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ENTITY shares the 11 brave women who walked the catwalk standing up to domestic violence.

Brave women who have survived domestic abuse took to the catwalk to model at a fashion show fundraiser aimed at helping others suffering just like they did find the strength to move forward.

The Mi Amor Gala in Los Angeles benefited Safe Passage, a non profit supporting emotionally and physically battered women. All the models had graduated from Safe Passage’s rehabilitation program.

Among the 11 models was actress Diana Jastram (featured second from the right in the above photo) who endured 11 months of bullying and mental manipulation at the hands of her ex-husband before before cutting ties with him and being referred to Safe Passage by police offers.

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With the help she received on the program, she is now able to better understand what she went through and appreciate the importance of breaking away from a toxic situation.

“He [my husband] liked me because it was more fun for him to break someone confident down than someone with low confidence,” she said. “It was destabilizing and made me doubt my own sanity.”

With the constant mind games and sabotage to her career, Jastram said she tried desperately to explain away her ex-husband’s irrational and damaging behavior but she eventually ended relationships with friends and family rather than keep making excuses for him.  “You feel embarrassed and ashamed,” Jastram added.

The focus of the $75-a-ticket event was on bringing to light stories of survival by women like Diana.

Domestic Abuse Survivors Bring Courage to the Catwalk

Luisa Diaz (left) founder of Mi Amor Gala, Ron Galperin (center) Los Angeles City Controller, Trish Steele (right) CEO/founder of Safe Passage.

The models first walked into the limelight wearing white t-shirts emblazoned with inspirational words like “Valuable” and “Strong.” But one victory lap around the catwalk wasn’t enough.

After a short break, the 11 gorgeous and confident women emerged dressed in Jovani couture created especially for the event, and which they were each allowed to keep as a surprise treat.

As they made their way along the catwalk, the women blew kisses to Trish Steele, CEO of Safe Passage and Luisa Diaz, founder of Mi Amor Gala, both of whom dealt with abuse in their own families in the past.

Steele formed Safe Passage in 2000 to empower women to break the cycle of abuse and to get out of unhealthy and dangerous relationships. The non profit provides counseling, nutritional services, job advice, and in some cases facial reconstruction, all to help the healing process.

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Diana Jastram had a message for women who are currently suffering the kind of abuse she suffered. “Don’t let fear control your life. Don’t let the shame and embarrassment keep you from finding help. It’s important to get help.”

To anyone who suspects a friend of member of their family is suffering abuse, she said this, “Reach out to that person and follow up. A victim sometimes needs someone to hold their hand and go with them to get help.”

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