The new year has provided opportunities for growth, learning, and coming together as a community – and it has also come with some uncertainty. Proposed changes in federal funding and policy could have profound impacts on Live Violence Free, our partner organizations, and the individuals in our community who access our services. While we don’t yet have all the answers, we want our community to know we are here, we are listening, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to survivors.

We remain steadfast in our mission to address intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and child abuse through advocacy and education. Our services include peer counseling, accompaniment, safe housing, therapy, prevention education, and outreach. We welcome all in our community, of any gender identity, ethnic group or immigration status, to walk in our doors and find safety. Our dedicated team is committed to our values, ensuring that no matter what changes may come, our priority remains the same: providing compassionate support to those who need it most.

Safety is at the heart of our work. For us, this means welcoming all survivors, embracing them with trauma-informed care that allows them to be heard, believed, and empowered to make the choices that are best for them. Survivors are the experts in their own story and we are there to be the listening ear and empower them to make the decisions that are best for them. Sometimes, there is comfort in simply knowing there is a safe person to talk to.

Last year alone, we received 765 crisis calls. This means that on average, we were receiving 2 crisis calls every single day, weekends included. When a call is made to our crisis line, a trained staff member or volunteer will answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Some calls can lead to immediate in-person response, while others simply provide a safe space during a moment of crisis.

In addition to crisis calls, we had 2,902 office visits during that same time – which means we opened our doors and welcomed folks into our office on average 11 visits per day. These visits ranged from survivors seeking resources for the first time to those making the brave choice to see what options are available to help them leave their abusive relationship. Each time we open our door, we recognize the unique story, lived experiences, and specific needs that come with the person walking in.

Today, many survivors are facing even greater uncertainty. Our commitment to providing a safe space includes a commitment to listening, offering options, and providing warm connections to relevant community partners when necessary. Our therapy and case management teams are prepared to hold space for these concerns. One of our therapists explained how he is working with clients on safety planning, grounding skills, focusing on

what is within their control instead of what they can’t control, while always validating the feelings they are navigating right now.

Now more than ever, our community’s support is essential. You can take action today. Whether it is contacting your elected officials (here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials/), volunteering with Live Violence Free, or donating to help our budget rely less on unpredictable grants – you can make an impact, today. To view our many donation options, go to liveviolencefree.org/donate.

Thank you for standing with us. Your support, belief in our mission, and commitment to making our community a safer place for all gives us hope as we navigate these uncertain times – together.