A Mile of Hope and Healing

More than five hundred people filled Truist Field on a cool Saturday morning-- smiling, laughing, hugging friends new and old, and gathering together for one shared purpose: supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. For many, Walk A Mile is more than a fundraiser. It's a visible reminder to survivors that they are not alone. Safe Alliance works every day to help survivors move toward hope and healing after experiencing some of life's most pai ... Read more

The Faces Behind the Sexual Trauma Resource Center

1 in 3 women. 1 in 6 men. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and is an issue that is discussed, treated, and handled with care every single day at Safe Alliance. It is a pressing and prevalent issue in our society, as the United States sees an average of 443,000 cases of sexual assault occur each year. At Safe Alliance, our Sexual Trauma Resource Center (STRC) has a dedicated team of advocates and clinicians that guide and support survivors day in and day out. With their ... Read more

Safe Alliance’s Role in Supporting Survivors and Housing Stability

Statistics show that nearly 90% of unhoused women have endured severe physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. When we talk about safety, we often focus on crisis moments. But at Safe Alliance, we know that long-term safety is deeply tied to something more foundational: stable housing. During Fair Housing Month, we're lifting up the often-overlooked connection between housing access, survivor safety, and homelessness prevention and how our p ... Read more

Protecting Childhood Together: Safe Alliance, Pat’s Place, and the Power of Collaboration

Every child deserves a childhood defined by safety, stability, and the freedom to simply be a child. That's why our collaboration with Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center matters so deeply. At the heart of Pat's Place is a simple but powerful mission: "Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center provides a coordinated, child-focused response to allegations of child abuse. Our goal is to reduce trauma for children and families by bringing together law enforcement, c ... Read more

When Control and Harassment Follow Teens Online

A Collaboration with David W. Butler High School's DREAM Team For today's teens, relationships don't end when the school day does. They continue through text messages, social media, gaming platforms, and shared apps. Technology helps teens stay connected, but it can also be used in ways that feel overwhelming, invasive, or unsafe. At David W. Butler High School, members of the DREAM Team, a student group committed to living lives free of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, a ... Read more

What Trauma Does to the Brain (And Why You’re Not Broken)

"You're stressed, you're kind of in this high emotional state... You're not sleeping. Your appetite's all over the place. You're not taking care of your body, and that just adds to everything else the trauma is already doing. It all cycles on top of each other." - Stephanie Ledbetter, Safe Alliance When you're dealing with trauma, it can feel like your whole world gets turned inside out, and that's ... Read more

Five Myths About Starting Trauma Counseling at Safe Alliance

Starting counseling can feel overwhelming, but this is especially true for survivors of sexual trauma who are considering reaching out to Safe Alliance for support. Fear, stigma, or misinformation can cloud the decision. Many survivors carry questions like "Is counseling really for me?", "Will it make things worse?", or even "Is what I experienced bad enough to seek out support?". These questions and doubts are not a sign of we ... Read more

Understanding Human Trafficking: The Reality Behind Headlines

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States, and it is one of North Carolina's most pressing challenges. It's a complex, often hidden issue that thrives in the shadows of everyday industries, neighborhoods, and communities. Although trafficking is often imagined as a distant or sensational crime, the reality is that it frequently unfolds close to home and in much more subtle, everyday circumstances. What Is Human Trafficking?& ... Read more

Beyond Yes: A Look at Consent in Action

Consent is more than just getting permission. It's an ongoing conversation, a shared understanding, and something that should feel clear, not confusing. So, what does consent actually sound like, look like, and feel like? Let's break it down. 1. Consent Sounds Like... Enthusiasm, Not an Obligation We often define consent as a verbal "yes" or "no," but the best consent conversations include clear, confident, and ... Read more

NC Updates Laws to Expand Protections for Survivors

Beginning December 1, 2025, important changes to North Carolina's civil and criminal laws will go into effect. These changes close long-standing gaps and expand support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. Many of these updates represent meaningful progress for survivors seeking safety, healing, and justice. "Some of these amendments are more than legal updates; they are lifelines," says Suzi Ca ... Read more