CHS news partner, The Seattle Times, interviewed Teresa Butz’s partner last month about surviving the horrifying attack by Isaiah Kalebu.  Both women lived in South Park in July 2009, when the attack (of both women) and murder (of Teresa Butz occurred).  Currently, the attack survivor is staying with a friend on Capitol Hill.  In order to recognize Butz’s sacrifice in kicking Kalebu and taking action to escape, the survivor joined “Fight The Fear Campaign: The Quest for Confidence Through Strength, Inspired by the Life of Teresa Butz,” a project to promote self-defense and awareness for women:

“It was ultimately Teresa’s bravery and ability to think physically that saved my life,” the woman said. “Teresa would see this as a positive, healing movement. It’s about taking a bad situation that left everyone scared and turning it around and creating a movement where people can take back their safety.”  

The kickoff event for the campaign take place on Sunday, January 10, 2010 and will have Amy Ray and Brandi Carlisle in attendance.  Though it is invite-only, there are a few tickets still available on ebay.  It will take place at the Century Ballroom.  We contacted Hallie Kuperman, Century Ballroom‘s owner, to ask her about the event: 

Century Ballroom is donating the space for this event. 

I believe that to live fully in this world is to live without fear, and Fight the Fear is about empowering women in an effort to prevent violence.  

For the past 13 years we at Century Ballroom have made it a goal to create safe spaces for women and do not tolerate any form of harassment. We are proud to help foster awareness in our community through this event.

In addition, Central District News reports that two Central District businesses are providing self-defense instruction for the campaign..