Gold Coast band MISTRAM pledges all proceeds from their new song to the DV Charity "Assist A Sista"

GOLD COAST, Australia - July 8, 2015 - PRLog -- Hot on the heels of recording ‘Mothers Sisters Daughter Lovers’, with all profits donated to breast cancer research, original duo Tim Pitchford and Mars have now been joined by a new percussionist, drummer, and bass player - Brent Henshaw. The trio are now supporting another very worthwhile cause. They are giving a voice to an issue that has been met with much controversy of late: the dire need for awareness and support to break the pernicious cycle of domestic abuse across Australia.

‘Assist A Sista’ is a gold coast based group of community volunteers that meet the immediate crisis needs of victims of domestic violence and provide support, resources and donations of items on a needs basis to families (always anonymously). They work on a referral basis via contacts within Refuges/Organisations currently from Northern NSW and SE Qld with their vision being able to assist Australia wide.

Lead vocalist Tim explains why MISTRAM’S alliance with this local charity is so important. “Coming from working with such a large charity organisation (Breast Cancer Foundation) and now to a more localised one is a great feeling. It’s about knowing that we are not just helping the big issues, but also the silent issues that have a big impact on people's lives” Tim said.

With domestic violence affecting nearly 500 000 Australian women per year it’s an issue that cannot be ignored. ‘Assist A Sista’s’ core goal is to help the survivors of domestic violence rebuild and repair their lives. Their facilitation of the donation of essential items, their ‘Assist 2Learn’ program (providing the basic equipment for a child attending school) and their ‘Assist A Havens’ (fitting out homes with furnishings and other necessary items for the comfort of those who have just left a refuge) is about providing a fresh start to leave violence behind. and giving these families an opportunity to “Break the Cycle”.

‘Assist A Sista’s’ motto is: “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” For MISTRAM this provides a beautiful story of transformation on which to base their new song. “The beautiful thing about ‘Assist A Sista’ (aside from the anonymity of the community volunteers) is that it's such a focus on change – hence, the symbol of a butterfly. It's a beautiful connotation. It focuses on the positive "moving on" aspect. And, despite being aimed at those who have been affected by domestic violence, it's a universal emotion that everyone can relate to” Tim said.

MISTRAM’S new song (in direct benefit of ‘Assist A Sista’) will indeed be titled ‘Butterfly’. What Tim describes as a beautiful partnership with the charity was also one that happened organically and has blossomed into something very rewarding. “How it came to pass was that Kylie Peterson, a lovely lady who is involved in the charity crossed paths with Mars right before we went to Airlie Beach (for last year’s music festival). He was so elated and excited to be going and she was infected by his excitement. She enquired as to why and what he was doing and why he was so happy (supporting Breast Cancer Foundation) and then she proceeded to tell us about ‘Assist a Sista’. She told us to get in contact the next time we were looking at a potential charity and that's exactly what we did ” Tim said.

It is true that the issue of domestic violence is of deepest concern and continues to be a systemic problem. It also lacks adequate government funding. ‘Assist A Sista’ bridges the gap for those individuals and families leaving a refuge and finding themselves with little or nothing to equip their daily life. Government barely addresses a support framework for this transition. What 'Assist A Sista' community volunteers do is prepare what is a bare house into a home. They ask for donations from the wider populace to fit out a home with basic necessities such as beds, furniture, linen, kitchenware, toiletries, curtains, appliances etc. For Assist A Sista, to endure any form of abuse or violence due to a lack of resources is just unacceptable, said Manuela (Co Founder/Director).

“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” - Assist A Sista

The mental and emotional pressure of having to rebuild from scratch and the lack of financial security experienced by a victim of domestic violence forms a significant barrier in achieving change – in allowing them to leave the confines of a cycle of violence.  This is where ‘Assist A Sista’ provides such vital relief. For MISTRAM this is such an important cause and one that, unfortunately, cannot be shied away from.

“Domestic violence affects everyone, either directly or not. We all know someone somewhere going through a rough time and it takes lots of courage if you’re that person to speak up and find help!” - MISTRAM's Lead Guitarist 'Mars' said.

MISTRAM look to the future with excitement. Despite the weight of the issue of domestic violence, they view their new song and new alliance with ‘Assist A Sista’ as a thoroughly positive and rewarding experience. Fresh from a meeting with one of the Co Founders, Tim displays his enthusiasm.

“Co Founder, Manuela, a full time nurse, still manages to find the time to run a successful charity organisation. She gives all credit to the amazing Community of Volunteers who actually have made this movement possible, doing what they can when they can with what they have! Her passions are my passions and it's great that they're local and close to home. We're totally excited to grow with this budding charity and we can't wait to share our song with everyone."

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MISTRAM members Tim, Mars and Brent are available for interviews:
Bookings@mistram.com | 0449 174 175 (tel:0449%20174%20175)

About MISTRAM the band:
Established in 2013 originally as The Storytellers they released their debut album in July 2014. On August 30th 2014 they won the Queensland ‘Battle of the Bands’. On September 14th 2014 the changed their name to MISTRAM and in October they released the National Breast Cancer Song "Mothers, Sisters, Daughters Lovers". In November 2014 they played live at their first festival the 'Airlie Beach Music Festival'. In April 2015 they added Brent Henshaw, bassist, to the group. Visit the band’s website at www.mistram.com

About ASSIST A SISTA the charity organisation: ‘Assist A Sista’ is a Gold Coast based group of community volunteers who work together to help survivors of domestic violence to rebuild and repair by bringing hope and restoring faith. Visit the charity’s website at: www.assistasista.com.au, email to donate at: donate@assistasista.com.au and find them on social media: Assist A Sista Australia.