Prego Project is a voicing violence award to provide support and strength to victims of domestic violence and those affected by it. I want to recognize those willing to speak up and discuss personal stories of domestic violence accounts. In an abusive relationship there is often a lot of crazy making, and over time you tend to feel that your voice means very little to the world around you. Sadly there are two things that showered me with a bit of sunshine, and helped me regain my voice… or actually make me feel validated. I say sadly because one was receiving my restraining order against my ex-husband. The second was receiving a certificate stamped and signed by the California State Secretary recognizing my situation and accepting me into the Safe at Home program. For those of you who are not aware the Safe at Home program, is “an address confidentiality program administered by the California Secretary of State’s office that offers victims anonymity and a new start towards a brighter future free from fear. Safe at Home participants can use a free P.O. Box instead of their home address to help them maintain their privacy when receiving first-class mail, opening a bank account, completing a confidential name change, filling out government documents, registering to vote, getting a driver’s license, enrolling a child in school, and more.”
That being said… The purpose of this award is to provide positive feedback and recognition to individuals affected by domestic violence. I want people to understand that their voice matters. Domestic violence is an issue effecting individuals and our community. Every time someone chooses to speak up they are not only helping themselves, but they are also improving the lives of our community. As a community we can incorporate domestic violence education into our regular curriculum within the schooling system… If it is not already in place. We can do ongoing presentations providing awareness on the subject matter. We can ban together to enforce stricter laws in regards to this topic. For example: The victim can’t bail their abuser out of jail. Unfortunately many are guilty of this one, including myself. We could sell products, and have a portion of the proceeds benefit those affected by domestic violence. Together we can make a change for a brighter future!
You know the old saying “A photograph is worth a thousand words?” I tried to put the same thought and consideration into designing my award. I used various shades of purple to symbolize domestic violence awareness. I placed a key within the person because I believe you hold the key to your future. The heart is purposely placed within the key as a symbol of protection and value. Together these symbols create the Prego Project Award. A treasured symbol which will be handed out to strong, beautiful men and women who choose to share their stories of abuse. There is strength in numbers, a sense of support in community, and comfort in knowing that there is hope for the future… remember you hold the key!!
PREGO PROJECT RULES
1. Kindly thank the person who nominated you, and provide a link back to their blog.
2. Attach the Prego Project Award presented by Prego and the Loon to your site.
3. Provide a bit of hope and inspiration for those currently dealing with domestic violence.
4. Nominate some other bloggers whom you feel deserve this award!
MY VERY FIRST NOMINEES FOR THIS AWARD
(The top 10 listed below have discussed domestic violence in their blog)
Purposefully Scarred
Janice Romney
Spiritual Side of Domestic Violence
purplecrazymum’s Blog
Sustainably Single Parenting
Not Your Victim
Anti-Violence Advocate
Lavenderskye ~ Violence = Death
littlesparrow12’s Blog
anewfreelife
(The top 20 listed below have shared personal stories of strength and hope within my blog… A BIG thanks!!)
Paula Marie Mills
Cheko.Ripper
Cranky Giraffe
Kathy’s Blog: Healing from the Loss of a Parent
Ask Tina
Zcreed
My Window
What a Beautiful Mess
Polysyllabic Profundities
Recipehog’s Blog
maitairubysue
Josh James’ Blog
Desert Willow Lane
Wake Up and Unite
Dear Idiopathic Hirsutism: Go. To. Hell.
My Family Bliss
Wild In Virginia
alesiablogs
A Foot in Two Canoes
joeccombs2nd
Please note that I recently changed a small portion of the award. I am no longer calling it the Victims Voice Award, but rather a voicing violence award. I made these changes because many people from various walks of life wrote to me and expressed how domestic violence impacted their lives. The men and women I have choosen to be my first nominees for the Prego Project Award reached out to me in some form and touched my heart. Victims, family members, friends, doctors, nurses, policemen, prosecutors, and even an abuser wrote to me. Please keep in mind that all of your stories have somehow impacted me, and I will continue to pass out more awards. A big thank you to all my friends and followers who took the time to read my blog!! You have provided me (and my followers) with strength, support, and hope for the future by sharing your personal stories!! Everyone has something to share, and somewhere out there someone needs to hear it. Join the fight against domestic violence, and speak out on behalf of the millions who are currently silenced in the clutches of their abuser!!
Prego and the Loon 