10/12/2026
💜 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And for us, this one is personal.
When Shannon and I met five years ago, we were just a couple of moms with our kids in tow, trying to squeeze in a workout with as few interruptions as possible. 😂
As I got to know her and her kiddos, I learned that she wasn't just a single mom, but one of the strongest, bravest women I had ever met.
After years in an abusive marriage, Shannon made the incredibly difficult decision to leave. She and her children stayed with a friend before making the long drive from North Carolina back home to Oregon to start over.
While Shannon's story is heartbreaking and inspiring all at once, it's also far more common than many of us realize.
And abuse doesn't always leave visible bruises.
Domestic violence can take many forms — emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, and physical. And just because someone isn't being physically hurt doesn't mean they aren't experiencing abuse, or that their situation isn't serious enough to deserve help.
Leaving an abusive relationship isn't as simple as packing a bag and walking out the door. Financial barriers, housing, childcare, safety concerns, and SO many other factors can make leaving incredibly difficult.
That's why organizations like the Family Peace Center of Washington County are SO important.
They bring together community resources for everything from food and clothing to medical care, mental health support, housing, and legal services. All under one roof.
At Strength & Grace, we talk a lot about removing barriers for women to access movement, strength training, and community.
But sometimes, the barriers women face are SO much bigger than getting to the gym.
This October, we're collecting donations for the Family Peace Center's Family Grocery, Survivor Kitchen, and Boutique. 💜
Donations can be dropped off at the gym throughout the month! Learn more about their work and other ways to help through the link in our bio.
Because every woman deserves safety, dignity, support, and a community behind her. 💜