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 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

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

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

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

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