Category: Uncategorized

Kena

As I reflect back to that time of my life, feelings of embarrassment, fear and helplessness could not escape me. I became one with these feelings and struggled to find Kena in the sea of these emotions. I went from being a professional athlete to a bruised and empty shell.

The struggle to continuously have a smile for the world while covering my pain and bruises with makeup was a battle I fought everyday. I hated the person I had become. I did not know I was 1 in 4. I felt invisible and became another number to the world.

While plotting my escape, I stayed in my abuse for 6 months more than I should have. If only I had known of Becky’s Fund. Becky’s Fund was the saving grace that I needed and the fresh start I desperately sought for. Becky’s Fund provides survivors with the strength and opportunity to help others find their light and strength to leave.

As a mom to a teenage boy, I am extremely grateful for Becky’s passion and desire to educate young men (through Men Of CODE) on domestic violence and healthy masculinities. It is our responsibility to raise men who respect the voice and integrity of women.

When it’s all been said and done, I AM RESILIENT! I stand taller and stronger than ever. Thanks to Becky’s Fund I am able to be a light for others and THAT feels amazing!

Victoria

I reflect back when I felt vulnerable, trapped and hopeless.

Social Media was starting to become popular and it was helping to feed the ego of this person who did so much wrong. He posted the picture perfect of an untouchable extravagant life that was a lie and it was so powerful that I thought my voice was going to be taken as a joke.

When I finally had the courage to ask for help, Becky’s Fund became my safe haven through which I was able to find myself. The wonderful soul I had once lost. They gave me a hand and a shoulder to cry on when I needed. Becky’s Fund helped me to become the woman who I am today and the role model that I want my future children to aspire to be.

For this, and so much more, I say thank you.

Radiance

At my lowest, feelings of isolation consumed me. I felt inadequate and I had allowed myself to believe that I lacked purpose. The beauty that I am had become invisible to me, and my bruised heart would only allow me to see the scars on my body.

Knowledge is power and Becky’s Fund became the light in my darkest hour. The knowledge given to me at Becky’s Fund empowered me to believe that I am more than a statistic of domestic abuse. Becky’s Fund filled me with hope, love and strength to overcome any obstacle in my life.

I am a survivor. I am a champion of peace. I am a warrior of harmony. I am a beacon of light to those whose flame may seem dim. I am not a statistic. I am a limited edition and I have purpose!

Sebastian

My name is Sebastien Courret and I am a survivor of domestic violence. Domestic violence does not discriminate based on gender, race nor social standing. It can affect anybody and everybody.

Five years ago, I almost lost my life because I asked for a divorce from my ex-husband. Before I passed out he said to me, “If I cannot have you, then no one else will.” He was ready to kill me.

As I lay on the floor broken and beaten, I thought to myself “this could be the last image my parents remember, my dead body lying on the floor.” This incident was not the first, but it was definitely the last. I had once missed the signs as I made excuses for the many times I was striked. No More!

Domestic violence can be prevented, but we all have to put in the work. Tonight, as we commit towards ending domestic violence, I implore you to dig deep and donate towards Becky’s Fund and the Men of CODE program that educates our young men on healthy masculinity and domestic violence.

Thank you!

Lizette

I reflect back to when I believed the stigma that “I had asked for it.” It took me years to be able to look in the mirror and not see the bruises around my next still, or to not characterize that as a self-inflicted wound.

A favorite phrase in my family growing up, “behavior was described as a self-inflicted wound to describe anything that could have been avoided if only it had been thought through more. That night I saw the red flags and had my gut warned me otherwise that I was too weak to extricate myself from the situation in time.

From that moment, I always saw myself as a passive player in this world where things were done to me rather than of my own agency. And I am irrevocably changed as a result of that night. Where I once was spontaneous, I now have the desire to control even the most minor details.

But I am continually striving. Striving to be a better person, to notice those around me who may also be hurting Striving to be more confident in my life and my choices. Striving to remember that this does not define me. When i have flashbacks or nightmares, that is not indicative of weakness.

Becky’s Fund gave me an outlet to realize that while each survivor’s story is different, there are common themes binding us all, and with that realization comes healing.

