Dear Friend of #BeMorelikeClaire

Emma* had no idea that her bachelorette party would be an opportunity to help one of her bridesmaids identify that she was in an abusive relationship. Emma had just attended a Claire's Community relationship violence prevention program where she learned about coercive control. The things her friend told her about her partner's behavior sent chills down Emma's spine.

"I pulled up the diagram of the power and control wheel and said 'I think you should read this," Emma recounts. "She kept saying, he's not hitting me, so it's not abuse." But as Emma shared the knowledge she gained from the Claire's Community In Their Shoes simulation her friend saw the dangerous patterns. And she decided it was time to get out.

"It's very heavy and hard to hear that your friends are going through this,", Emma shares. But she is so glad she now has the knowledge, skills, and confidence she needs to support others in unhealthy relationships.

"I would highly encourage anyone to attend a Claire's Community program," Emma says. "it is important for you to be able to extend your knowledge to other people."

Hearing Emma's story fills my heart with hope. When we launched Claire's Community's prevention program, our goal was to ensure that no one in our community would become the victim - or perpetrator - of relationship violence. I know, having lived through the unimaginable loss of my daughter Claire to relationship violence, that we must equip everyone with the knowledge they need to spot unhealthy behaviors before they become abusive. As Claire said, "We will rise up as a community to say that violence against anyone is unacceptable."

I cannot thank you enough for all you have done to help us launch Claire's Community. With your help prevention is possible!

With Gratitude,
Shannon VanLandingham 
Founder and Executive Director

*name changed to protect privacy