School Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

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Every child deserves to walk into school feeling safe, respected, and supported. School safety is about much more than preventing physical violence. It means creating environments where students are protected from bullying, harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, stalking, trafficking, discrimination, and other forms of abuse—and where students who experience harm know they will be believed, supported, and connected to help.

As an anti-violence organization serving victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, trafficking, and related forms of abuse, Someplace Safe knows that violence rarely exists in isolation. What happens at home, in relationships, online, in neighborhoods, and at school can overlap. For some young people, school may be the place where they first disclose what is happening. For others, school may be the one consistent place where they encounter a safe and trusted adult.

That makes schools a critical part of both prevention and intervention. The CDC identifies several components of comprehensive school violence prevention, including supportive social environments, safe physical environments, health education, counseling and social services, crisis response, family and community involvement, and staff development.

Schools can put these principles into practice by:

  • Teaching age-appropriate lessons about healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, respect, empathy, and digital safety.
  • Helping students recognize controlling, manipulative, threatening, or abusive behaviors.
  • Addressing bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, and discriminatory behavior consistently.
  • Creating clear expectations for respectful behavior both in person and online.
  • Teaching students that asking for help is a strength—not a failure.
  • Providing opportunities for students to build meaningful connections with peers and trusted adults.
  • Regularly assessing where students feel unsafe and using that information to improve supervision, policies, and physical spaces.

Prevention should not be a one-time assembly or annual awareness campaign. It should be woven into the culture of the school.

When violence occurs, the response matters. Students who disclose abuse or violence should be met with compassion, safety, and support—not blame or judgment. Schools should have clear procedures for responding to concerns and strong connections with victim advocates, counselors, healthcare providers, and other community organizations. Abuse is not simply a conflict between two people, and responses should consider power, control, coercion, and the potential for retaliation. Students should also have access to safe, trusted adults and spaces where they can ask for help.

Community partnerships make schools stronger. Anti-violence organizations can provide prevention education, staff training, advocacy, safety planning, referrals, and support for students and families. Schools can also engage parents and caregivers in conversations about healthy relationships, online safety, warning signs, and available resources. By working together, schools and communities can create stronger systems of support for young people experiencing violence.

Ultimately, school safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is built through prevention, early intervention, education, accountability, and meaningful support for survivors. When we create school communities where students know they will be heard, believed, respected, and connected to help, we do more than respond to violence—we help prevent it and create environments where every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

For more information on ways to help provide opportunities for education in your local schools or community, visit Someplace Safe’s training and education page on our website.

Education Is Prevention: How Communities Can Support Safer Schools

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Preventing domestic and sexual violence begins long before a crisis occurs. One of the most impactful ways community members can support their local advocacy programs is by investing in prevention education that helps young people build healthy, respectful relationships.

Organizations like Someplace Safe demonstrate how education can create lasting change. Through partnerships with schools and communities, Someplace Safe offers age-appropriate educational opportunities that teach students about healthy relationships, consent, personal boundaries, bullying prevention, digital safety, and bystander intervention. Staff and volunteers also provide specialized training for educators, professionals, parents, and community groups, equipping adults with the knowledge and skills to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and foster safer environments for youth.

Community members play an essential role in making these programs possible. You can:

  • Advocate for evidence-based healthy relationship and violence prevention education in local schools.
  • Encourage your local school districts and community organizations to partner with advocacy programs like Someplace Safe for student presentations and professional trainings.
  • Volunteer, donate, or attend fundraising events that help sustain prevention and education initiatives.
  • Reinforce these lessons at home by having open conversations with young people about respect, communication, consent, and healthy relationships.

When schools, families, and advocacy organizations work together, prevention becomes a shared responsibility. Every classroom presentation, educator training, and community workshop helps create a culture where respect is expected, harmful behaviors are recognized early, and young people know how to seek help for themselves or others.

Supporting education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future. By strengthening prevention efforts today through organizations like Someplace Safe, we help build safer schools, healthier relationships, and stronger communities for generations to come.

Learn more about Someplace Safe’s training and education programming HERE.

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse in Later Life and Supporting Older Adults

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Each year, millions of older adults experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Elder abuse, also known as abuse in later life, can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income, gender, race, or living situation. Raising awareness about abuse in later life is an important step in helping older adults remain safe, respected, and supported within their homes and communities.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized each year on June 15th and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation experienced by older adults across the world. The day encourages communities to have conversations, learn warning signs, support survivors, and promote the safety, dignity, and well-being of older adults.

Abuse in later life is often underreported. Many older adults may feel afraid, ashamed, isolated, dependent on the person causing harm, or uncertain about where to turn for help. As a result, many cases go unnoticed. By learning to recognize warning signs and speaking openly about abuse, communities can play a critical role in prevention and support.

What Is Abuse in Later Life?

Abuse in later life refers to intentional actions — or failures to act — that cause harm or risk of harm to an older adult. Abuse may occur in a private home, care facility, or community setting and is often committed by someone the individual knows and trusts.