Jessica

Manipulated, hollow and extinguished. This is how I felt as I endured abuse at the hands of a man who vowed to love and cherish me “for better or worse.” It felt like a dream but, in reality it truly was happening and I did not know how to get out. I kept a perfect appearance to hide what was really going on. On the inside, I felt like I was twisted in knots, lost at where to begin to try and comb it all out.

People often question how and why survivors did not see the signs and leave before it even began. The one thing I can say to this is that the words ‘violent’, ‘abusive’, ‘manipulative’, and the many more used to describe abusers are not written on the forehead of anybody. Especially not the person who claims to love you.

Becky’s Fund fund provided the empathy I desperately search for and needed to get out of the situation and ultimately save myself. The woman that stands before the world today is awakened to her inner ability and strength. She is stronger than ever and values every inch of who she is, flaws and all. Thank you Becky, for giving me the opportunity to see my inner strength in a moment when doubt and fear clouded my judgement and sense of self.

Laura

I reflect to when I constantly felt like I was living a lie. I was keeping a seemingly perfect appearance to hide what was really happening everyday. I was no longer myself. I was hollow and extinguished. It felt as though my thoughts and feelings were tangled up inside of me. The knots were so large I had no idea where to begin to untangle it. Everyday was a survival of a walking nightmare. I never slept because if I did, I was afraid of what I would wake up to. My experience ran through the entire spectrum of abuse – mental, financial, physical and sexual. It wasn’t until I had my daughter that my survival and maternal instincts finally awakened me to what was happening and what I needed to do – get us out and above all, protect her from harm.

*Media Alert*

Becky’s Fund celebrates 10th Anniversary of the
‘Walk This Way’ Charity Fashion Show
D.C.-area pro athletes took to the runway in support of domestic violence prevention

Washington, D.C. (October 13, 2018) — Last night, domestic violence prevention nonprofit Becky’s Fund hosted its 10th annual “Walk This Way” charity fashion show at the historic Uline Arena (1140 3rd Street NE), featuring athletes-turned-models like Washington Redskins stars Josh Norman, Vernon Davis, Kapri Bibbs and Simmie Cobb Jr., D.C. United’s Bill Hamid, Washington Nationals’ Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Spirit’s Joanna Lohman and Estelle Johnson, Washington Mystics’ Tierra Ruffin-Prattand Redskins alum Clinton Portis.

The event – emceed by journalist and activist Noor Tagouri and WJLA’s Adrianna Hopkins, pictured left – featured clothing from menswear brand STITCHED, womenswear boutique d/eleven and jewelry by Mindy Lam, all worn by prominent Washington influencers in addition to the all-star sports lineup as they strut down the runway to beats by DJ two4our.

Walk This Way raised more than $150,000 for “Men of Code,” a program that engages and educates coaches and young male athletes to become leaders and allies in the movement to end violence against women and girls. With the proceeds from this year’s event, Becky’s Fund is able to bring the program to three additional schools in 2019.

The 10th anniversary fashion show brought together the event’s top sponsors including Verizon, Audi, JSON Art, PMSI, Douglas Development, Whitestar Investments and more.

Attendees sipped specialty drinks provided by Breakthru Beverage, Terlato Wines and Peroni and noshed on gourmet food sponsored by Profish, Ivy City Smokehouse and Capital Meat Company, in addition to exquisite bites and desserts prepared on-site by some of D.C.’s most reputable chefs, such as Scott Drewno from RAMMY Restaurant of the Year CHIKO, Maziar Farivar of Peacock Cafe, Jonathan Dearden of Radiator, Jake Addeo of Occidental Grill, Ron Goodman of Ivy City Smokehouse and Philip Thompson of Harth and Rappahannock Oyster Company.

All jewelry worn on the runway was designed by Mindy Lam of Mindy Lam Couture. A survivor herself, Mindy Lam teamed with Becky’s Fund for a Victim to Victor collection raising money and awareness for domestic violence.

ABOUT BECKY’S FUND:
Becky’s Fund is a nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of domestic violence by creating awareness, encouraging advocacy among peers, promoting activism through outreach programs and providing support for victims. www.BeckysFund.org.

