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March 12, 2025
Survivors of violence and abuse make up 1/3 of the United States population, making them a demographic that is simply too large to ignore. Following the 2024 presidential election, Safe Horizon partnered with Untold Research to conduct a national poll surveying survivors of violence about their voting behavior. In this divisive political climate, we wanted to hear directly from survivors about their needs, feelings, and what they’re demanding from national leadership.
We surveyed 2,012 survivors across the country and across party lines who voted in the presidential election. The results of the survey revealed that survivors voted for Donald Trump at the same rate as the general electorate. Survivors, like the rest of the American electorate, consider a variety of factors to inform their vote beyond their experience of surviving abuse.
Respondents shared:
Despite this division, polling emphasized the desire of survivors to have a government that listens to and supports survivors of violence and abuse.
Here are some key takeaways from the poll:
These poll results remind us that ending violence is not a partisan issue. All survivors of violence—regardless of political affiliation—need to know that their safety, dignity and well-being are a priority for all public officials. With these findings, Safe Horizon is calling on survivors of violence across the country to stand publicly in support of organizations that protect and empower survivors.
Join us in sending a clear message to President Trump—sign our open letter to demand that resources for prevention, support services, and legal protections for survivors are prioritized and protected.
October 25 ,2024
As Election Day nears, this is a critical time to take stock of where we are as a country and to plot a post-election path that enables us to move forward no matter who holds office. Given that one in three people in the U.S. identifies as a survivor of violence, abuse or exploitation — and that data suggest that the real figure is well over half of the population — our vision for the future must include a robust and intersectional strategy to support survivors and reduce violence.
As the nation’s largest victim service organization, working with 250,000 survivors each year, we understand that safety is a fundamental human right that enables us to live, work and pursue happiness. Individuals must feel safe in their communities, homes, bodies and minds to thrive and reach their full potential.
We also know first-hand that violence thrives at the intersection of oppressions and, therefore, requires a comprehensive response. We know that effective gun safety legislation must acknowledge and address the link between domestic violence and gun violence. Immigration, migration and asylum policies will escalate violence and injustice if they ignore essential protections for survivors. Criminalizing homelessness while failing to address its root causes, which include violence, will shift focus from solutions to blame. Bodily autonomy — an absolute requirement for a society free of violence — will remain under threat if policy around reproductive rights and trans healthcare disregard survivors’ needs and experiences.
It is crucial that we create local, state and federal policies that are compassionate, inclusive and centered on lived experiences. Every legislative and budget decision made by lawmakers impacts the lives of survivors.
Gun violence prevention
Problem: The current political climate surrounding firearms is divisive, but one fact is clear: victims and survivors face greater risks without safe gun legislation. Policies that expand access to dangerous firearms have serious implications for mass violence and community safety, and especially for survivors of domestic violence. Research shows that the presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of injury or death by five times for those facing intimate partner violence.
Solution: The urgency for federal action on community gun violence, particularly regarding vulnerable individuals, cannot be overstated. The Supreme Court case of United States v. Rahimi underscores the critical need for national legislation to protect lives. Policymakers must implement comprehensive reforms that prioritize safety, enforce stricter regulations on firearms access and ensure protective measures for those at risk, especially survivors.
Safety for people fleeing violence and abuse
Problem: The words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty —”Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” — embody the promise of a safe harbor; a promise that we are failing to meet for too many who come to the U.S., especially those who are fleeing violence.
Solution: Crucial legal remedies and federal programs, such as U and T-visas for survivors of violence and trafficking, are under threat. Wrap-around services for new arrivals, including access to shelter, are vital in preventing further violence and exploitation. And we urgently need to shift the narrative away from demonizing and dehumanizing immigrants. Losing these protections endangers countless individuals who have suffered violence, abuse and exploitation and are simply seeking a safer, better future. Policymakers must recognize the human experience in the immigration policies they propose.
Access to safe shelter
Problem: Housing is a human right, and housing insecurity is the result of a collective policy failure. When we criminalize homelessness, we further traumatize and harm those already vulnerable. Youth homelessness, particularly among those aged 18 to 24, is an urgent issue that often goes overlooked and underserved. This demographic faces unique challenges that require tailored solutions.
Solution: We must implement effective policies that prioritize affordable and supportive housing, homelessness prevention and comprehensive support services to help young people transition into stable living situations. Policymakers must implement compassionate, long-term solutions that address the underlying issues of housing insecurity, rather than enact punitive measures.
