Every Survivor Deserves Support: Building a Wall of Hope, One Ribbon at a Time
June is a time when many of us are planning vacations, enjoying longer days, and making memories with family and friends.
But for many survivors of domestic violence, summer brings a very different reality.
With children home from school, fewer daily routines, increased financial stress, and more time spent with an abusive partner, domestic violence agencies often see a significant increase in calls during the summer months.
Behind every call is a person trying to navigate fear, uncertainty, and impossible decisions.
Some are wondering if tonight is the night they finally leave.
Some are trying to figure out how to protect their children.
Some are asking themselves whether anyone will believe them.
And some are simply looking for hope.
At SAFE, we believe every survivor deserves support.
Not just when they are in crisis.
Not just when they are ready to leave.
Not just when their story makes headlines.
Every survivor. Every day.
The Reality Behind the Calls
When people think about domestic violence, they often imagine a single moment of violence.
What they don't see are the layers of complexity that make escape so difficult.
The Survivors We Serve
The survivor who wants to leave but has no transportation. How do you flee danger when you can't get to safety?
The parent trying to find safety for their children. The fear isn't just for themselves, it's for the people they love most.
The person with no family nearby and nowhere to go. Safety seems impossible when every door is closed.
The survivor who has spent years being told they are worthless, crazy, or incapable of surviving on their own. The abuser's voice is so loud, it drowns out everything else.
The survivor experiencing financial abuse who doesn't know how they'll survive on their own. Without money, resources, or access to credit, independence feels impossible.
The survivor who doesn't recognize what's happening as abuse. They think "this is just how relationships are" until someone tells them it's not.
Our advocates hear these stories every day.
How SAFE Shows Up
Support for survivors looks different depending on what they need in that moment.
Sometimes support looks like helping someone create a safety plan. A realistic, personalized pathway to safety that accounts for their specific situation.
Sometimes it looks like connecting a survivor to shelter. A safe place to sleep, food, and the beginning of breathing room.
Sometimes it means helping someone relocate to another city or state. Getting far away from an abuser who is determined to find them.
Sometimes it is helping someone understand that what they're experiencing is abuse. Giving them the language to name what's been happening to them.
Sometimes it means arranging a ride so someone can get to safety. A small gesture that removes one more barrier between danger and protection.
These moments matter.
Because every survivor deserves:
Someone who believes them
Someone who listens without judgment
Someone who says, "You are not alone"
Someone who offers real, practical support
Someone who walks with them through the healing process
Introducing the Purple Ribbon Initiative
This year, SAFE is proud to launch our Purple Ribbon Initiative, a community-wide movement dedicated to honoring survivors, remembering those we have lost, and celebrating the people who stand beside them.
Our Vision: The Wall of Hope
Our goal is to create a growing Wall of Hope, where every ribbon represents a story.
A survivor reclaiming their life.
A family finding safety.
A loved one remembered.
A community choosing to stand together against domestic violence.
Every ribbon is a promise. A commitment to help survivors rebuild.
What Your Donation Becomes
When you contribute to the Purple Ribbon Initiative, you're not just buying a ribbon.
Your donation becomes:
✓ Emergency shelter for survivors and their children ✓ Legal advocacy and court accompaniment ✓ Education and prevention programs throughout our community ✓ Emotional support and crisis intervention ✓ Life-changing resources that move survivors from crisis to stability ✓ Hope for those who feel hopeless
Every ribbon. Every donation. Every act of support.
This is how we build a community where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to rebuild.
How You Can Participate
Individual giving levels $25+ Ribbon of Hope Your name on a purple ribbon on the Wall of Hope
$75+ Community Voice Purple ribbon + yard sign for your home or business
$250+ Hope Advocate Prominent recognition on SAFE socials + seats at the October unveiling Purple Ribbon Initiative
Business Partnership Levels These aren't sponsorships. They're community partnerships — and every level is designed so businesses walk away with something real: visibility, credibility, and a community that knows their name stands for something.
