OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — It's a problem that can sometimes remain silent, with victims not knowing where to turn.
Tammy Holwick, a survivor of domestic violence, says that victims don't always know how or where to find resources to help them out of an unhealthy situation.
Now, she volunteers at Safehome, a shelter that helped her escape the violence.
"I thought I would be giving to it, but I get just as much out of it as I give to it," Holwick said.
As a survivor, she is working to spread the message about a new campaign called iCare.
"We really wanted to bring the issue of domestic violence out from behind closed doors," said Megan McGee, community awareness coordinator for Safehome.
The nonprofit is hoping to connect with businesses, schools and organizations to help raise awareness and money for domestic violence victims. As part of the program, two stickers will be available to wear in October.
The first one says, "Ask me why iCare.” By wearing the sticker, people can educate others on domestic violence and the mission of Safehome, McGee said.
The second is a black sticker meant to be worn under a person’s eye. The campaign will ask people to wear the sticker on Oct. 30 as a symbolic meaning.
"We know that to some folks that can be very extreme, very in your face,” McGee said. “But that is what domestic violence is.”
One group already supporting the organization is the Overland Park Police Department.
"We see it in Overland Park everyday," police spokesman Officer John Lacy said.
Lacy said the department joined the campaign to help domestic abuse victims and make them aware of resources available to them.
"We are also going to tell the victims, hey, there is a safe place to go to. Safehome is a place or is a resource they will want to look into," Lacy said.
Though the campaign is still months away, organizers at Safehome want to get people on board now to help save lives.
To learn how you can get involved, click here.
