How one local organization is bringing attention to domestic violence awareness month

MAGIC VALLEY — The pandemic has not only negatively impacted domestic violence survivors, but also organizations who help survivors. Voices Against Violence had to cancel six of their fundraising events this year due to the pandemic, which has affected them financially.

"Because we've had to cancel a lot of our events and our fundraising, we lost a lot of that (revenue). So we've had to be very careful about how we can provide and distribute those funds right now," Noemi Juarez, Outreach and Educational coordinator of Voices Against Violence, said.

With an increase in calls and a decrease and funds, they weren't going to let the pandemic stop them from hosting events during domestic violence awareness month. This year the events will look different, with all of them being hosted online. They say this year, the events to raise funds are incredibly important.

"We need the community right now so much more than we ever have before to bring awareness to this issue and to provide the resources to the clients so we can do that for the clients," Juarez said.

They tell us they anticipated an increase in calls at the beginning of the pandemic, which prompted them to create a way to continue to provide support while also following safety protocols.

"We had to get on top of launching our confidential text line and email line. And that was the biggest thing, just making sure that we were able to provide those services still and how do we do it safely with some people still at home," Juarez said.

Voices Against Violence will be hosting events virtually all month long to continue to raise awareness about domestic violence and to help them raise funds.

"We are so fortunate right now to be advocates for these families and be advocates and support systems for victims and survivors. We are extremely fortunate to be able to do this," Juarez said.

To learn more about their giving campaign during October, you can visit their website.