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Letter Writing to Families affected by Domestic Violence & COVID Isolation

Isolation during quarantine has affected many people in our community. For individuals and families affected by domestic violence, feelings of isolation can be exacerbated. Domestic violence prevention and survivor-support organizations have had to be creative in building community and maintaining feelings of support among survivors and families, moving many of their support-services virtually.

Sylvia’s Alliance (a gender-based violence prevention student group through the school of medicine) is partnering with New Beginnings (a Seattle Based DV prevention and survivor advocacy organization) to show support for survivors with letters from health sciences students and we would love if you could join us!

If you would like to be involved, please fill out this quick google form and follow the guidelines below! 

Google form: https://forms.gle/hgJ9b3szQMNkTD1P7

  • Who will be reading the letters? Letters will be collected by Sylvia’s Alliance and sent by New Beginnings anonymously to survivors that live in their resident shelter or families living in their rapid-rehousing homes around the city.
  • Will the recipient reply? No, the letters are distributed anonymously by New Beginnings
  • How many letters should I write? You can write 1, 2, 10, however many you are called to/able to do!
  • What do I do once I have finished my letter(s)? If typed, email the letter to Bella (stokei@uw.edu). If handwritten, email Bella for her address.

Letter Suggestions: 

  • Your first name (not required) and what you are studying
  • Communicate support and a sense of community
  • A favorite poem or quote
  • Drawings or doodles
  • Do not mention DV specifically. Instead, share a broad message of support.
  • New Beginnings has families in their support network who do not speak English. If you speak/write in other languages, we would appreciate your help with this project!! 

Learn more about New Beginnings: https://www.newbegin.org/

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