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

How To Create Effective Safety Plans

For survivors of abuse, deciding to prioritize safety is a brave and life-changing step. However, it can also bring an overwhelming wave of questions and emotions: Where do I go? How can I protect myself? What about my children? A safety plan is the bridge between fear and freedom, offering survivors a clear path forward in moments of crisis and beyond. At the heart of this process is Jasmine Hensley, Director of the Greater Charlotte Hope Line at Safe Alliance. Jasmine and her team ... Read more

Lindsay Harris of Safe Alliance Receives 2024 Leadership Award

In a heartfelt ceremony held by Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer B. Merriweather III, individuals who exemplify exceptional service to the community were celebrated for their dedication and impact. Among the honorees was Lindsay Harris, an Outreach Assistant and Intern and Volunteer Coordinator at Safe Alliance, who received the prestigious 2024 Community Leadership Award. The annual awards ceremony, hosted by the District Attorney's Office, recognizes individual ... Read more

Angela’s Pathway to Peace and Healing with Safe Alliance

Angela's life was marked by daily struggles and fear under the control of an abusive partner. He isolated her from family and friends, forbade her from working, and subjected her to ongoing physical and emotional abuse. She felt trapped and terrified, unsure if she could ever break free or survive on her own without his financial support. One night, her abuser strangled her to the point of unconsciousness, threatening to kill her if she tried to leave again. As he fell asleep, Angel ... Read more

Meet Garry Rice: A Lawyer Bringing Hope to Survivors

Behind every act of service lies a story of compassion and commitment. Garry Rice, deputy general counsel and recipient of the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award, exemplifies this through his tireless dedication to helping survivors of domestic violence. As part of the Charlotte Triage Partnership, which celebrated its sixth anniversary this September, Garry plays a vital role in addressing urgent legal needs for the most vulnerable members of our community. In this i ... Read more

Abby Moran of Safe Alliance Shares a Holiday Message of Joy

The holiday season is often painted as the "happiest time of the year," filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. But for many, it's a season that can feel heavy, challenging, and even isolating. "I think it's important to normalize that," says Abby Moran, a licensed therapist with Safe Alliance. "The holidays can be extremely challenging, and that's okay." If the holidays feel tough this year, Abby offers a heartfelt reminder: you're not alone. Here are her thoughts on ... Read more