SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program for LGBTQ+ Survivors to Permanently Move to Vermont Network

Waterbury, VT, June 4, 2026 – The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Pride Center of Vermont announced today that the Vermont Network will permanently house the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program, which provides support and advocacy to LGBTQ+ survivors of violence.  

“Our priority has always been and will always be the LGBTQ+ survivors we support,” said Em Russo, Director of the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program. “This permanent transition to the Vermont Network strengthens our ability to provide the stability and safety our community deserves. It ensures our advocates can continue offering affirming spaces where survivors’ identities are not only validated, but truly celebrated over the long term. At a time of increasing threats to our community, these services are more vital than ever, and we are deeply grateful to continue our work for LGBTQ+ survivors across the state in partnership with the Vermont Network.” 

SafeSpace operated as a program at the Pride Center of Vermont from 2007 until October 2025, when the Pride Center announced it would pause operations due to critical funding shortfalls. On October 20, 2025, SafeSpace began temporarily operating under the Vermont Network to ensure uninterrupted access to critical support services for LGBTQ+ survivors. On April 21, 2026, the Pride Center of Vermont’s Board of Directors voted to permanently house the SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program at the Vermont Network. 

 “We are thrilled to permanently welcome SafeSpace to the Vermont Network. We thank the Pride Center of Vermont’s Board of Directors for their unwavering commitment throughout the past year to ensuring services for LGBTQ+ survivors continued uninterrupted. SafeSpace has a bright future at the Vermont Network, and we look forward to growing and nurturing this essential resource in our state,” said Sarah Robinson, Co-Executive Director of the Vermont Network.  

“When the Pride Center paused operations, it was and remains critically important to us to ensure that LGBTQ+ survivors could continue accessing support through SafeSpace. We’re deeply grateful to the Vermont Network for their partnership during that transition. The decision to keep SafeSpace within the Network permanently is driven by a joint desire to prioritize the needs of survivors and minimize disruption to services,” said Monica Allard, Co-Chair of the Pride Center of Vermont’s Board of Directors. “As we move forward with planning for the Pride Center’s future, we’re reimagining our role in the state. What we’ve always done won’t necessarily be the model for what we do in the future. SafeSpace was founded as an independent organization before operating as a part of the Pride Center and has always had a clear and singular focus on supporting survivors. The Network is a natural home for the program and is well-situated to foster its growth.”   

About the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence  

The Vermont Network leads Vermont’s statewide coalition working to end domestic and sexual violence. In partnership with 14 member organizations and other statewide programs, the Network centers the safety and healing of survivors while challenging the systems and norms that allow violence to persist. Together, we are creating a world free of domestic and sexual violence, where every person can thrive.  

About SafeSpace Anti-Violence Program  

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 get assistance from a SafeSpace advocate, individuals can call the support line at (802) 863-0003 Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, and Friday 10am-2pm. To learn more about SafeSpace or contact an advocate, visit safespacevt.org.   If you’d like to support SafeSpace, you can donate to the program here.  

About the Pride Center of Vermont  

The Pride Center of Vermont is a charitable, non-profit organization with a mission to celebrate, educate, and advocate with and for LGBTQ+ Vermonters.  

Media Contacts 

Sarah Robinson, Co-Executive Director Vermont Network - Sarahkr@vtnetwork.org 

Monica Allard,  Co-Chair of Board of Directors  Pride Center of Vermont - monica@pridecentervt.org