Community Supporter $500
Your first step into the movement Entry partnership Ribbon on the Wall of Hope
— your business name displayed alongside survivor ribbons for the full campaign season Official certificate of recognition from SAFE — frameable, shareable, ready for your window or lobby Social media spotlight
— a dedicated post recognizing your business across SAFE's platforms Name listed on SAFE's website under Purple Ribbon Initiative partners Invitation to the October Voices of Hope Candlelight Vigil
— your business recognized from the stage
Prevention Partner $1,000
Investing in education before a crisis Mid partnership Everything in Community Supporter, plus:
Logo on event banners and signage at SAFE's October events, including the Candlelight Vigil and Purple Ribbon unveiling Monthly social media feature throughout October
— a dedicated story or post showcasing your business and why you stand with SAFE Co-branded presence at prevention events
— your business name and logo included in materials at our women & girls and men & boys community programs Reserved seating at the Wall of Hope unveiling
— join survivors, community leaders, and fellow partners for this October milestone
Hope Builder $2,500 Your brand woven into the full campaign experience Premier partnership Everything in Prevention Partner, plus: Prominent logo placement on all Purple Ribbon Initiative printed materials
— flyers, programs, and wall signage
— with larger size than base tiers Speaking opportunity at a SAFE event
— 2–3 minutes to share why your business chose to stand with survivors and invest in prevention Table or booth at SAFE's community job fair
— direct access to motivated job seekers from our program and Restoration House, with community visibility Featured partner spotlight on SAFE's website
— logo, short bio, and link to your business for the full campaign year Candle lighting honor at the Voices of Hope Candlelight Vigil
— a meaningful, memorable moment your team will carry
Wall of Hope Presenting Partner $5,000+ The name the community associates with hope Presenting partnership Everything in Hope Builder, plus:
"Presented by [Business Name]" — your business named as the official presenting partner of the Wall of Hope on all campaign materials, social media, and press Wall of Hope hosted at your location
— if your business has the space, the Wall lives with you for the year, driving foot traffic and community recognition every single day Custom impact report
— at the close of the campaign, SAFE will provide a written summary of what your investment made possible: events held, women served, jobs connected Year-round partnership recognition
— your name included in SAFE's ongoing outreach, newsletters, and community communications through October 2026 Private partnership meeting with SAFE leadership
— a dedicated conversation to explore how we can align our missions and grow the relationship beyond this campaign
Monthly Purple Ribbon Supporter - $10-$100/month
Become a sustained supporter of survivors through monthly giving.
$25/month ($300/year) - Provides crisis counseling sessions for survivors processing trauma
$50/month ($600/year) - Funds emergency financial assistance for housing and basic needs
$100/month ($1,200/year) - Sustains the full spectrum of our services: shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community education
A Special Invitation to Local Businesses
SAFE is seeking a community partner willing to help make this vision a reality.
We're looking for a local business, organization, or public venue to house our Purple Ribbon Wall of Hope for one year.
What This Means
Imagine hundreds of purple ribbons displayed in a prominent community location.
Each ribbon representing a survivor.
Each ribbon reminding visitors that domestic violence affects real people in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and families.
Each ribbon symbolizing that our community stands with survivors.
The Impact
Hosting the Wall of Hope is more than sponsorship: it's a public declaration that your business believes survivors deserve support.
The Wall will:
Create visible, ongoing community awareness
Serve as a conversation starter about domestic violence
Attract positive community recognition for your business
Demonstrate corporate commitment to community safety
Provide ongoing opportunities for engagement throughout the year
Interested Businesses
Businesses interested in hosting the wall are encouraged to make a generous contribution to the Purple Ribbon Initiative and partner with SAFE to create a lasting symbol of hope and healing in our community.
Your support will help ensure the wall remains:
Accessible to community members
Visible throughout the year
Impactful in creating awareness and generating donations
A lasting tribute to survivors and their strength
Contact us to discuss hosting opportunities: koviav@safelouisiana.org
Summer is Peak Season for Domestic Violence Calls
Why Summer is Different
Children home from school: Loss of routine and structure Increased time together: More opportunities for conflict and control Financial stress: Childcare costs, activities, camp expenses More time with the abuser: Less escape through work and school schedules Isolation intensifies: Survivors may be cut off from school-based resources and support Custody concerns: Concerns about summer visitation and safety
SAFE is Here
During peak season, our services are in higher demand than ever.
