SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program for LGBTQ+ Survivors to Continue Under Vermont Network
Waterbury, VT, October 20, 2025 – The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence announced today that it will house the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program, which provides support and advocacy to LGBTQ+ survivors of violence.
“For many years, SafeSpace has played a crucial role in helping LGBTQ+ survivors access essential resources,” said Em Russo, Director of the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program. “The survivors we support rely on our advocates to offer an affirming space where their identities are not only validated, but celebrated. In a time of increasing threats to our community, these services are more vital than ever. We’re deeply grateful to continue this life-saving work for LGBTQ+ survivors across Vermont.”
SafeSpace has operated as a program within the Pride Center of Vermont since 2007. On October 10, 2025, the Pride Center of Vermont announced that it would pause operations due to critical funding shortfalls. To ensure that LGBTQ+ survivors continue to have access to critical support, SafeSpace will be temporarily housed at the Vermont Network until at least June 2026.
“Like SafeSpace, the Vermont Network is committed to ensuring that every survivor in Vermont has access to safety, healing, and support,” said Sarah Robinson, Co-Executive Director of the Vermont Network. “The Pride Center and their SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program have been a Member Organization of the Vermont Network for many years. We have seen firsthand the impact of their work on behalf of survivors. We’re honored to house SafeSpace during this transition and to help ensure that LGBTQ+ survivors continue to receive the care and advocacy they deserve.”
“The Pride Center of Vermont is deeply grateful to the Vermont Network for their partnership,” said Monica Allard, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Pride Center of Vermont, “Em and the SafeSpace team bring incredible value to our community by providing support tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ survivors, and we are so thankful that these critical services can continue during PCVT’s operational pause.”
About the Vermont Network
The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is Vermont’s statewide coalition of 15 independent, non-profit organizations working to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence. Together with its members, the Network advances policy change, provides leadership in their field, shifts social norms, and fills critical service gaps for survivors—building a violence-free Vermont where every person can thrive.
About SafeSpace
SafeSpace provides comprehensive services to support LGBTQ+ survivors of hate, bias, harassment, discrimination, abuse, intimate partner violence, stalking, trafficking, sexual harm and other systemic and community harms. If you or someone you know has experienced violence, threats or intimidation, SafeSpace advocates can work with you to address your safety and provide the support you need.
To learn more about SafeSpace or contact an advocate, visit safespacevt.org.
Media Contact
Sarah Robinson
Co-Executive Director of the Vermont Network
Sarahkr@vtnetwork.org
