Every single person reading this line knows a victim of domestic, dating or sexual violence.

If you have four employees, it is likely that one of them is, has been or will be a victim of violence.

If you have four customers or faith community members, the same is true.

Domestic and sexual violence are expensive emotionally and financially, costing employers up to $13 billion dollars each year in lost employee time, health insurance costs and staff turnover.

The City of Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Rape Crisis and Trauma Treatment Center and Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families are seeking to collaborate with Santa Fe businesses, government offices, non-profit organizations and faith communities to end the crimes of domestic, dating and sexual violence through the SAFE HAVEN project. Program goals include:

1. Increasing safety for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence
2. Raising awareness in the community about domestic/sexual/dating violence and stalking
3. Gaining knowledge of resources available to assist people in violent situations
4. Providing a place of momentary safety for someone in crisis

Partners in the SAFE HAVEN project will receive training from the Santa Fe Rape Crisis and Trauma Treatment Center and/or Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families on what can and should be done when confronted with a victim of domestic, dating or sexual violence. In exchange, you will receive a decal to put on your front door identifying you as a safe haven for a victim of domestic, dating or sexual violence. Additionally your business/organization/community will be recognized as a SAFE HAVEN in the Santa Fe Rape Crisis and Trauma Treatment Center and Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families newsletters or other publications.

This is a win/win for all parties. Victims get the help they need and deserve. Businesses and organizations get positive and free publicity, and Santa Fe becomes the type of city in which we all want to live. For information on this project contact Carol A. Horwitz, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Liaison for the City of Santa Fe at 505-955-5018 or gallinae@comcast.net.