Peer Support Groups Designed for Survivors by Survivors

Gender-based violence can be viewed as a deeply personal and traumatic experience rooted in power imbalances related to gender. It encompasses a range of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuses that are directed at women and girls because of their gender. 

Domestic violence is when someone in a family or a close relationship hurts or controls their partner or family member. This can be hitting, yelling, forcing them to do things they don't want to, or keeping them away from friends and family. It's not just physical harm; it also includes actions and words that hurt emotionally and make someone feel scared or small. It happens in what should be a safe and loving environment, which makes it especially hard and confusing for those who experience it. Domestic violence can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse.

Knowing if you're in an abusive relationship can be hard, but there are key signs. It's not just about physical harm. Look for things like your partner controlling what you do, making you feel scared or bad about yourself, cutting you off from friends, forcing you into things, or threatening you. If you often feel scared or small around them, it's a big red flag. Remember, a healthy relationship should make you feel safe and respected.

Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual activity, including touching, grabbing, and rape. It’s an act where consent is not freely given by the victim. It’s important to remember that consent must be clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing.

If you experienced any form of sexual contact or behavior without your explicit consent, it is considered sexual assault. This includes any non-consensual touching, forced sexual acts, feeling like you cannot say no, being under the influence or being made to participate in sexual activities against your will.

First, get to a safe place. Your safety and well-being are the most important. If you are hurt or need immediate help, call emergency services. Remember, it's your choice to report the assault, but it can be helpful to preserve any evidence if you decide to. This means not showering or changing clothes if possible. Reach out to someone you trust for support. Consider contacting a sexual assault hotline or a local support organization for guidance on what to do next and to talk about your options. Remember, what happened is not your fault, and help is available.

It can be scary to share what happened, but many people will believe and support you. It’s crucial to talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional at a support organization.

Listen without judgement and believe their story. Offer your support and help them explore their options, but remember to respect their choices and pace. Encourage them to seek professional support if they’re open to it.

There are a few ways you can get involved with SAFE. Thank you for your interest.

First, if you're looking to get involved in a volunteer capacity, that's great!

SAFE currently has the following opportunities available for volunteer roles:

✔️ SAFE Fundraising Team

✔️ Events Team

✔️ SAFE Committee*

*The SAFE Committee, is the heart and soul of SAFE. The Committee is made up of female-identified and non-binary survivors who are no longer in crisis. Their core focus is to provide support and services for survivors and their family members, educating the community through advocacy efforts and speaking engagements, and providing community consultations to organizations who service survivors.

Submit your interest to volunteer via email: info@survivor-advocates.org

Secondly, you can get involved by staying informed. Follow SAFE on all our social channels.

Lastly, subscribe to SAFE News (a monthly newsletter) to:

💜 Get the scoop: Always be in the loop with the latest news and info that matters to SAFE. Think updates on laws, cool resources, and helpful tips.

💜 Get a heads up on events: Get the lowdown on cool events like workshops, speaking engagements and events. Perfect for learning new stuff and meeting people.

💜 Make a difference: Hear about neat ways to get involved. Whether it's volunteering, spreading the word, or other cool projects, you can really make an impact.

💜 Learn lots: Expect awesome articles, interviews, and real-life stories that teach you a ton about what it's like for survivors and how to help.

💜 Feel the power: Regular doses of empowerment and inspiration to keep your spirits high and your motivation strong.

It's more than just a mailing list – it's a way to stay connected, informed, and ready to make a difference. Plus, it's pretty cool to be part of a community that cares!

Locate the PURPLE button "Subscribe to SAFE News" at the bottom of our Home page.