Community Education
Sexual and Domestic Violence is often erroneously viewed as an individual, family or sexual issue; however, the community’s understanding and knowledge of the issues can lead to more accountability from employers, the justice system, schools and government. The Community Education Program provides outreach and education to help individuals learn how each of us plays a role in the process of ending sexual and domestic violence.
Trainings and Presentations
SafePlace Trainers provide professional trainings for first responders, health care professionals, Human Resource personnel and other professional groups on how to recognize, report, respond and prevent sexual or domestic violence.
SafePlace staff and trained volunteers work to increase community understanding of sexual and domestic violence by providing presentations to civic and professional groups, schools, private organizations, parents and loved ones of survivors, and other interested groups.
Community Event Outreach
SafePlace staff and volunteers are available to represent the agency with materials and information for the community at booths during events such as school or job fairs where attendees are invited to learn about resources available in the Austin community.
Professional Training for First Responders
Trained staff provide professional trainings to sexual assault and domestic violence first responders such as law enforcement, attorneys, health care providers, caregivers, employers, faith leaders and child care workers.
Domestic Violence & Pregnancy: Effective Screening and Intervention
This online training for health care providers,explores the fundamental domestic violence knowledge required to identify, treat, document and, if necessary, report domestic abuse. CNEs (Texas) and CEUs (Texas) are available. Access the class.
Bystander Dialogues
These engaging, facilitated conversations offer individuals and community groups the opportunity to discuss how everyone can help end sexual and domestic violence. Participants discuss the impact that sexual and domestic violence has on their lives and the lives of those that they love. In addition, participants address how everyone has a role in creating a safe community and how others observe our choices and often follow our lead. These discussions can be held in homes, coffee shops or with reading clubs, church groups, men's organizations and various civic groups.
Public Awareness Campaigns & Events
SafePlace public awareness campaigns and events educate the community on sexual and domestic violence issues, give a voice to all survivors and encourage individuals within the community to serve as courageous advocates for survivors to help end violence where it begins. A complete listing of upcoming public awareness events and community fundraisers can be found on our events calendar.
During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in April, SafePlace invites employers and employees in the Austin area to wear jeans to work to support survivors of rape and sexual assault and begin discussions about the myths and realities surrounding these issues. In 2011, more than 5,000 people participated in the event.
One evening each fall is dedicated to the resiliency of survivors of sexual violence. The goal of Celebrating the Survivor Spirit is to provide survivors and their allies an opportunity to come forward, meet and hear from each other and begin forming a community of survivors in the healing process.
Men Rally For Change is a collaboration of men, women and youth speaking out against sexual and domestic violence, while speaking up for safe communities and healthy relationships. This event engages school and community partners in an annual rally featuring lively speakers and outstanding performers, and works throughout the year to strengthen men and boy's involvement in ending violence against women and girls.
RAINN Day is the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network’s annual campaign to end sexual violence on college campuses. Each year, through the efforts of local organizers, RAINN Day reaches over 1 million college student. Students, volunteers and rape crisis centers around the country raise awareness about rape and sexual assault and hand out RAINN cards on college campuses. SafePlace leads the campaign in the Austin/Travis County area by handing out cards at several college campuses.
Unfortunately, partner violence is just as prevalent and lethal in LGBTQ relationships as it is in heterosexual relationships. Many myths surround violence in these relationships and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender survivors may find it difficult to come forward with details of abuse or may feel that they are not welcome in "traditional" domestic violence centers. This campaign provides materials that dispel the myths and provide information to those who may need help.
Past Campaigns & Events
A New Dawn; Building Healthy Families and Communities
In 2008, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SafePlace hosted an evening for Latino community members to come together to learn from neighbors and friends while supporting each other in building healthy relationships, families and a stronger community.
Watch Your Drink
In 2000, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault recognized the SafePlace Watch Your Drink Campaign as its Innovative Program of the Year. The program focused on education about the dangers of drinks being drugged by an offender.
Help Cut Out Sexual Assault
In collaboration with African-American hair stylists, SafePlace reached out to member of this community to break the silence around sexual assault and encourage survivors to seek support. In 2007, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault recognized the the campaign as its Innovative Program of the Year. We thank our partners who helped us reach out to more than 4,500 African-American women: African Braids by Paulette, Ambient Tresses (Sherri Freeman), Ann’s Private Cuts, Avenue Five Institute, Black Hair Unlimited, Classy Lady Beauty Salon, Gabrielle’s Salon and Spa, Gloria’s Hair Boutique, HCS Salon & Spa, InfiniD’s Salon, Jackson Ruiz Salon Spa, Jarika’s Reflextions Hair Design, Jenissa Beauty Academy, Minnie’s Beauty Salon, Omar’s Full Service Salon, The 7th Salon and The Comfort Zone.
Community Fairs
SafePlace staff and trained volunteers are available to staff booths at a variety of events such as school or job fairs where the community is invited to learn about resources available in our community.
Materials
SafePlace creates and distributes brochures about various issues associated with sexual and domestic violence and our services. These are available for public display at businesses, doctor’s offices and wherever community members would like to share information. Large quantities can be ordered for a business or organization to display.