Bodily autonomy
Problem: The erosion of bodily autonomy contributes to a culture of violence by disrespecting the most basic of human rights. Bodily autonomy is crucial for survivors, especially regarding reproductive rights and abortion access. Survivors of intimate partner violence frequently experience sexual violence as well as physical abuse, and abusers often seek to control survivors’ access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Furthermore, pregnancy and parenting can escalate violence and complicate the decision to leave an abusive relationship. These realities highlight the need for reproductive independence as a vital facet of personal safety. By making abortion illegal, even in cases of incest and rape, policymakers further endanger survivors, including minors. The violation of bodily autonomy also impacts the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly for trans individuals facing barriers to healthcare and self-determination.
Solution: Policymakers must listen to survivors and end the attacks on women’s and transgender individuals’ bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. Policies that strip people of their reproductive healthcare rights are deadly and perpetuate a culture of violence.
Those who have survived violence have much to teach us about both its root causes and the solutions. When the dust settles after the elections, we invite elected officials to join us in listening to survivors and partnering with them to find real solutions to end violence. Together, we can build a future where safety and freedom from violence are accessible to everyone.
The emergency domestic violence shelter system across New York was originally designed to house families, not survivors without children. Because of the State’s inflexible reimbursement structure, shelter providers lose significant revenue when they house a single survivor in a room designed for a parent and child. The State’s reimbursement system makes it incredibly difficult for single adult survivors of domestic and gender-based violence to access shelter. This disproportionately hurts LGBTQ+ survivors, trafficking survivors, and older adults – survivors more likely to seek shelter without children.
The Securing Access to Fair & Equal (SAFE) Shelter Act will help expand access to life-saving domestic violence shelter to single adult survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and sexual violence.
The SAFE Shelter Act would allow domestic violence shelters to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for two people. This will help make New York’s network of domestic violence shelters more equitable and accessible to all survivors, regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or family size. And it will allow many more survivors to obtain safe, temporary housing and escape violence.
Safe Horizon worked closely with the Urban Resource Institute (URI), Volunteers of America-Greater New York, and NYSCADV, to get the SAFE Shelter Act passed in the New York State Legislature. Now we urge Governor Hochul to prioritize life-saving temporary housing for thousands of survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and human trafficking by signing this critical bill into law.
We thank State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi for sponsoring and championing the SAFE Shelter Act. Together, we can ensure that all survivors have access to the safe shelter that they need and deserve.
September 18, 2024
“As we have seen in numerous high-profile cases in recent years, for far too long, men in positions of power and wealth have felt they were ‘above the law’. We stand with Cassie Ventura and the other survivors who are courageously speaking out about violence and exploitation they have suffered. And we fiercely support the right of all survivors to be heard, to be believed, and to seek justice. At Safe Horizon, we worked tirelessly to pass the Adult Survivors Act and the Child Victims Act so that survivors would have more pathways to justice, recognizing that trauma takes time, and that speaking out against a powerful abuser is always an uphill battle. We will continue to fight for legislation and systems reform that pave the way to meaningful accountability. And we will continue to be here for survivors at every stage of their journey,” said Liz Roberts, CEO.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities.
Safe Horizon CEO, Liz Roberts, speaks to ABC News following the indictment of Sean “Diddy” Combs about how to best support survivors of human trafficking and abuse.
Liz Roberts interviewed on ABC about how supporting survivors
April 24, 2024
NEW YORK, May 16, 2024 – Safe Horizon proudly hosts its 28th annual Champion Celebration on Thursday, May 16th at the world-renowned Gotham Hall in New York City. This year’s honorees include Safe Horizon board member, Sonia Sande, EY Americas Consulting Talent Leader and New York State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.
The ceremony will also feature special appearances by New York’s own PIX11 Morning Show news anchors, Dan Mannarino and Hazel Sanchez, hosting the event’s live appeal.
Sonia Sande joined the Board of Directors of Safe Horizon in 2015. Sonia is a management consultant, currently serving as EY’s Americas Consulting Talent Leader, and is a member of the firms Inclusiveness Advisory Council. She was recognized with a ‘Women Leaders in Consulting’ achievement award from Consulting Magazine in 2018. Sonia was born in India, grew up in the UK and studied in the UK and Canada. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from the University of Cambridge.
