Fayette Cares staff and volunteers are preparing for the Do You Purple? fashion show. This free inaugural event empowers survivors of domestic violence to model purple fashions raising community aWearness about the complexities of abusive relationships and the need for victim services. The event is open to the public and will be held at Fayette Cares on Friday October 27th at 7 pm.
“Imagine having to lie in bed next to the person who once held you at gunpoint threatening to shoot you and have your child clean up the mess,” says Fayette Cares Victim Advocate and survivor of domestic violence Amy Johnson. Amy doesn’t have to imagine it because she lived it. Her ex-husband began abusing her when she was a teenager and became increasingly violent over the years. She was chocked, beaten from head to toe, and threatened in countless ways. These are only a few of the horrors she endured.
Amy thought there was no possible escape until she met a Victim Advocate in court. The advocate told her about shelter services that would help her find safety. From that moment Amy’s life began to change. She was able to rebuild her sense of worth and security. She started to work, regained custody of her son, and developed skills to overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
She not only escaped, she broke the cycle of violence and never again experienced an abusive relationship. Once covered in purple bruises, she now uses her personal experience to serve as a Fayette Cares Advocate helping others break the cycle and escape abuse. Amy is a testament to the importance of supporting life-changing programs like Fayette Cares.
Amy and her colleagues Carmelle McKinzie and Melody Blakemore developed the Do You Purple? fashion show for survivors. Special donors have generously contributed purple fashions and accessories, including Kindred Spirit Style and The Perfect Fit boutique. Amy will be modeling purple fashions at the event along with other survivors who hope to help victims access Fayette Cares services that create safety and stability.
To learn more about domestic violence intervention services email Advocate@FayetteCares.org or call (901) 465-3802 x 225. 
