Annual fashion show a popular attraction with a cause

The stories of domestic abuse are heartbreaking. There's verbal abuse. There's physical abuse. And the emotional abuse it places on individuals and families can be significant.

A two-part series in the Sunday and Monday editions of the Southeast Missourian looked at the issue, stories from victims and how abusers try to control them.

Becky Holloway, legal advocate at Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau, told Southeast Missourian reporter Emily Priddy that it takes most domestic violence victims between seven and eight times to flee their abuser. This is astounding. Thankfully there are good organizations that help those facing domestic violence. The Safe House for Women is one.

On Friday, the annual VintageNOW Fashion Show will be held at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau to raise money for Safe House. Tickets for general admission are $25 and runway tickets are $50.

There will be tickets at the door on Friday, and advance tickets may be purchased at Pastimes Antiques, 45 N. Main St., or Safe House Thrift Shop, 230 N. Spring St.

This is a popular event that has consistently brought out many in support of the Safe House. In fact, the location has been changed from past years because of the demand. Last year more than $50,000 was raised, and about 1,200 attended the VintageNOW Fashion Show.

We hope you consider attending the event and supporting the Safe House. Thank you to the organizers of the VintageNOW Fashion Show.

If you or someone you know faces domestic abuse, please don't delay getting out. There are organizations like the Safe House and churches willing to help. Don't become a statistic.