Educating Our Community, Empowering Survivors
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise our voices, break the silence, and stand with survivors. At Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW), we’re proud to partner with Haven, a GGUW Community Impact Partner, whose work goes far beyond crisis response to include education, prevention, and long-term support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking.
We’re Here for Each Other: Education as Prevention
A thriving community is only possible when everyone can live free from violence. That’s why Haven’s community education efforts are a critical part of their mission. Their prevention work is rooted in the belief that awareness and education can stop violence before it starts, and they’re working every day to make that vision a reality.
Haven offers custom presentations for workplaces, community groups, and schools, focused on understanding the dynamics of abuse, identifying unhealthy relationships, and building healthy ones. These sessions are tailored to each audience, creating meaningful conversations and empowering community members to recognize red flags and support those affected.
Peer-Led Education: Teens Teaching Teens
In partnership with Bridgercare, Haven co-facilitates a Peer Education team made up of local high school students. These youth leaders provide their peers with medically accurate reproductive health information, guidance on healthy relationships, and access to support services. By creating a safe space for young people to learn and lead, Haven is investing in a future free from violence.
End the Silence: Survivors Speak Out
Domestic violence is not a private issue, it’s a public health crisis. Haven’s End the Silence program is a powerful survivor speaker’s bureau that brings personal stories of abuse into public forums, breaking down stigma and changing hearts and minds. Through storytelling and connection, these courageous survivors are helping others find healing and inspiring our community to take action.
Empowering the Next Generation
Haven also partners with Youth Dynamics and HRDC’s Blueprint Program to educate teens about dating violence and provide advocacy for those who’ve experienced abuse or grown up in violent homes. These programs aim to end the cycle of violence by reaching young people where they are—with empathy, education, and support.
At GGUW, we believe that mental health and well-being are foundational to a thriving community. That’s why we invest in partners like Haven, who not only respond to crises, but work every day to prevent violence, uplift survivors, and build a safer, more compassionate Gallatin Valley.
💜 If you or someone you know needs help, visit havenmt.org
To request a presentation or get involved, email: prevention@havenmt.org