Assemblywoman Cruz took office in 2019 representing New York State Assembly District 39 in Queens. The Colombian native migrated to Queens at age nine as a DREAMer, living in the United States for more than 10 years as an undocumented American. She is a dedicated advocate for survivor rights, standing proudly with Safe Horizon, survivors and legislators to get the New York State Child Victims Act passed in 2019 that opened a one-year lookback window for adult survivors of child abuse to gain justice against their abuser.
Prior to getting elected, Assemblywoman Cruz, became an attorney, fighting for tenant protections, immigration reform and workers’ rights. She also held various positions in city and state government in NYC City Council. Assemblywoman Cruz has passed more than 20 new laws to combat food insecurity, curtail the high cost of healthcare, protect aging New Yorkers, among other issues, and continues leading the charge to make sure her constituent’s needs are met. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor from the City University of New York’s School of Law.
A special feature of at this year’s ceremony will be The Things We Carry gallery exhibit. The gallery features photographs of items that survivors were able to bring with them as they started their journey towards healing. Each piece is an original artwork by Kelly Marshall and Philippa Brathwaite, and is paired with an audio recording describing the items.
“We are so proud to celebrate Sonia Sande and Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz for their dynamic achievements and commitment to prioritizing survivors, dedicating their service to ensure survivor access to resources for justice and healing is a mainstay,” said Liz Roberts, CEO, Safe Horizon. “The Champion Awards are a time for the tremendous accomplishments of our survivors, staff and partners to be recognized and we look forward to highlighting them during this special evening of unity.”
“I’m deeply appreciative of all the important work that Safe Horizon does to help thousands of New Yorkers at challenging times in their lives – it is an honor to be recognized by such a great organization,” said Sonia Sande, EY Americas Consulting Talent Leader.
“I am honored to receive this award from Safe Horizon. As a former client, I know first-hand the incredible impact Safe Horizon has had on my life and the life-changing support this organization provides other survivors in their greatest time of need. Safe Horizon and its dedicated staff are always there to ensure victims can get the mental, physical and legal help they need to begin healing. Through their advocacy and services, they have ensured that survivors are seen, heard and believed. I am truly humbled and grateful for this full circle moment,” said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.
The Champion Celebration will begin at 6:30 pm (reception at 5:30 pm). For more information, please visit our official Champion web page at www.safehorizon.org/champion.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more information, please visit www.safehorizon.org.
NEW YORK, NY – May 9, 2024 — Today, survivors and staff from Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim services agency serving over 250,000 New Yorkers annually, stand in solidarity to urge Mayor Adams to restore $3M in critical funding to its Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). The PEG, announced in the latest NYC budget for FY25, puts at least 11,000 New Yorkers at risk of losing life-saving support in the aftermath of a crime. This includes survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and gun violence, among others. This budget reduction would also require the elimination of 50 staff positions at Safe Horizon.
The Safe Horizon Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) has served more than 50,000 New Yorkers in the past year, with over 94% of survivors expressing they felt better and more informed after receiving assistance from the program. Launched in 2016, CVAP places specially-trained advocates in each of the NYPD precincts throughout New York City’s five boroughs – covering 77 police precincts, 9 Police Service Areas and the Special Victims Division that assists sexual assault survivors. The advocates meet with victims in the precincts, conduct home visits, and participate in informational fairs with officers from the NYPD to help survivors on their healing journey.
This multidisciplinary approach recognizes the trauma-specific support crime victims require immediately following a crime, including counseling, advocacy, financial compensation and shelter.
“This $3M reduction in funding to our Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) sends the message that survivors are not a priority when it comes to public safety. By providing timely, trauma-informed support to crime victims, Safe Horizon advocates help survivors access safety and healing across every neighborhood in New York City. Mayor Adams, we cannot leave 11,000 New Yorkers to navigate the aftermath of crime without the support of an advocate” said Liz Roberts, CEO.
“The support services provided by Safe Horizon play a critical role for New Yorkers. It’s crucial that we fully fund the Crime Victims Assistance Program in order to have a FY25 budget that accurately reflects our values and priorities,” said Councilmember Keith Powers.
“Of the 11,000 victims of domestic violence who will be made less safe by this 3 million dollar PEG from the Administration, over 3,000 of those victims received services at precincts within the 42nd Council District. Our District has been neglected for many years at many levels and as a community that has lacked services, it is unconscionable that this Administration would choose to continue making cuts to programs that service some of the City’s most vulnerable residents who have often already been victimized in other ways. This PEG is extremely harmful and the Administration must fully restore the entirety of this PEG as soon as possible,” said Councilmember Chris Banks.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more please visit www.safehorizon.org.
