Creating a stronger, healthier and more connected community for all of us.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the theme With Survivors, Always reminds us that standing with survivors means more than responding when someone needs safety. It also means supporting healing, advocating for resources, and investing in prevention so more people can experience healthy, respectful relationships.
In 2025, 99 people found refuge at Carol’s House, our emergency shelter, 64 children benefited from the safe and nurturing environment of our Therapeutic Children’s Center, and our 24-hour domestic violence hotline answered 2,548 calls connecting people with critical support. Behind every number is a person or family taking steps toward safety.
But there is another number I think deserves attention: 3,652 people benefited from CRC’s domestic violence prevention education and resources last year.
That number is important to me because prevention plays an essential role in building safer, healthier communities.
Our prevention team works with students, parents, educators and community groups to help people recognize warning signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships, understand healthy boundaries and build the skills that contribute to safe, respectful relationships. Sometimes that means helping a young person recognize that controlling behavior is not a sign of love. Other times, it means giving a teacher, parent, or community member the tools to start an important conversation.
Prevention matters. And so does advocacy.
The services and education that support survivors and help prevent domestic violence need continued attention and resources. Speaking up for that support is another way we can stand with survivors, whether that means staying informed, responding to an action alert or contacting elected officials when important funding and policy decisions are being made.
You may be wondering what you can do to help. Here are some meaningful ways each of us can turn awareness into action:
- Learn and share resources. Visit CRC’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month page and the National Domestic Violence Hotline to learn about warning signs, safety planning and ways to support survivors.
- Bring prevention education to your community. CRC’s prevention team welcomes opportunities to provide healthy relationships and domestic violence prevention workshops for schools, workplaces and community groups. Contact Luis or Veronica at dvprevention@crcncc.org.
- Use your voice. Sign up for Take Action alerts from the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence to learn about opportunities to advocate for survivor services, prevention education and related funding. When action is needed, you may be encouraged to contact your state legislators and share why these resources matter in our communities. You can also follow CRC’s advocacy efforts on social media and join us when we share opportunities to speak up.
- Stay connected locally. CRC is a member of the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, which brings together organizations and individuals working to prevent domestic violence and support survivors throughout our region.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us a reason to bring this conversation forward each October. But standing with survivors is work we do all year long.
Awareness is important. What we do with that awareness is even more important.
In your service,
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call CRC’s confidential 24-hour hotline at (877) 633-1112. For an emotional or mental health crisis, call or text 988, or call San Diego County’s Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. If there is an immediate medical emergency, a known threat of violence or weapons are present, call 911.
