded exponentially to include vendors, entertainment, and additional activities. With an initial goal of raising $100,000 in this first year, DVAAS is looking forward to what will become an annual event, to be held on the first Saturday of October each year. October is the month for recognizing issues of domestic violence, and has been designated the color purple. As Schoonover has said, “Where a little purple with your pink.”

The money that is raised by DVAAS will benefit local non-profit organization that help domestic violence victims and their families, such as the YWCA and the Gateway House.

The event will begin at 11:00am outside between McMullen Hall and the Student Union Building. “Downtime,” a well-known local Billings band, will perform several times throughout the day for participants and attendees. In addition, numerous local businesses and individuals will have vendor booths both for selling their products, and for providing information. The vendors will be donating proceeds from that day’s sales to DVAAS.

Children’s activities, from photography, to face painting, to plaster masks, and so much more, will be available for the duration of the event. The MSUB Chemistry and Biology Club will also be participating in providing children’s activities. Additional entertainment throughout the day will feature belly dancers, the MSUB Dance Club, and numerous MSUB student performers, to name a few.

The walk/run itself begins at noon, following either a one mile route around the campus, or a four mile route that begins and ends at the Main Campus, passing McFiny*s (one of the event’s sponsors), and reaching the YWCA where information and water will be available. Registration for the walk is $25 for the general public, $15 for College students, $10 for high school aged students, and free for children younger than high school age. Registration fees will include participation in the walk, a “Running Out of Silence” t-shirt and bracelet.

For those interested in volunteering for the event, feel free to contact Schoonover at (406)591-4085.