24/7 Crisis Hotline: Calls increase significantly
Emergency Shelter: Beds are often full
Crisis Counseling: Wait times extend
Legal Advocacy: Court cases for protective orders spike
Resource Needs: Increased requests for financial assistance
Your donation during summer months directly impacts lives in immediate danger.
Why We Do This Work
As the Community Liaison for SAFE, I have the privilege of being the person many people see in the community.
I'm the one speaking at events.
Teaching about domestic violence.
Sharing resources.
Asking for support.
Explaining the work we do.
But what many people don't see are the advocates behind the scenes celebrating every small victory.
The survivor who made it to safety.
The family who found support.
The person who finally felt heard.
The child who now sleeps without fear.
The survivor who realizes they deserve better.
Those victories are why we do this work.
And they're why your support matters so profoundly.
June: A Month to Stand Together
This June, as we recognize that every survivor deserves support, we invite you to join us.
Choose your level of involvement:
Add your ribbon ($25+)
Become a Champion ($75+)
Make a sponsorship gift ($250+)
Partner with us ($500+)
Commit to monthly giving ($10-$100/month)
Host the Wall of Hope (business partnership)
Together, we can send a powerful message to survivors throughout our community:
"You are not alone. Your story matters. Your healing is possible. We believe in you."
Get Involved Today
Donate to the Purple Ribbon Initiative
One-time gift: $25, $75, $250, $500, or any amount meaningful to you Monthly giving: $10, $25, $50, $100, or any amount Donate online: www.safelouisiana.org/donate
Host the Wall of Hope
Are you a business, organization, or public venue? Let's partner to create a visible symbol of community support for survivors.
Contact: koviav@safelouisiana.org
Spread the Word
Share this post
Wear purple in June
Tell your community about SAFE's work
Talk about domestic violence openly
Break the silence
Attend Our Events
Mark your calendar for:
October Wall Unveiling & Candlelight Vigil - Celebrate survivors and remember those we've lost
Coordinated Community Response Team Meeting September 16 Call our office for more information
Become a Volunteer
Crisis hotline volunteer
Community education presenter assistant
Administrative support
Professional skills volunteer (legal, accounting, finance, marketing)
Learn more: www.safelouisiana.org/volunteer
The Bottom Line
Safety isn't just a moment, it's a sustained commitment.
Empowerment isn't just one conversation; it's ongoing support.
Hope isn't just something survivors feel; it's something we build together.
At SAFE, we're committed to ensuring every survivor has access to the support they deserve, whenever they need it.
During peak season and beyond.
In crisis and in healing.
In the moment of deciding to leave and in the months and years of rebuilding.
Because every survivor deserves support. And that support begins with you.
Get Help or Get Involved
SAFE 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 985-542-8384 If you or someone you know is in danger
Join the Purple Ribbon Initiative: www.safelouisiana.org/donate Donate $25+ and add your ribbon to our Wall of Hope
Host the Wall of Hope: koviav@safelouisiana.org Businesses and organizations: partner with SAFE
Volunteer: www.safelouisiana.org/volunteer Give your time and skills
Follow Us: Facebook : @Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment
Instagram: @SAFELouisiana
TikTok: SAFE
Upcoming Events:
Wall Unveiling & Candlelight Vigil - October
Coordinated Community Response Team Meeting September 16
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out. You deserve support. You deserve safety. You are not alone.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
SAFE Crisis Line: 985-542-8384
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-888-411-1333
SAFE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Your support funds emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, community education, crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence, and keeps SAFE’s doors open.
One Ribbon. One Promise. Endless Hope.
Every survivor deserves support. Make your donation to the Purple Ribbon Initiative today—and become part of our Wall of Hope.