What does a community free from sexual and domestic violence actually look like? It starts long before a crisis or crisis intervention ever happens—with neighbors who can recognize warning signs, workplaces that foster safe environments, and young people who have the tools they need to build healthy relationships and recognize unhealthy ones.
In honor of Domestic Violence Month, our own VP of Corporate Partnership, @Amelia Crowl shares her insight and experience as a community educator through Project Aware and hospital advocate volunteer for United Way Impact 100 partner MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault).
Education plays such a vital role in breaking the cycle of domestic and sexual violence. By prioritizing programs that educate our communities and support survivor healing, we help keep children safe and reduce the stigma adults may face.
Project Aware is an age-appropriate lesson helping teach kids to understand differences between safe and unsafe interactions with others. Kids are often taught basic principles, like that adults are in charge, which can sometimes put them into situations where they are vulnerable. Project Aware teaches them how to identify these situations, and three concrete things they can do: say no, get away, and tell someone. We close out the lesson by having each child share two trusted adults they can talk to if they ever need help and give them a coloring book with information to do at home with caretakers.
I first learned about the opportunity to get involved in this way through my work at United Way. It’s an impactful and meaningful way to serve our community. No one wants to feel alone, but because of the stigma that often surrounds domestic violence and sexual assault, many survivors don’t feel safe turning to their inner circles during a crisis. I’ve learned that I’m comfortable sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments. They should have someone in their corner, and I’m honored to be that person.
When someone comes to the emergency room after experiencing a crime, a hospital advocate is the person on-site to offer immediate emotional support. While the medical team focuses on treating physical injuries, our role is to care for the survivor’s emotional wellbeing. We provide information about mental health resources, explain how to access the Crime Victims Fund, offer support navigating the legal system, and most importantly, make sure the survivor has a safe place to go when they leave the hospital. It’s about showing up, listening, and helping them take the next steps toward healing, however that may look for them.
Domestic and sexual violence can affect anyone—regardless of age, background, or where they live. That means people in our community may need support at any time. MOCSA works closely with state and county partners to make sure survivors have immediate access to care, including sexual assault exams, all at no cost. These evidence kits can be safely stored for up to five years—giving survivors time to decide if and when they want to begin an investigation. MOCSA also provides free follow-up mental healthcare, legal advocacy and support during hospital visits. No survivor should have to navigate their healing journey alone.
Together, each of us can play a role in helping make our community safer and free of domestic and sexual violence. I encourage you to give back, get involved, and take action in a way that’s meaningful to you.