Madison – End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin (End Abuse) has announced that they will be hosting Soar Above, an annual fundraiser and awareness event in support of WI domestic violence survivors, on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co. – Hilldale.
End Abuse invites community members, survivors of domestic violence, and allies to join in community to learn, connect, and make a difference for survivors. The event’s focus will be on the impact of recent declining protections in reproductive healthcare options for survivors – in particular, BIPOC survivors.
“Not only do survivors of domestic abuse experience reproductive coercion, including birth control sabotage and forced pregnancy at higher rates, but forced birth policies disproportionately impact BIPOC, immigrant and LGBTQ folks who are already more marginalized,” said End Abuse Executive Director Monique Minkens. “Now is a time to help people understand the impact on survivors, and provide opportunities to support those most impacted when bodily autonomy is threatened.”
The event, sponsored by Legal Action of WI and Johnson Financial Group, features speaker J. Dale Gardener, a Black full-spectrum birth doula, aspiring midwife, and certified lactation counselor, whose expertise lies in aiding people through infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, and birth. They will speak about how these experiences can be traumatic or empowering depending on the kind of support that a family receives, as well as about the importance of reproductive justice and its intersections with domestic violence.
Ticket price is $75, with discounted rates for survivors of domestic violence. Registration includes admission, dinner, and a drink ticket. Drawings and prizes will also be included. Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/soarabove22
“End Abuse is committed to empowering survivors and supporting their right to bodily autonomy,” said Minkens. “We hope this event can help our community to understand the connections between domestic violence and reproductive justice.”
The End Abuse website contains information and resources about the connection between domestic violence and reproductive justice under the Resources tab on the homepage: www.endabusewi.org.
