Community Partner Spotlight | Haven
Empowering Survivors and Building a Safer Community
Haven is committed to reducing the incidence and minimizing the impact of domestic abuse on families and communities. By providing confidential support, legal advocacy, counseling, and a safe place to stay for anyone and everyone impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking, Haven's services help move survivors towards a life free from violence.
Drawing on data from the CDC, we are confronted with the stark reality that one in five individuals will experience physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In Gallatin County alone, this translates to over 24,000 people who have faced or will face domestic violence, a number steadily rising with population growth. Haven stands as a pillar of support for survivors in our community, offering lifesaving intervention services and actively engaging in prevention education efforts.
The ongoing housing crisis in Bozeman poses a significant challenge for survivors seeking to break free from abusive relationships and transition to stable housing. Shockingly, the average length of stay in Haven's shelter has surged by 103%, escalating from 73 to 147 days in the past year alone. In response, Haven addresses domestic violence within the urgent context of housing uncertainty, simultaneously working towards long-term goals of reducing incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking through robust education and outreach programs.
Since its inception in 1979, Haven has been dedicated to providing safe intervention for survivors of domestic violence while concurrently striving to prevent future violence. As the sole nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and stalking in Gallatin County, Haven employs a unique approach deeply rooted in empowerment. Notably, in the past year, Haven has witnessed a 12% increase in the number of survivors served compared to the previous year, highlighting the indispensable nature of their life-saving work, made possible through the generous support of the community.
The partnership between Greater Gallatin United Way and Haven exemplifies our community's commitment to the principle of LIVING UNITED. Haven's tireless efforts revolve around empowering survivors, amplifying their voices, fortifying our community, holding abusers accountable, and ultimately breaking the cycle of abuse. Together, we strive to create a community where everyone can live free from the shadow of domestic violence.
