Photo credit: IG
I recently had the opportunity to interview Cait Alexander actress, singer, model, songwriter, pianist, composer, and poet, and advocte about her nonprofit, EVE. Check my interview with Cait below:
Loryn: What sparked the creation of your nonprofit, EVE?
Cait: The creation of EVE, Ending Violence Everywhere, was deeply personal and driven by a profound need to address the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence. My life was nearly taken by an abusive ex in 2021 and despite being charged 8 times, my abuser is free without consequence. After experiencing firsthand the devastating effects of violence on individuals and families, and the perilous injustices that occur in the government systems, I decided to go public with my story. The outpouring hardship of survivors, and the love and support of the community galvanized me into action, motivating me to establish EVE as a platform to provide support, raise awareness, and advocate for systemic change.
Loryn: What key messages do you wish audiences to learn from EVE?
Cait: EVE's primary message is that survivors come FIRST. We currently have a justice system that supports criminals, re-traumatizes victims and does very little to end the cycles. Survivors need to be at the centre of solving the issue. Intimate partner violence is a critical issue that affects all communities, extends itself into all areas of life, and requires collective action. IPV is NOT a private matter. We aim to emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care, the need for comprehensive support systems for survivors, and the necessity of legal and policy reforms to protect victims' rights. We encourage open dialogue, education, and empowerment.
Loryn: In what ways can your supporters contribute to the growth of EVE?
Cait: Supporters can contribute to EVE's growth in several meaningful ways:
- Advocacy and Awareness: Social media has been an immensely helpful tool- please share our message and educating others about intimate partner violence. Join a Virtual Vigil, participate or encourage a male to participate in Letters from Men, give funds, share your story and come to our rally across Canada www.voicesrally.org on October 21st. We are actively seeking sponsoring partners for the official EVE launch in the USA in November.
- Volunteering: Helping with events, outreach programs, and support services.
- Donations: Financial contributions are vital for sustaining our initiatives and expanding our reach. We are registered in Canada AND the US. We can provide beneficial tax receipt and gratefully appreciate all donors.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with other organizations, businesses, and individuals who share our commitment to ending violence.
Loryn: Are there any individuals you're keen to work with to boost EVE's visibility?
Cait: We work with ALL survivors, because every single survivor’s story matters. We listen, we care and we will help. We are also eager to collaborate with influencers, policymakers, and public figures who have a platform and a passion for advocating against violence. Working with individuals in media, entertainment, and politics can significantly amplify our message and reach a broader audience.
Loryn: Can you share an unexpected fact about yourself that might surprise others?
Cait: An unexpected fact about me is that, despite my deep involvement in advocacy and nonprofit work, I have a background in the arts. This creative foundation has been instrumental in shaping my approach to advocacy, particularly in using storytelling and media to convey powerful messages. My passion for the arts continues to influence how I engage with the community and bring a unique perspective to EVE's initiatives. I am releasing for the first time a song that I wrote 7 days after my attempted murder this October. Stay tuned. Thank you for listening…
To get involved be sure to check out EVE website: www.endviolenceeverywhere.org and on social media @eve_initiative