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 I am writing to ask if you could possibly put a link to my site, Threads of Compassion, on your web page. I am new to all of this, but I wanted to inform knitters and crocheters about a new group we have started. It's called Threads of Compassion, and the goal of the group is to provide support for victims of sexual assault or abuse. It's easier for me to describe the group by pulling off a part of the web page:
"Threads of Compassion is a loosely connected group of survivors of sexual violence who desire to offer comfort and support to recent victims. The idea is simple. Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual assault or abuse is welcome to knit or crochet a scarf which in turn will be given to a victim of sexual violence when they enter the hospital for emergency treatment.
Having been through similar experiences ourselves, our hope is to offer support at a time when a person is feeling most forsaken, fearful, and vulnerable and in a simple way let them know they are not alone. So many people are lost in how to respond to friends and family that have been victims of sexual abuse or assault...so they opt to say and do nothing. Their fear of adding more pain by saying or doing the wrong thing results in silence. This silence is heartbreaking to the victim...a silence that offers no validation to the pain they are feeling. The silence produces shame.
So I guess one of the main thoughts behind Threads of Compassion is to acknowledge this pain. The gift of these scarves not only says someone was thinking of victim, but also expresses the knitters/crocheters sorrow for what has happened. Each scarf is made by someone who wishes to provide a small amount of comfort against the pain being faced, and by doing so lets the victim know they are not alone. The scarves are tangible objects that can be held, wrapped around the neck or shoulders, with the deeper meaning known only by the wearer. As each victim then touches the threads of the scarves they receive, they are connecting with someone who not only cares about what has happened to them but who also wants to show their concern. A huge message given through a few threads of yarn.
The added beauty of the scarves is that the gift is actually two-fold. Through making the scarves, survivors are provided an opportunity of helping other victims (in a very non-threatening way). Everyone remains anonymous. Those who knit the scarves never meet the specific person who receives their scarf. That is all handled through the local rape crisis center. Most hospitals now contact victim advocates when sexual violence victims come into the ER, and it is through this staff that the scarves will be presented to the victims. Each scarf will have a small card attached to it that explains the idea behind Threads of Compassion and information on how to contact their local crisis center if they need further help or support."
The website address is: http://threadsofcompassion.bravehost.com/
If you know of anyone would like to contribute a scarf we would be thrilled to get them. The information about where to send the scarves, etc. is on the website.
Thank you so much for your help. I'm new at all this and just wanted to let people know about this group. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.
Thanks again for reading all of this,
Sarah
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