PRESS CONTACT:
For all media inquiries, including additional high-res imagery and additional information, please contact Maha Hakki of MoKi Media: maha.hakki@mokimedia.com. 703.973.7075.

Hi! My name is Emmanuella Nyamnjoh. I am from Cameroon and a recent graduate from Ohio University where I received my MA in International Studies with a focus on Africa. Throughout my undergraduate studies, at the University of Cape Town, issues surrounding gender and women empowerment became my passion. Majoring in Gender Studies and Social Development enlightened me and provided a new-found perspective on my identity.

As a woman of color in a society that marginalizes individuals by the color of their skin, I realize that my gender and race place me in a position of double oppression. The same can be said for men of color who constantly have to defend their masculinity and race in every room they walk into. This is one of the reasons why I am interested in the Men of Code program provided by Becky’s Fund which, amongst other things, serves to recreate and empower the masculinity and identity constructions of Black men.

Giving back to the community is important, to me, because this is the only way through which we empower individuals and communities to empower themselves. I am thrilled to intern with Becky’s Fund because of the investment made, through various programs, not only for Black men, but for individuals whose identity is disintegrated by domestic violence. I have so much to learn from this organization and I am eager to do so.

Hello! My name is Kimberly Downs. I live in the Greater Boston area and have travelled to DC to spend my fall semester interning at Becky’s Fund. I am a senior at Endicott College majoring in Marketing Communications and minoring in Graphic Design. At Endicott, I am highly involved in student activities, previously serving as Chair of our Campus Activities Board and co-Founder of the NARAL Pro-Choice chapter at Endicott.

I have been passionate about women’s rights since I began college. When I hear stories of gender inequality and mistreatment around the world, I cannot help but feel my voice can change that. My motivation lies in female reproductive rights and prevention of domestic violence. Living on a college campus drove my desire to devote my work to organizations like Becky’s Fund, where I hope to make as much of a difference as possible.

I am beyond thrilled to be in DC interning at Becky’s Fund this fall. This opportunity will allow me to immerse myself in my interest while working to make changes. I am specifically excited to educate youth groups of the topic of domestic violence, as I feel this to be one of the most useful tools in making change. I am enthusiastic and eager going into this semester, and am so grateful to be here!

Hi! My name is Theresa Romualdez. I’m a senior at Georgetown University double majoring in English and Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science. I am Filipino and was born in the Philippines before moving to Singapore, where my parents still live, when I was 9. This year I’ll also be co-Captain of Georgetown’s Boxing Team and plan to continue competitively boxing this year.

Ever since I came to the US for college and began working at Georgetown’s Women’s Center, learning about the issues of gender equality and violence against women have been a prevalent part of my academic experience and my personal interests. However, these conversations about sexual assault often brought the same people to the table. This made me realize that; despite the increasing volume and prominence of discussions surrounding domestic violence in the media, issues of domestic violence in our own communities are often disregarded or ignored.

I am excited to intern at Becky’s Fund this fall and for the opportunity to advocate for survivors by continuing the conversation about domestic violence and educating others, particularly youth, about the prevalence of sexual assault. I am also excited to a play a part in bringing Becky’s Fund’s programs to life and seeing the impact that they can have in our community and to be working with others that share my passion for these issues.

Men of CODE is in Full Swing

Mid-summer finds Becky’s Fund right in the thick of this year’s Men of CODE program. This year, we are happy to return to Friendship Collegiate Academy and Ballou High School and start working with the football team at Walter Johnson High School.  So far, we have tackled lessons on positive male leadership, masculinity, and healthy relationships. The players have been engaged and thoughtful in our conversations. We are looking forward to our discussions about consent, personal responsibility and mental health.

If you would like to get involved through sponsorship, volunteering or speaking at Men of CODE, please email info@beckysfund.org.

We have a New Home!

We have moved from our location in Thomas Circle into the EcofyWorx community, a place where impact is accelerated.
1899 L Street NW, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20036

Don’t Forget to Shop!

Every time you shop on Amazon, make sure to use their Amazon Smile feature and select Becky Lee Women’s Support Fund as your chosen charity. Amazon donates to Becky’s Fund when you shop deals at smile.amazon.com/ch/20-8486152.