Russ Parr's Community of Hope

April 11, 2008 – (Lanham, MD). On the heel this month's 'Sexual Assault and National Child Abuse Awareness Month and Prevention’, WKYS radio host, Russ Parr, announced plans to build his Russ Parr Community of Hope (RPCH), a 139 acre property that will provide a safe living and rehabilitation community for domestic violence survivors and their children.

The announcement was made live during the Russ Parr Morning Show, a syndicated show heard 6 am-10 am, weekdays.

Willie Crenshaw, Jr., pastor of Mt Calvary Baptist Church of Orange, Va., is offering the land on which the Community will be built and says, “All pastors, around the nation, around the world, have to step up and take a lead to help out.”

“It’s (domestic abuse) destroying our nation, and our children.”

Also present on the show was Tanisha Bagley, domestic and sexual abuse survivor and author of ‘The Price of Love’. Bagley survived eleven years of abuse at the hands of her husband.

“Everyone thinks this is a woman’s issue. It's a societal issue”, said Bagley.

Bagley gave props to Parr for being one of many men who are at the helm of addressing the issue of domestic violence.

Parr, also a film producer, his latest, ‘The Last Stand’, plans to make a movie on the life of Bagley.

“You can’t imagine how I felt knowing that a man has stepped up to the plate”, said Bagley. “Not all men are bad.”

Christine Eads, a victim of sexual assault was also a guest during the live broadcast . ‘Duffy’, a childhood name given Eads, is the name of her 200 bed facility, Duffy House, which will also serve as a safe haven for domestic abuse victims.

“Many victims of domestic violence either stay in the home where the abuse occurs, or return after leaving, because they feel they have no where to go”, said Eads.

Places like The Duffy House and the Russ Parr Community of Hope will offer a place of refuge for domestic abuse survivors.

Said Parr, “I want to have cottages (undisclosed) where families can stay for as long as they need so they can get therapy. It’ll be a commissary, everything they need will be right there. “

"It's a win-win situation for everyone", added Parr.

According to Parr several individuals and businesses in the community have offered to donate items and services for the RPCH; among them Safeway, Ilyanla Vanzant, and Marlo Furniture.

Says Parr of the announcement, “If someone is in an abusive situation, I want them to think of me, and know there is a place they can go."

Domestic Violence Resources and Info

White House Press Release

Stop It Now

National Alliance to End Domestic Abuse

The Price of Love

Duffy House

Juanita Bynum

What Is Sexual Abuse?

The Jenesse Center

Sircles

Other