This is the start of something new — a partnership between Cara Cashmere and RizeUp
Together we #createnewbeginnings and pledge all proceeds from our limited edition Rize Cashmere Silk Scarf to helping RizeUp continue their work
Rize is an illustrated design of lips connected to lips. It aims to highlight and amplify the conversation and awareness of domestic and family violence and the many shades it can come in. It’s not only a scarf; it represents symbols of security, food in a cupboard, sheets on a bed and freedom for a family. It’s a feeling of positive joy, a shared journey of women supporting women.
Each house costs approximately $5,000 for RizeUp furnish for a family to start a new life. You are contributing directly to this beautiful program by purchasing this design. Without ever meeting the families, RizeUp provides hope, courage and the knowledge that there is a community wishing them well as they embark on a life free from violence.
Together we #createnewbeginnings
The background...Early in 2022, we met a RizeUp staff member through a Cara Cashmere work event and as we got to know each other, we learnt more about the valuable work that they were doing.
When families leave a refuge, they are given a barren property, which RizeUp volunteers lovingly transform into a purposefully-created home specific to their individual needs.
Emerging from the darkness
This is an account of a victim survivor of domestic and family violence moving to a home furnished by RizeUp Australia. Domestic and family violence is pervasive and affects many of us directly and indirectly; it knows no race, age, financial or cultural bias. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Volunteering in the RizeUp Homes Program
Back in the office we decided it was something we all wanted to get involved in. The idea of Cara Cares and working collaboratively with charities such as RizeUp was born. We then signed up as volunteers in their Homes Program.
Volunteering was a very moving experience, being able to help to transform a house into a home. Knowing that later that day a family would be walking through the door of their new home, finally able to feel safe and to know that they're not alone.
Research that underpins the RizeUp programs demonstrates:
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One in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them
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61% of women had children in their care when the violence occurred
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When children are brought up in a house of violence, they have trouble connecting with friends and family and their future is significantly compromised
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Women and men are more likely to experience violence at the hand of men, with around 95% of all victims of violence in Australia reporting a male perpetrator.
Often victims feel they have no choice but to return to their abuser as they have nowhere to go and very few possessions to create a new beginning. RizeUp is a not-for-profit with a very hands-on approach to providing support.
Through the RizeUp homes program, victim survivors have their otherwise empty houses fully furnished by volunteers in their new community and ultimately the opportunity to start anew in their lovingly created home.
