The Seattle Mariners will host a Refuse To Abuse® Game Day for Domestic Violence Prevention on Sunday, June 16th at T-Mobile Park, marking 28 years of partnership with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV). This year’s event invites supporters to enjoy a Seattle Mariners Game together and takes place on Father’s Day. “Everyone can play a role to prevent domestic violence,” said Ward Urion, Strategic Prevention Strategist at WSCADV. “Fathers make a big impact when they model integrity and respect in relationships and we’re grateful for all the fathers out there who are showing up as part of the solution.”
The Game Day builds on the success of the Refuse To Abuse® violence prevention campaign, launched in the 1990’s to take a public stand against domestic violence and promote healthy, respectful relationships. Over the past decade, the former Refuse To Abuse® 5K event raised over $1,000,000 for domestic violence prevention across Washington state.
WSCADV’s research on domestic violence fatalities found that nearly all (92%) of the victims in homicides studied reached out to family and friends for help before their death. Victims turned to these informal support systems earlier and more often than the police (52%) or the courts for a Protection Order (31%). “Friends and family are often the first line of support for survivors of abuse and their children,” said Judy Chen, Executive Director of WSCADV. “We often hear that people want to be helpful to their loved ones, but just don’t know how.” The Refuse To Abuse® Game Day will be a time and place for friends and family, baseball fans, survivors, and supporters to gather, get inspired and reach out.
TICKETS
Purchase tickets to be a part of the special reserved GAME DAY section. Join 1,000 fans for family fun, and show the MLB and all the world, Seattle is committed to Refuse to Abuse. Ticketholders will receive a Mariners themed Dri-FIT T-shirt and WSCADV’s newly republished Friends & Family Guide on how to help a loved one who is experiencing abuse. The guide also includes tips and tools for supporting teens to have healthy relationships and how to talk to someone who is harming or abusing their partner. Groups of 20 or more will have the chance to have their group name displayed on the scoreboard following the 3rd inning.
FUN AND PRIZES
Many of this year’s participants are also fundraising for the cause. Every dollar raised supports WSCADV’s statewide prevention work, including the development of concrete tools to help start conversations with young people about healthy relationships, policy advocacy on behalf of survivors of abuse, and programming to prevent future violence. Participants are invited to create a fundraising team for a chance to win a suite party or compete to win the highest individual prize of a Mariner’s game first pitch.
- Media contact: Elizabeth Montoya
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- Refuse To Abuse® Campaign