In a powerful and eye-opening conversation, I recently had the honor of speaking with Liz Roberts, CEO of Safe Horizon, the largest provider of services to survivors of violence, abuse, and exploitation in the United States.
Safe Horizon has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals, particularly women, who have experienced the horrors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and more. With Liz’s leadership, Safe Horizon is making profound strides in assisting survivors and raising awareness around these critical issues.
As I reflect on this interview, it’s clear to me that we all need to be part of the solution. Each of us can contribute, whether through time, resources, or advocacy, to help change the trajectory of those affected by trauma and violence.
Did you know that approximately 1 in 30 people in New York City have had some form of contact with Safe Horizon in the past year alone? That’s a staggering figure that speaks volumes about the prevalence of violence and the urgent need for support systems. From providing emergency shelter to offering mental health support, legal assistance, and advocacy, Safe Horizon touches nearly a quarter of a million lives annually in New York City.
Liz shared how her journey with Safe Horizon began, rooted in a personal history that motivated her to pursue a career in social work. Her early experiences witnessing violence as a child instilled in her a fierce determination to make a difference, and her career path has been marked by that drive. Over the years, she’s seen Safe Horizon evolve to address the changing needs of survivors, particularly as our understanding of trauma and its effects has deepened.
One of the key points Liz emphasized was the evolution in how we understand trauma. In the 1980s, trauma was primarily associated with soldiers returning from war. Today, we recognize that trauma is experienced by many, including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. This broader understanding has led to more effective support strategies.
Liz explained how trauma can manifest differently depending on a person’s experiences. Acute trauma, resulting from a single event, often requires a different approach than chronic trauma, which accumulates over years of ongoing abuse. At Safe Horizon, they work to empower survivors with tools to manage their trauma responses, recognize triggers, and regain control over their lives. This tailored approach has made a tangible difference for thousands of individuals on their journey to healing.
Despite progress in awareness and resources, domestic violence remains alarmingly prevalent. One in four American women will experience intimate partner violence in her lifetime—a statistic that has remained steady for decades. This is not an issue that can be ignored or dismissed; it crosses all boundaries of socioeconomic status, race, and gender. Safe Horizon continues to advocate for policies that support victims in the workplace and beyond, working to dismantle the societal barriers that allow violence to persist.
Through partnerships with corporations and community organizations, Safe Horizon also amplifies its reach and impact. Liz stressed the importance of corporate partnerships in raising awareness, providing resources, and creating pathways for employees to get involved. She encouraged businesses to assess their own policies around domestic violence, ensuring they are equipped to support employees who may be survivors.
This conversation with Liz underscored a critical point: addressing domestic violence and supporting survivors is a shared responsibility. For women in leadership roles, there’s an opportunity to create supportive work environments, advocate for policies that protect survivors, and partner with organizations like Safe Horizon to make a real impact.
Safe Horizon relies on community support, and there are many ways each of us can contribute. You can volunteer your time, donate to support their programs, or use your voice to raise awareness. Every act, big or small, can make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling to break free from the cycle of violence.
If you’d like to get involved, Safe Horizon’s website, http://www.safehorizon.org, offers resources on how to help, whether through financial support, volunteering, or spreading the word. They also provide guidance on how to support loved ones who may be experiencing violence, empowering everyone to be an ally in this cause.
Liz Roberts’ dedication and leadership at Safe Horizon serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience of survivors. Her journey, shaped by personal experience and professional expertise, reflects the broader mission of Safe Horizon: to empower and support individuals as they rebuild their lives. For those working in trauma-related fields, Liz emphasized the importance of self-care, reminding us all that we cannot pour from an empty cup.
As I ended this conversation, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of urgency. Violence and abuse should not be issues we ignore or stigmatize—they demand our attention and action. Let’s honor the bravery of survivors by standing with them, advocating for them, and doing our part to break the cycle of violence.
Together, we can create a world where survivors are not defined by their trauma but empowered by their resilience. Let’s support organizations like Safe Horizon that are on the front lines, making that vision a reality.
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