5 Signs of Elderly Abuse: Recognizing the Quiet Warnings

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time where we renew our commitment to protecting the safety, rights, and dignity of older adults in our communities. Every person deserves to feel supported at every stage of life. Sadly, many older adults face struggles that often go unnoticed. Elder abuse, whether physical, emotional, financial, or the result of neglect, is more common than many realize, and it often happens behind closed doors. According ... Read more

How Peer Support Specialists Support the Survivor’s Journey

Healing is more than a process, it's a journey. And like any journey, it's easier to take the next step when someone is walking beside you. That's where the Peer Support Specialist comes in. They are more than just a member of our team. They're survivors themselves. Their lived experience and openness help bridge the gap between isolation and connection, fear and trust, hopelessness and hope. We sat down with Demetis Chatman, Supportive Services Manager at Safe Allianc ... Read more

Together for Survivors: Walk A Mile 2025 Recap

The rain cleared just in time for more than 645 walkers to fill the concourse of Truist Field on Saturday, May 17, for Safe Alliance's 2025 Walk A Mile. What began as a cloudy morning quickly transformed into a beautiful day, proof that not even the threat of storms could keep Charlotte from showing up for survivors. Together, families, friends, coworkers, and advocates laced up their sneakers, and in some cases, heels, to take a powerful stand against domestic violence and sexual assault.&n ... Read more

Surviving Cyber Abuse: Audra's Story of Strength and Hope

CW: Domestic Violence, Alcoholism, Stalking Abuse comes in many forms, and in today's digital world, cyber abuse is an increasingly prevalent and insidious threat. For survivors, the impact extends far beyond the screen, infiltrating every aspect of life. This is the story of Audra, a strong, resilient survivor who navigated the terrifying world of cyber abuse and reclaimed her power with the help of Safe Alliance and her support system. Growing up in the Northeast, Audra was raised in ... Read more

A Lifeline for Survivors: Safe Alliance & 911 Cellphone Bank

At Safe Alliance, we are always seeking innovative ways to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. That's why we are proud to share a new partnership with 911 Cellphone Bank, an organization whose mission is to make the world a safer and cleaner place by providing free emergency devices to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Their work not only provides life-saving communication tools to those in crisis, but also diverts electronic waste fro ... Read more

Celebrating Volunteer Awareness Month: Brooke’s Impact at Shelter Mart

In honor of Volunteer Awareness Month, we're thrilled to spotlight Brooke, one of our dedicated Shelter Mart volunteers at Safe Alliance. The Shelter Mart, located within our Domestic Violence Shelter, ensures that guests receive essential items such as body wash, diapers, feminine products, and more during their stay. Last fiscal year, Safe Alliance volunteers clocked 12,630 hours of service. Meet Brooke Brooke moved to Charlotte in December 2021 and was eager to contri ... Read more

Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy, Exploring Healing Through Art

Art has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and bring communities together. For Charlotte artist Meredith Connelly, art is also a tool for healing, advocacy, and transformation. A multidisciplinary artist known for her large-scale installations that explore the interplay of light, science, and technology, Meredith is also a survivor. Her lived experience fuels her passion for creating spaces where survivors feel seen, heard, and empowered. Her latest curated exhibit, Soverei ... Read more

How Yoga Can Aid Healing for Survivors

For survivors of domestic and sexual violence, healing is not just about survival. It's about rediscovering strength, reclaiming control, and rebuilding a sense of self. While therapy and support groups provide essential guidance, movement-based practices like yoga offer another pathway to empowerment. At Safe Alliance, yoga has become an integral part of this journey, thanks to Aprhyl, a Certified Peer Support Specialist, and dedicated volunteer Kelly, a Davidson College senior and yoga instr ... Read more

How to Co-Parent with an Abuser

Co-parenting is rarely easy, but for survivors of domestic abuse, the challenges can feel insurmountable. Approximately 23.5% of divorces specifically cite domestic violence as a major contributing factor.[1] This statistic highlights how survivors must navigate the difficult reality of co-parenting with an abusive ex-partner. While the journey is undoubtedly difficult, it can be possible to co-parent while prioritizing your safety and well-being. Here are some practical tips to help yo ... Read more

The Power of the Equality Wheel

What's the Equality Wheel? The development of the notable Power and Control Wheel allowed individuals to have a visual representation of different tactics of abuse victims can experience. Individuals that resonated with the power and control wheel struggled to enter a new relationship after experiencing an abusive relationship because they did not know what to look for. The Equality Wheel was created to show characteristics that are necessary for a healthy relationship. The implementati ... Read more