Economic Abuse and Kasia's Cause.

A story on the Miami Herald's Friday Business Report tells us that domestic violence shelters in South Florida have been seeing increases for emergency services of up to almost 40% in the last year. It's a tragic situation, one that is apparently being fueled by what is being called "economic abuse," a term used to describe domestic violence situations in which abusers withhold money from their victims in order to force them to stay with them. It's a common scenario - a woman (or man, although this is a rarer case) is dependent of someone who begins to abuse them and they have few resources at their disposal. Some of these people are illegal in the country and fear being deported. Many of these women also have children or end up pregnant which makes it especially difficult to leave their abusers. It's a sad state of affairs, and these shelters are in need of your help. You can hear more about it on the Herald's site.

Coincidentally, I ran in to this organization recently that is being proactive in helping our South Florida shelters and are even having a fundraiser this Wednesday!

It's unfortunate that I found out about this so late, but figured i'd share this final event with you all. An organization by the name of Kasia's Cause has been holding a fundraiser this month to help out Women In Distress of Broward County, a domestic violence shelter. They had participating spas and salons sell gift certificates from which a percentage would benefit the shelter, as well as a day where a percentage of gross sales at these establishments also went to the shelter. Although the main fundraiser is over, they are still selling gift certificates on their site which will benefit the shelter. Also, this Wednesday they're having an end of fundraiser event, a little party to celebrate all the good that was done (as well as acting as a final fundraiser in and of itself.) There's a $10 suggested donation and there will be complimentary cocktails as well as a silent auction. The party starts at 6:30pm at the The Bar at Level 25 in Brickell. Check the flyer for more details and make it out for this wonderful cause! Always be the change you wish to see in the world, even if you don't have much time to donate, maybe you can give an online donation (and vice versa: if you have time but no money, please donate that as it is just as valuable!)