From Fear to Hope, May Domestic Violence Crowdfunding Campaign

What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence (DV) is a pervasive issue that transcends age, race, gender, and socioeconomic status, manifesting in physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse between intimate partners. It’s an exertion of power and control by one partner over the other and can deeply impact the well-being of individuals and families.

The Extent of the Problem
Across our community and beyond, domestic violence remains a hidden epidemic. Data indicates that nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc. These numbers only scratch the surface, as many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and the hope for change.

Why We Are Raising Awareness and Funds
The fight against DV is not just about responding to crises; it’s about preventing them. Awareness educates the community, empowers survivors, and shifts the societal norms that perpetuate domestic violence. Funding is crucial to sustain and expand services like emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and support groups, which provide lifelines to those affected. Moreover, funds help us conduct outreach and education programs, crucial for prevention and early intervention.

By highlighting the what and why of domestic violence through this campaign, we aim not only to shed light on this critical issue but also galvanize community support to effect real change. Join us in this fight — because everyone deserves a life free from fear and violence.

Stories of Hope

Hearing from those who have lived through domestic violence is powerful. Their stories are not just narratives of pain and struggle but are testaments to the power of the human spirit, the capacity for healing, and human tenacity. Here, we share a few stories from survivors, with their consent, to shed light on the realities of domestic violence, the journey towards safety and healing, and the critical role that support services play in their lives.

What is Sabrina’s Place and why is it important?

RESOURCES ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

ON THE LOCAL FRONT

  1. T.A.P. Domestic Violence Services – 540-283-4813 / 24 Hour Hotline: 540-580-0775
  2. T.A.P. Sabrina’s Place – Supervised Visitation 540-777-3799
  3. Salvation Army’s Turning Point – The Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Shelter 540-345-0400
  4. SARA Roanoke.  Sexual Assault and Response. Crisis Hotline: 540-981-9352 Office: 540-345-7273 TTY: 711 Español: 888-969-1825 Administrative Office: 3034 Brambleton Ave. SW Roanoke, VA 24015
  5. Roanoke City Department of Social Services – 540-853-2591 Social Services | Roanoke, VA (roanokeva.gov)
  6. County of Roanoke Department of Social Services – 540-387-6087 County of Roanoke Department of Social Services
  7. D.A.D. (Domestic Abuse Disruption) – Assist with court escorts. 540-556-7059 DAD Helps
  8. Angels of Assisi – Offers boarding and medical care for the pets of victims of domestic violence. 540-344-8707 Angels of Assisi

STATE LEVEL

NATIONAL LEVEL

LoveIsRespect is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Break the Cycle. By combining resources and capacity, these programs reach more people to help build healthy relationships and save more lives. Love is Respect

WEBSITE

  1. The Hotline – www.thehotline.org  1-800-799-7233
    Operating 24/7, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse.
  2. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) – www.ncadv.org
    Provides statistics, resources, and ways to get involved in the fight against domestic violence.
  3. Futures Without Violence – www.futureswithoutviolence.org
    Focuses on education, policy, and programs to end violence against women and children.
  4. End Domestic Abuse Now (EDAN) – www.enddomesticabuse.org
    Resources and advocacy for ending domestic violence.
  5. Safe Horizon – www.safehorizon.org
    Support, legal advice, and programs for victims of domestic violence.

    BOOKS

    Snyder, Rachel Louise. No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2019.