Dallas woman hosts concert January 9 to fight against domestic violence

Proceeds go to Hope's Door, a domestic violence shelter and counseling center in DFW.

DALLAS — For the third consecutive year, Dallas resident Stephanie Hastings is creating and hosting a local music and talent showcase to bring awareness to the plight that is domestic violence. The event is going to be held at Poor David’s Pub on South Lamar in Dallas and will take place on January 9, 2011. The doors will open at 4 p.m. and three bands will showcase their talents with a music matinee that will end with the proceeds going to Hope’s Door -- a domestic violence shelter and counseling center in the DFW area.

“It has been years since I’ve been a victim, myself,” said Hastings. “But I will never lose the passion to reach out and bring awareness to this horrible problem.”

It has been quite some time since Hastings had to endure her own story, which included the destruction of her favorite Dallas Stars t-shirt which she was using to stop the bleeding from her own split lips. Her local police were taking her statement and she knew that this was something she didn’t want to deal with anymore.

“I am not a shade of that person anymore,” said Hastings, with pride. “I’m nothing like what I was then. I’m stronger. I’m me -- the ‘me’ that I was organically created to be. It took years of self-work but I am elated with who I am today. I want, so much, for other women to feel this way, too. To understand the other side is a beautiful place to be. Take the chance and step away. You’ll be happy that you did.”

“This is really why I do this event,” continued Hastings. “I do it because I want someone to read this story or see the show and realize that they can be OK, too.”

One out of every four women in the United States will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. One in nine men will, too. On average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends every day. One in 3 teens report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, slapped, choked, or physically hurt by his/her partner. In Texas, alone, their are nearly 30,000 adults and children being sheltered from this problem every year.

“I spent way too many years living as a victim,” said Hastings. “So many others do, too. They suffer in silence. They live every day as just the hollow shell of who they’re meant to be. They have no self love or recognition. I know this because I was that way. I was that girl. I said ‘No more!’ for me and I want to make it possible for so many others to not have to live this way either.”

David Card -- owner of Poor David’s Pub -- hosts the event along with Hastings. The event is days from Hastings' actual birthday. This year's event will also include raffle prizes.

“I’ve been very excited to see the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars both agree to give something special to be raffled off,” said Hastings. “Studio Movie Grille is also sending along prizes, too. Everyone who pays their $5 at the door gets a raffle ticket to add a little extra fun to this year’s event.”

Source: Hope's Door