SafeSpace is a program of RU12? Community Center in Burlington, Vermont. SafeSpace has a full-time Program Director and a part time Direct Services Advocate. SafeSpace is a member organization of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP), whose mission is to address the pervasive problem of violence committed against and within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and HIV-positive communities.

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Our Services

SafeSpace will provide information, support, referrals and advocacy to LGBTQQ survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional violence in Chittenden County primarily. Services will be accessed through the phone by a toll-free number. Advocates will be available to meet with survivors face-to-face, to help access protection orders, go to court, the hospital, etc. SafeSpace staff will facilitate a free on-going support group.

SafeSpace will be a resource for the community regarding LGBTQQ physical, sexual and emotional violence. We will make ourselves visible in the community to reduce barriers for people to access help and/or information. This will be accomplished through attending community events, health fairs, etc. SafeSpace will continue to be available to conduct educational presentations for anyone interested.

SafeSpace recognizes the root causes of physical, sexual, and emotional violence in the lives of LGBTQQ people to be oppression and the abuse of power and control. Homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, sexism, racism, classism, ableism, HIV phobia, and poverty all contribute to the causes and consequences of violence in our communities. We believe that the only way to end violence is to create a culture free of oppression. To this end, SafeSpace will collaborate with existing anti-violence organizations, medical providers, social service providers, the police, the courts, the legislature, and others to create a safer and more just community for LGBTQQ survivors, and ultimately for all people.