Local Company fights abuse through clothing line In Oregon, more than 550 families receive emergency care for domestic violence each month, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services. However, this number pales in comparison to the number of families living with physical abuse, drug abuse and violence that will never get reported. It's a shocking number that few people are willing to discuss, but one local company has decided to take a stand and make a statement with a clothing line designed for a "shock and awe" attack against domestic violence and drug abuse. We are Break the Chain Apparel, clothing with a voice. The goal is to help spread the word about child abuse, domestic violence and meth with eye-catching designs that force the reader to think. "Why not make a difference by simply getting dressed," said Tammi Burns, the founder of Break the Chain Apparel. "This is a simple way to reach the masses. It's not invasive. You're putting on a shirt." Break the Chain Apparel isn't for the feint of heart. Some designs are kid friendly, including "Haven't We Learned Anything" with two cavemen beating each other to "Don't Follow the Pack" with wolves biting each other's tails. Other shirts are meant to make a bold statement and engage people in a conversation about a difficult subject. One shirt features skeletons pouring out of a closet with the words child abuse, drug abuse, sexual abuse and others stamped on their skulls. Another shirt features the words "Meth Equals Death" formed into a skull. "The message is edgy," Burns said. "It's a sensitive matter that everyone shoves into the closet. We're talking about families being at war in their households." Talking about domestic violence and doing something about it is a major concern for Burns. Although Break the Chain Apparel is a for-profit company, she is giving back to organizations and groups putting their words to action. In April, she donated $3 from every "Love is NOT Black and Blue" t-shirt sold to the Liberty House in Salem. The Liberty House helps children abused physically or sexually. Her goal is to find organizations helping to break the chains of abuse and find a way to help them financially. "I believe everybody has the ability to give back," she said. "This is one way we can give back to people that may not be as blessed." For more information about Break the Chain Apparel, visit http://www.breakthechainapparel.com/. Break the Chain Apparel Web: http://www.breakthechainapparel.com/ Phone: (503) 859-5555 E-mail: tammiburns@breakthechainapparel.com