Safe Horizon

This week The Alliance travelled to the New York State Capitol in Albany to advocate for increased funding for sexual violence response. Over 60 experts and advocates from New York State joined us, representing close to 30 organizations.   This was the first time in many years that rape crisis programs and victim service providers from across the state came together to advocate for the needs of our programs and the survivors we work with.   We are pleased that Governor Hochul included significant investment in sexual violence response in her Executive Budget. Yesterday we met with Legislatures to ensure they support this investment.   Our key asks to Legislatures are:   - Increase rape crisis program funding from $6.5m to $12.8m - $2m to expand training programs for medical staff to provide post assault care to sexual violence survivors - Expanded oversight of hospitals to ensure the delivery of equitable and high-quality services to sexual violence survivors - Increase child advocacy center funding from $7m to $14m - Increase funding for culturally specific community organizations Thank you to everyone who gave their time and expertise to Advocacy Day. We cannot underscore enough the importance of these conversations. We see this week's efforts as only the start of building power as a community, finding our voice, and joining together to ensure that the needs of survivors are addressed and that we have the resources we need to do our work the way it needs to be done. Carl Heastie Andrea Stewart-Cousins Didi Barrett Stefani L. Zinerman Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. MHA of Columbia Greene Safe Harbors of Finger Lakes, Inc. Family Services Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Crime Victims Treatment Center (CVTC) Montefiore Health System St. Peter's Health Partners NEW YORK STATE CHILDRENS ALLIANCE INC New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) Safe Horizon South Queens Women's March Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) Healing Hands

Human services workers and organizations show our communities love everyday, and now, it’s time for the State to do the same. ❤️ From Feb 10 – 14, send a Valentine’s email to your State Legislators and demand that they fight for us in the budget and support: ✅ A 7.8% investment in human services ✅ S1580/A2590 to ensure ALL nonprofit human services programs are eligible for State cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) funding ✅ S4675/A3329 (Wage Board Legislation) to investigate the pay gap between nonprofit and government human services workers 📨 Send your email now → bit.ly/JustPay-Valentine #JustPay #Valentines #DontBreakOurHearts

Huge thank you to our partner EvolveMKD for their amazing volunteer work with our Streetwork Project! Something as simple as cleaning a closet and sorting clothing makes a big difference in brightening the space for our clients.

February is Black History Month, and Safe Horizon is highlighting phenomenal Black leaders who are making a difference in the lives of survivors. Today, we celebrate Michele Richard, our Vice President of Community and Digital Services who oversees Safe Horizon’s Community Programs, Hotlines, Helpline and DOVE Initiative. She previously served as the Senior Director of the Safe Way Forward Program. Michele has worked in the field of intimate partner violence for over 20 years and has always been passionate about working towards creating safe home environments. She began her career at STEPS To End Family Violence, where most of her work focused on Teen Dating Violence. Michele was among a team that created school-based programming to address teen dating violence and an accountability program for adolescent men that were causing harm to their partners or mothers. Michele received her Master’s in Public Administration from New York University. Join us in celebrating Michele’s leadership and dedication to helping individuals and families affected by violence.

We applaud the recent ruling from a New York State appellate court that the Administration for Children's Services should end the practice of conducting intrusive and unnecessary home visits to domestic violence survivors and their children. This practice re-traumatizes families and may lead survivors to decide to forgo critical, life-saving support and services. Survivors and their children deserve paths to healing and safety, not intrusive home visits from government agencies. https://lnkd.in/d6Eatmat

Feeling the winter blues? ❄️ You're not alone! Winter blues is a common mood shift experienced during the colder, darker months. We're exploring diverse cultural practices to combat those winter blues and prioritize self-care for caregivers. From mindful movement to enjoying spicy foods, there are many ways to find warmth and joy during this time. What cultural traditions or rituals do you turn to for comfort and joy during the winter? Share your experiences in the comments! If you are a survivor struggling with the winter blues, please reach out to Safe Horizon’s treatment teams at our Counseling Center, Child Trauma Response Team, or Community Programs. We are here to help.

Yesterday, I testified before the NYC Council on the urgent need to better support young survivors of trafficking. At Streetwork Project, we see firsthand how traffickers exploit vulnerability—youth without stable housing, resources, or support. That’s why our work goes beyond shelter. Through Safe Horizon Anti-Trafficking Program (ATP) and Immigration Law Project (ILP), we help youth escape exploitation, access legal protections, and rebuild their lives. This fight requires more....more resources, more awareness, and stronger city partnerships. Human trafficking thrives in the shadows, but we’re here to shine a light. #EndTrafficking #YouthJustice #SafeHorizon #StreetworkProject #SurvivorCentered

Despite the news of a pause to all federal grants and loans, our commitment to supporting survivors remains unwavering. We are still here. We are still listening. We are still providing vital services. You are not alone.

This past Wednesday, we held a special staff celebration to honor 40 years of Safe Horizon Streetwork Project, bringing together former and current staff to network, share stories, and reflect on the incredible legacy of this program. It was heartwarming to reconnect with those who have been a part of this journey, spanning decades of service and impact. As part of the evening, we shared a video montage where former staff answered three meaningful questions: 1. What brought you to Streetwork? 2. What made you stay? 3. Words of advice for current and future staff? Their reflections were inspiring and a powerful reminder of how deeply this program has influenced both the clients we serve and the staff who have shaped its mission. A highlight of the evening was hearing from Streetwork Project founder, Trudee Able-Peterson , who joined us virtually all the way from Minnesota. Her words reminded us of the pioneers who laid the foundation for Streetwork and how the program's mission and guiding principles continue to thrive today. This event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a chance to reconnect, honor our shared history, and draw inspiration for the future. Thank you to every former and current staff member who has contributed to this incredible legacy. Here’s to continuing this meaningful work with the same passion and dedication for years to come.

Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as defense secretary of the United States sends a dangerous message to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, further normalizing a culture where abusers are allowed to hold the highest positions of power, and where victims’ experiences seemingly do not matter. Safe Horizon firmly and resolutely rejects this notion, which emboldens abusers and puts survivors at more risk than ever by discouraging them from speaking up about their experiences. The affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law alleges that Hegseth’s aggressive behavior caused his wife to hide from him, giving close friends a safe word so she could call for help. A 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth details a chilling account of violence. This is textbook behavior in the cases of assault and abuse of power we hear about from our clients every day.   Hegseth’s confirmation affirms the urgent need for policies that protect the safety and dignity of survivors, ensuring that their voices are amplified and respected. To all those who might feel silenced by this senate confirmation—we see you, we believe you, and we stand with you and all survivors of violence, abuse, and exploitation. We will not stop in our fight for survivors’ rights to safety and justice.