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Statement from Safe Horizon CEO Liz Roberts on Mayor Adams’ plans to dramatically cut $3M in city funding to Safe Horizon’s precinct-based Crime Victim Assistance Program.
April 24, 2024
“At a time when New Yorkers are deeply concerned about their safety on the subway, in the streets, and in their own homes, Mayor Adams plans to dramatically cut $3M in city funding to Safe Horizon’s precinct-based Crime Victim Assistance Program. This ill-advised cut means 11,000 New Yorkers will not receive critical, and often lifesaving, services following a crime. If Mayor Adams really cares about public safety, he will reinstate this funding so that Safe Horizon can continue to provide services that restore safety, promote healing, and ultimately prevent further crime.”
Join us in telling Mayor Adams:
Public safety = survivor support
Restore CVAP funding NOW!
Join Team Horizon to guarantee your entry to the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon and receive race day benefits!
Team Horizon runners receive guaranteed entry to the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon while raising critical funds to support Safe Horizon programs. Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization. Our mission is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. In just 13.1 miles you can help the 250,000 fellow New Yorkers who Safe Horizon’s services touch each year. One individual can make a huge difference!
Team Horizon Athletes Receive:
Fundraising Commitment
Team Horizon runners commit to raising a minimum of $1,250, due in full by April 26, 2024. Runners must complete a fundraising contract in order to secure a spot on Team Horizon. Space is limited and entries are distributed on a first-come basis.
Already signed up for the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon?
You can still run with Team Horizon! Runners who create a fundraising page and raise a minimum of $500 will receive race day swag and entry into fundraising contests!
For more information on joining Team Horizon for the 2024 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon, fill out the form below!
Visit the official NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon website for full information.
Heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, red roses, and candlelit dinners are all things that we associate with Valentine’s Day. But for many survivors of domestic violence, Valentine’s Day can evoke less than celebratory feelings.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s remember to celebrate the act of building a healthy relationship:
1. Set and Communicate Boundaries
Setting boundaries helps create a safe and respectful environment where both partners feel comfortable and valued. Decide what you find acceptable and unacceptable behavior within a relationship and communicate this to your partner. At the same time, respect your partner’s boundaries and talk openly about your needs and expectations. For example, if your partner criticizes your family member, and it makes you uncomfortable, it’s within your right to ask them to stop. They should respect your boundary. If you do not feel comfortable setting boundaries with your partner, reflect and meditate on why this is, as there may be a power imbalance to consider.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care go hand-in-hand. In many relationships, it can become challenging to maintain a sense of individuality separate from the partnership. As a result, it can be hard to see yourself beyond the two of you as a couple. Practicing self-care is unique to you. It can be any activity that promotes your physical, mental, and emotional self. It can be as simple as setting aside alone time, being with your friends without your partner, or any private time where you feel most comfortable. If you find it difficult to practice self-care within a relationship, it’s possible that your partner is trying to isolate you to be dependent on them. And this can give them power over the relationship, and you. 3 Understand How to Handle Disagreements and Conflict
3. Understand How to Handle Disagreements and Conflict
In every relationship, it is normal for there to be issues that lead to disagreements and conflict. However, what is important is how the couple treats each other during the disagreement, how it’s solved, and what happens next. It can be a one-time discussion or a series of conversations. If you hesitate to raise an issue because you’re scared or worried of your partner’s reaction, it might be a sign of abuse. Insulting or belittling behavior during conflict is a form of emotional abuse and is not a healthy way to solve an issue. Your partner should never make you feel afraid to express yourself.
4. Recognize Signs of Abuse
Relationships are unique and can also be complex, but they should never create harm. If it feels impossible for you to use any of these tips, it is important question the relationship and what is keeping it together. Signs of abuse can vary from person to person, but are generally physical, emotional, psychological, and financial. They can include the threat or act of physical violence, being forced or pressured into unwanted situations or actions, and limiting or cutting off relationships because of harmful threats. If you recognize one sign, it is possible that there may be more. For a more detailed list of signs of abuse, visit safehorizon.org/dv.
5. Seek Support
If you are struggling in your relationship or have experienced abuse or trauma, it is important to seek support from trusted sources. Reach out to friends, family members, or professionals who can provide guidance and assistance. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate difficult situations. For over 45 years, Safe Horizon has been helping survivors in New York City move from crisis to confidence. We offer crisis counseling, emotional support, assistance with finding Domestic Violence Shelters, and much more.