October is most notably known for 3 things: Halloween, National Breast Cancer Awareness month and National Domestic Violence Awareness month – with Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness usually get the most attention. However domestic violence is a severe epidemic in many parts of the world, specifically the United States. According to DomesticViolenceStatistics.org, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women — more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Unfortunately this epidemic has also spread to the youth, where nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup. Perhaps one of the more alarming statistics is that, according to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, on average, more than three women and one man are murdered by their intimate partners in the United States every day. Those are numbers that should horrify anyone. It’s an epidemic that, if not stopped, has grave consequences.
Fortunately there are organizations like the Men and Women United in Justice Education and Reform, or M.U.J.E.R., that have taken it upon themselves to fight this particular fight. Located in Homestead, FL, M.U.J.E.R. provides sexual and domestic violence intervention services as well as community outreach and education. On Saturday, October 5th M.U.J.E.R. is holding a fashion show event at the Miami Science Museum in Coconut Grove from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. This fashion show will feature 11 survivors of domestic violence as models in an effort to show others that speaking up can literally be a matter of life or death sometimes. The female models will be styled by Miami’s own Alma Mei boutique, which prides itself on combining a love for fashion with the love of philanthropy and helping others. The men will be styled by Brickell’s newest addition, OFY Men’s Lifestyle Boutique.
For those that attend there will also be an open bar sponsored by Bacardi and hors d’oeuvres provided by local restaurants. The Catwalk of Courage fashion show will also feature a silent auction. For those wanting to purchase tickets, please CLICK HERE. Can’t make it but would like to donate money? Please CLICK HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page to donate. Remember, there’s no such thing as too small a donation.
For more information please visit CatWalkofCourage.com
Join in on the conversation! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter using the #TheLocalMiami hashtag!