By Ashley Wilson | Rise Above Violence
As 2022 comes to a close, Rise Above Violence has seen unprecedented numbers, serving almost 450 victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault this year.
Victims of domestic violence often live through the cycle of violence for years. They often hear the promises that things will be different and hold our hope that their partner will change, but as violence escalates, they are then left facing an impossible decision of being safe from harm or being homeless.
When police are called or a victim ends up in the hospital, Rise advocates respond on-scene to wherever the victim is. That first interaction is to ensure that the victim can be safe for the night so that other conversations and plans can be made. The victim needs a place for the night to catch their breath, gather their thoughts and begin to make a plan — a place that they and their children can be safe. Without a shelter in Pagosa, Rise has partnerships with local hotels to provide immediate crisis support for 24-48 hours to give victims a safe place to regroup.
One night of safety for a domestic violence victim costs $100; you can be a light in the dark by donating today to support our nights of safety campaign.
Our goal this year is to raise $36,500 in order to provide 365 nights of shelter — a safe night for every day of the year.
For your year-end giving, you can support one (or more) nights of safety for a victim of domestic violence in our community. You can light up the night to make sure that victims can start on their path toward healing.
Today it starts with you. We believe that we can work toward ending relationship violence in our community. It begins with one special donor, like you, to support one victim, one child, one family.
You can give a night of safety today by going to our website, www.riseaboveviolence.org, or mailing a check to P.O. Box 2913, Pagosa Springs CO 81147.
Rise responds in the moment of crisis and then supports victims on their journey of healing. The advocates provide support, advocacy, connections with other community resources and help navigating the legal system when needed.
Rise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides 24-hour support and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault or other forms of violence. Rise also works to eliminate violence through education for youth and our community. All programs and services are free and confidential, including emergency prevention education and empowerment programs.
Visit www.riseaboveviolence.org for more information or call (970) 264-9075 to talk to an advocate today.
