Dover Grace Alternative Boutique: No More Bullying

Frances Gibson, owner Dover Grace Alternative Boutique (DGA) in Watkinsville, knows all too well the effects of bullying.  As a young girl she was bullied and she vowed as an adult that she would do whatever she could to keep others from suffering as she had.  As recent news reports came to light about teens committing suicide because the pain of being bullied became too great, Frances knew that she wanted to do something to put a face to the pain caused by bullying. 

“Dover Grace Alternative Boutique has made a very important decision. We say we stand against bullying,” said Frances, “Well, we need to step it up, I'm calling ALL girls, and boys who have been bullied to come to DGA and let me take a picture of you. My goal is to put a face to the pain.  I will display each and every face on my wall at DGA.  Together we can make a difference.”  

The first photo on her wall was her own.  As word got out about the project, Frances began to hear from parents of children who had taken their own lives because of being bullied.  

This heartfelt letter came from the mother of Megan Leigh Anderson, who took her own life at the age of 14 –

I just wanted to let you know how thrilled I am to see your Facebook page and the fact you are taking a stand against bullying. We lost our 14 year old daughter April 16, 2012 due to bullying and I strive everyday to get folks to step up and take a stand against this ongoing problem. It is getting worse every day and these kids need to be put in their place. Thank you again!

More Love Less Bullies

R.I.P. Meagan Leigh Anderson

The statistics about bullying are staggering.  

• Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University
• A study in Britain found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying
• 10 to 14 year old girls may be at even higher risk for suicide, according to the study above
• According to statistics reported by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying

To find out more about the DGA’s Stand against Bullying, please contact Frances Gibson at wearedovergrace@gmail.com or 706 705 1455.

Dover Grace Alternative Boutique was launched on September 15, 2012 to be more than just a dress and consignment store.  The store, which expanded after just four months, aims to raise the self-esteem and promote the self-empowerment of all who enter its doors.  

Dover Grace Alternative Boutique is located in the heart of downtown Watkinsville and offers dresses and gowns for all ages and body types.  Recently, DGA has announced its launch of tuxedo rentals to compliment their wedding dress rentals.

For more information please call,  706.705.1455 or email wearedovergrace@gmail.com.