October is domestic violence awareness month and one outreach activity in particular is meant to get people talking.
"Growing up, domestic violence wasn't something that people talked about," said Tara Hamilton-Lloyd, ambassador for the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.
Tara Hamilton-Lloyd is an ambassador for the Women's and Children's Alliance in Boise.
"It was a dirty secret that you kept you know, hidden from your friends and family and the rest of the world," said Hamilton-Lloyd
She is also a survivor of domestic violence herself. Now she works to spread the word so people who are in situations like she was, will get the help they need.
"To talk about it to someone, anyone, and to let them not sugar coat it," said Hamilton-Lloyd.
One event put on by the W.C.A in October is meant to do just that. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault paint shirts to put on display through out the Treasure Valley like Boise State University. Students who pass by say it helps get the conversation going.
"I think it really brings to light, a lot of the nitty-gritty parts of domestic violence and you know, things that people don't generally want to talk about and I think it's good that it's not something that's just shoved under the rug anymore," said Tyler Cowgill, Boise State computer science major.
It's meant to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault put into words and pictures, what their feelings are and Tara says the first step for someone in unsafe situation, is just opening up.
"But most of all know, that there are droves and swarms of people out there who believe you and who want to hear your story,” said Hamilton-Lloyd.
