Words Matter: “Victim” or “Survivor”

Domestic violence and sexual assault experiences can be difficult for individuals to feel comfortable speaking about with others. When referring to the individual who experienced these traumatic events, it is important to refer to them in an appropriate way. Many well-meaning community members are uncertain whether the term "victim" or "survivor" is best. A victim is typically used to refer to someone who has recently been abused or experienced domestic or sexual violence. Whereas ... Read more

Reflecting on Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Charlotte

As we reflect on the success of this year's Breakfast of Hope and the month of October, we are filled with gratitude for the 500+ attendees who came together to raise vital awareness and more than $330,000 for Mecklenburg County survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The event was a poignant reminder of the collective strength in our community and the urgent need for ongoing support. With inspiring speakers and heartfelt stories, we set the stage for a powerful dialogue ar ... Read more

How Domestic Violence Creates a Ripple Effect in Communities

When domestic violence occurs, it may seem like an isolated event, affecting just one person or a single household. But in reality, the impact extends much further. Like a pebble dropped into a pond, the effects of domestic violence ripple outward, touching not only the survivor but also their children, family, friends, workplace, and the entire community. By understanding this ripple effect, we realize that addressing domestic violence is more than just helping one individual--it's about he ... Read more

The Silent Struggle: Why Men Often Don’t Report Abuse

One in 10 men in the U.S. has experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner and suffered some form of related impact. The Centers for Disease Control confirms what so many quietly endure. But the reality of male victims of domestic violence remains deeply buried beneath societal expectations and gender stereotypes. Traditionally, intimate partner violence is portrayed as a woman's issue, with men cast as perpetrators. This stigma leads ... Read more

Safe Alliance 2024 Impact Report: A Year of Hope and Healing

As we reflect on the past year, Safe Alliance is proud to share the profound impact our work has had on survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in Mecklenburg County. In fiscal year 2024 (FY24), we were able to provide life-saving services to thousands of individuals in our community, offering support, safety, and a path toward healing. FY24 by the Numbers: The numbers from our FY24 Annual Report tell a powerful story: 18,908 individuals were imp ... Read more

The Power and Control Wheel: A Crucial Tool in Identifying Abuse

What's the Power And Control Wheel? Safe Alliance values and seeks to comprehend each individual's lived experience. A visual tool used in our organization to further awareness for survivors and staff is the Power and Control Wheel. The Power and Control Wheel was created in 1984 by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Minnesota. The purpose was to find a way to describe the different forms of abuse endured by survivors. The different tactics included within the inside of the whee ... Read more

Upcoming Annual NC Family Justice Center Conference

The NC Family Justice Center and Collaborative Communities Conference is a training/learning opportunity for those interested in improving access to services for survivors and offender accountability. Law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, civil legal attorneys, survivors, medical staff, elected officials, and community leaders are recommended to attend. The conference includes presentations led by locally and nationally recognized speakers. These presentations are intended to provide the au ... Read more

Elizabeth Palmisano’s ‘Compassion in Bloom’: The Story Behind the Art

This year, Safe Alliance partnered with local artist Elizabeth Palmisano to craft a remarkable piece of art called "Compassion in Bloom," which will be showcased and auctioned off at Safe Alliance's annual fundraiser, Breakfast of Hope. Breakfast of Hope, held on October 1st at The Revelry at Camp North End, not only marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month but also stands as a beacon of community, hope, and healing for those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. ... Read more

The Life-Saving Power of Collaboration: Survivor Resource Center’s Team

Opening in February 2021, the Survivor Resource Center is the precursor to The Umbrella Center, Charlotte-Mecklenburg's family justice center. It serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. Cases are referred to the Survivor Resource Center by community partners, and within the referral form, partners are asked whether the individual is at high risk. Safe Alliance's threshold for determining if the situation is high risk is if ... Read more

NARI’s return: Sunshine Room Makeover

At Safe Alliance's Clyde & Ethel Dickson Domestic Violence Shelter, there are rooms designated for different age groups of children. These spaces allow the children and teens to have their own safe place to play and connect with peers. It also provides a place that has adult supervision when their parents are participating in support groups or other programming. In Fall of 2023, the Morgan and Brian Cromwell children's room and the teen room were both renovated by NARI, the National Associat ... Read more