Who is Breakin' Chains

This is where our journey begins. Get to know us and what we do, and how we're committed to raising awareness for domestic violence.

Join us as we grow and succeed together. 

 "Breakin' Chains 4 an End to Silence!"

 

Who is Breakin' Chains?

I would like to take a moment to introduce Breakin’ Chains to you. Breakin’ Chains was established in 2026 to help raise awareness of Domestic Violence.  Our founder and owner Traci Caldwell started Breakin’ Chains after graduating May of 2026 with a master’s degree in criminal justice from Missouri State University, Springfield, MO.  “I knew I wanted to get involved with domestic violence from my first class in college that had to do with domestic violence.”  Domestic violence has touched my life more ways than one in the last 30 years and there is not enough discussion.  Right now, the focus is on Oregon County, Missouri and Selah Place. Selah Place is a domestic violence shelter and an outreach center in the heart of Oregon County, but the long-term goal is to eventually expand beyond Oregon County.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence primarily affects women and children directly; however, it can and does affect men too. Men are less likely to come forward due to stigmatisms.  Domestic Violence is an issue that so many are afraid to talk about, afraid to come forward for assistance, don’t know and understand what resources are available for assistance and is more than just physical abuse. Directly from the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), “Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.” According to a report on Ozark Radio News Network October 9, 2024, by Daniel Williams Missouri is ranked 3rd among states for domestic violence. “1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner (NCADV). Domestic violence accounts for 5% of all violent crime (BJS) and about 41.8% of Missouri women and 35.2% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking.” According to MOCADSAV (Missouri Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence) in 2024 Southeast Missouri received 2,478 hotline calls which equals 6.79 calls per day. While that number is for the entire Southeast Missouri area and not just Oregon County, that is terrifying! 

For more information from MOCADSAV, click the link below. 

How does Breakin' Chains help?

Breakin’ Chains is working to raise awareness of domestic violence and fight to break the chains of domestic violence?

We have fundraising events that benefit Selah Place of Oregon County, MO and talk to show people there is help and what exactly domestic violence is since it is not just the physical side of abuse & violence.

Currently we are holding a Spring craft/vendor events and Fall Jeep Ride events. 

March 2026, we held our first annual craft/vendor event in Thayer, MO at the Christian Activities Center and raised over $1400 for Selah Place.  The second annual craft/vendor event is scheduled for April 2026.  I learned a lot from the first event, and I am already working on changes to make the 2nd Annual event in 2027 so it can be better and bigger than this year! 

The next way we are working to raise awareness and funds is our 1st Annual Jeep Ride!  This year’s Jeep Ride is scheduled for Saturday October 17, 2026.  We will also have shirts and cups available for presale with a limited number available on site the day of our event.

We keep nothing!  Every penny brought in after event expenses goes to Selah Place or Oregon County, MO. 

We're glad you're here to be a part of our story. 

Join us at an event or contact us for other ways you can help!