NYC MUSICIAN NIKIYA EXANTUS TO SUPPORT BENEFIT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 11, 2009 -- NEWS FROM NIKIYA EXANTUS
Hands Up Entertainment … Inc.
Hollis, NY 11423
Media:
For Additional Information Contact:
Katherine Smith, 347-244-1810
For Immediate Release:

Nikiya Exantus of Queens, New York will be appearing in a benefit performance for "The Secret Garden: A Barrier Free, Non-Residential Living, Domestic Violence Program". This program specializes in working with people with disabilities who were also victims of abuse. The benefit will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 1 PM.

Nikiya Exantus feels very deeply about the issue of Domestic Violence and wants to do what she can to support those who find themselves trapped by this vicious cycle. This is why Nikiya has decided to support The Secret Garden in its efforts to help the innocent victims of this travesty. Research shows that “for people with disabilities, abuse is not only by partners, but is often also perpetrated by caregivers, including family members, friends, home attendants, residential aides or anyone else they interact with on a daily basis or rely upon for assistance with daily needs". Research shows that "85% of people with disabilities are abused at some time in their lives and that women with disabilities stay in abusive relationships significantly longer than women without disabilities.”(source: Colorado Dept of Health)

Nikiya Exantus is choosing to use her talent to bring to light the cause of the Secret Garden and its clients. She believes that the more people are educated in this issue the more people will stand up and support this very misunderstood group of women.

Nikiya's goal is to allow people to feel and hope through a positive outlet. "If nothing else, I want people to know there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Now I feel like a free bird with renewed strength. By making a difference in someone’s life, I can peacefully say I have no regrets because my pain was not in vain." During her teenage years, Nikiya went through very trying times and remembers when the piano, notebook and pen where her only friends. Music became Nikiya's outlet and helped her heal her wounds. Now her mission is to help others by sharing her experiences and providing encouragement and hope. Her message is about overcoming fear, doubt, self-esteem issues and despair. Through faith, self- evaluation, respect, perseverance and love, Nikiya underwent a drastic change for the better and expresses the process in her music.
“Personally knowing friends and family who have experienced domestic violence. I feel women should know their worth and how they are valued. Knowing that they can be their own person, they can be strong, they can be independent, and they need to love themselves to know that no one has the right to touch them.” - Nikiya Exantus
www.nehandsupent.com

barrier free     domestic violence     Nikiya Exantus     The Secret Garden