Stomp Out Domestic Violence- come to the event and see Project Safe launch the new teen texting line initiative, Breaking Silence!

Seven teams representing the Athens-Clarke County community will stomp the stage in a step competition on December 2 at the Classic Center. Project Safe will host its second annual Stomp Out Domestic Violence to raise funds to help end domestic violence in Athens-Clarke County and surrounding areas.

 At the event, Project Safe will launch its newest initiative, Breaking Silence. This initiative aims to educate teens about the signs of teen dating violence and promote healthy dating relationships among local teens.

 The Stomp Out Domestic Violence audience will be a part of the launch of Breaking Silence, a texting hotline for teens experiencing dating violence.

 “Young women age 16-24 experience intimate partner violence at rates three times the national average.  We created the texting line to make it easier for people to access information, resources and help,” says Joan Prittie, Project Safe’s Executive Director.

 Step teams include UGA’s School of Social Work, the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse, the Junior League of Athens, the Dental Divas, the Daily Groceries Co-op, UGA’s Karate Club, and a team composed of Project Safe’s very own. These groups have been practicing their performances and garnering support from friends, families and coworkers who can vote online by donating $1 per vote to the team of their choice. At the event, audience members will be able to vote via credit card on Project Safe’s website, www.project-safe.org, at a machine in the lobby during the intermission, or by cash or check.

 Tickets are available at the Classic Center Ticket Box. For more information about Stomp Out Domestic Violence, Project Safe or Breaking Silence, visit www.project-safe.org.

 “Stomp Out Domestic Violence brings people together from all segments of our community--as teams in the competition and as audience members cheering on their favorites--all around the issue of domestic violence,” says Joan.  “It's exciting and fun to see people so engaged, and the funds raised are crucial to Project Safe's services.”