Dear Friends,

Over the last 8 years I have been working with survivors of domestic violence, as an advocate, a lawyer, and as a friend. I imagine many expect me to have a personal experience with domestic violence that inspired my own involvement in combating it and its effects. I have none. However, during college I realized how close this issue is to all of us, how it affects not only my friends and family, but also how it affects the future of my own children.

As some of you may know, I was a competitor on the past season of the TV reality show Survivor. One of the reasons I decided to try out was to bring more publicity to the issue of domestic violence. I have been disappointed with the way our community hides behind our pride, hiding behind the right to privacy. We claim that when domestic violence occurs, it is none of our business.

But it is. Domestic violence does happen, and can happen to anyone, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or age. We need to openly address this issue so that we can tackle it and find ways to help those who are struggling with domestic violence to find safety for themselves and their children.

With the award money I received from the show, I decided to start a fund to help provide support to domestic violence organizations working with marginalized and immigrant communities. While working with non-profits helping battered women over the last eight years, I've been witness to the serious underfunding of the smaller organizations that work on the front lines of their respective communities against domestic violence. These smaller groups are left out of the spotlight and never recognized for their work, and work with severely stretched budgets. This is why I formed the Becky Lee Women's Support Fund.

I know there is only so much one person can do to bring hope to these battered women who are looking for a way out. But together, I believe we can help these battered women, one by one, find restoration and peace in their lives again. We can change many lives together.

I ask you to join us at Becky's Fund in this fight to end domestic violence. There are so many ways to help out and support this cause. We need your help to raise funds, find eligible grantees, and to spread the word about the prevalence and seriousness of domestic violence.

Thank you for caring about this issue. I know together we can make a difference.

Thank you,

Becky Lee

Executive Director
Becky Lee Women's Support Fund