Lane County, OR — October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time for our community to unite and take a stand against the growing impact of domestic violence. Hope & Safety Alliance, formerly known as Womenspace, has been at the forefront of this fight for almost 50 years, providing safety, hope, and healing to survivors throughout Lane County.
“This year we have seen a 20% increase in survivors seeking services”, said Julie Weismann, Executive Director, “and with the recent death and increased violence in domestic violence cases, our community has been deeply affected. Highlighting the urgent need for awareness, resources, and support.”
Hope & Safety Alliance serves survivors by offering a 24-hour crisis line, support groups, safety planning, shelter, and more. Intimate partner violence is widespread, affecting all demographics—regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or age. In 2023 alone, Hope & Safety Alliance responded to approximately 6,200 survivors through our crisis line, providing immediate resources and support. Our mission is to empower survivors to live lives free from fear and abuse.
This October, we are launching our “Lighting the Path to Hope and Safety” campaign, a month-long initiative to raise awareness, restore safety, and foster hope for those impacted by domestic violence. We invite you to join us in this critical effort. Your participation—whether through attending an event, donating, or spreading the word—will directly support survivors in our community. Together, we can shine a light on the path to hope and safety and make a difference in the lives of survivors in Lane County.
Upcoming Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Events:
For a full list of events throughout October, visit http://www.hopesafetyalliance.org/dvam.
• October 1st – Candlelight Vigil, Springfield City Hall Plaza, 6 PM
Join us for an evening of remembrance to honor those whose lives were lost and those impacted by domestic violence.
• October 15th – Fundraising Event, “Lighting the Path to Safety”, 5-7 PM
A special event dedicated to our mission of protecting, sheltering, and empowering families impacted by domestic violence. Your support helps light the way to a future free from violence. Tickets are available at http://www.hopesafetyalliance.org/DVAM.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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