Support survivors escaping domestic violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month – a time when we lift up survivor stories and rededicate ourselves to ending domestic violence for good. Every day, year-round, Raphael House of Portland helps domestic violence survivors across our community thrive. From providing safety and support through our emergency shelter and 24-hour crisis line, to helping families achieve long-term stability and independence after they have moved into safe housing, we are always here for survivors. 

Here are just some of the ways we honored Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

Celebrating the voices of survivors with our community
On October 17, nearly 300 friends and supporters joined us to stand with and empower survivors as part of our annual Gala. Attendees heard from special guests AngeLeah and her daughter Destiny, who spoke about fleeing for their lives and finding safety and community at Raphael House. Click to hear their story and learn how they’re now able to build the life of their dreams.

Destiny shared, "Next year I leave for college, and I’m excited about what’s ahead! I get to decide what my future looks like." 

Raising awareness about issues survivors face
We were incredibly honored to join Mayor Ted Wheeler, the Portland City Commissioners, Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, and our partners from The Gateway Center to officially proclaim October 2019 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). 

We and our partners across the community are dedicated to providing inclusive and culturally-responsive services survivors deserve. Together we are helping individuals and their families thrive after abuse. 

Helping families maintain stability
We just wrapped up our latest economic empowerment workshop series, offered in both English and Spanish! Attendees learned about budgeting, credit, and more through this partnership with Innovative Changes. Participants shared feeling empowered in their financial lives thanks to these tools!

Families shared a meal during each session, and activities were also offered for kids and teens.

Preventing people from ever needing our services
Each month, our Prevention Education team reaches hundreds of students with our Safe and Equitable Relationships workshop series! Advocates cover dynamics of safe relationships, practicing consent, warning signs of abuse, and supporting a friend through crisis.

Yearly this program reaches 4,900+ youth and adults, and our hope is to create a future free from violence.