Types of abuse in later life may include:

  • Physical abuse — hitting, pushing, restraining, or causing physical injury
  • Emotional or verbal abuse — threats, intimidation, humiliation, manipulation, or isolation
  • Financial exploitation — misuse of money, benefits, property, or personal information
  • Neglect — failure to provide food, medical care, hygiene, supervision, or safe living conditions
  • Sexual abuse — any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
  • Abandonment — desertion by a caregiver or trusted individual

Warning Signs of Abuse in Later Life

While every situation is different, some common warning signs may include:

  • Unexplained injuries or frequent hospital visits
  • Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or withdrawal from others
  • Fearfulness around certain individuals
  • Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or unsafe living conditions
  • Missing belongings or unexplained financial activity
  • Lack of access to medications, medical care, or basic needs
  • Isolation from family, friends, or community activities

Older adults experiencing abuse may not openly disclose what is happening. Checking in regularly, listening without judgment, and creating supportive spaces for conversation can make a significant difference.

Why Awareness Matters

Older adults deserve to live with dignity, safety, independence, and respect. Unfortunately, social isolation, health concerns, financial stress, caregiver burnout, and dependency can increase vulnerability to abuse. As communities continue to age, awareness and prevention efforts become even more important.

Education helps community members, professionals, caregivers, family members, and neighbors recognize concerns earlier and connect older adults to support services before situations escalate.

How You Can Help

There are many ways individuals and communities can support elder abuse prevention:

  • Stay connected with older family members, friends, and neighbors
  • Learn the warning signs of abuse and exploitation
  • Support caregiver wellness and stress management
  • Encourage older adults to remain socially engaged
  • Take concerns seriously and report suspected abuse when appropriate
  • Share information about local advocacy and support resources

Supporting Survivors

No one deserves abuse at any age. By increasing awareness, strengthening community support, and promoting respectful relationships, we can help create safer communities for older adults and ensure every individual is treated with dignity and care.

Advocacy organizations like Someplace Safe provide confidential support, safety planning, advocacy, resources, and referrals for victims and survivors of crime, including older adults experiencing abuse or exploitation. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact Someplace Safe at 800-974-3359 or visit our website at www.someplacesafe.info for more information.

Understanding Supervised Visitation at Someplace Safe Parenting Time Center

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May is Supervised Visitation Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of supervised visitation for children and families in high‑risk or conflict situations. This month is a great time to learn more about the supervised visits and services offered by the Someplace Safe Parenting Time Center.

When families are navigating separation, conflict, or safety concerns, maintaining a healthy connection between parents and children can feel challenging. The Someplace Safe Parenting Time Center provides a safe, supportive space where families can focus on what matters most—positive, meaningful interactions.

What Is Supervised Visitation?

Supervised visitation at Someplace Safe allows parents and children to spend time together in a structured, secure environment with trained staff present. The goal is to ensure safety while supporting and strengthening the parent-child relationship. This service may be court-ordered or arranged by families who want a neutral, supportive setting for visits.

A Safe and Welcoming Environment

The Parenting Time Center is designed with families in mind. The space is comfortable, child-friendly, and filled with age-appropriate toys and activities that encourage connection and play.

Trained staff are present during visits to:

  • Ensure everyone’s safety
  • Provide guidance when needed
  • Maintain a respectful and supportive environment

Supporting Families Through Every Step

At Someplace Safe, supervised visitation is about more than just monitoring—it’s about support. Staff work to create a calm, consistent setting where children feel at ease and parents and caregivers may focus on building positive interactions.

In addition to supervised visits, the Parenting Time Center also offers safe exchange services. This allows parents to exchange children for visits in a neutral, secure location without direct contact—helping reduce conflict and prioritize everyone’s safety.

Families using these services may be navigating:

  • High-conflict custody situations
  • Reunification after time apart
  • Safety concerns related to past experiences
  • The need for a structured, neutral setting for visits or exchanges

A Child-Centered Approach

Someplace Safe Parenting Time Center is rooted in creating a positive experience for children. By prioritizing safety, respect, and connection, the program helps ensure that children can maintain relationships with their parents in a way that supports their emotional well-being.

If you or someone you know could benefit from supervised visitation or safe exchange services, the Someplace Safe team is here to help guide families with compassion, professionalism, and care. For more information on these and other services provided at Someplace Safe Parenting Time Center, visit https://someplacesafe.info/survivor-services/parenting-time-centers/

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Honoring the Past and Supporting Survivors in the Present

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)—a time to raise awareness, challenge harmful myths, and strengthen our shared commitment of preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors. April 2026 also marks the 25th anniversary of SAAM’s national observance, a milestone rooted in decades of advocacy, resilience, and collective action.

Long before SAAM was officially recognized, advocates understood a core truth that still guides us today: awareness and prevention must go hand in hand. It’s impossible to prevent what people don’t understand, and awareness without solutions falls short. From the civil rights movement to the founding of the first rape crisis centers, efforts to end sexual violence have always paired visibility with action.

The roots of this work run deep. Beginning in the 1940s and 1950s, movements for social change challenged silence around gender-based violence. The 1970s expanded survivor support through the creation of rape crisis centers and public actions that called communities to accountability. In the decades that followed, survivors and advocates pushed for national policies and funding—underscoring the need for coordinated, nationwide prevention efforts.

By 2000, advocates unified this work, establishing the teal ribbon as SAAM’s symbol and April as the month of action campaigns focused on visibility. By the mid-2000s, prevention took center stage—addressing schools, workplaces, campuses, and communities with practical strategies to stop harm before it happens. Today, SAAM continues to evolve, engaging broader audiences with tools that promote consent, respect, and bystander intervention.

At Someplace Safe, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is both a reflection and a call forward. We stand with survivors through confidential advocacy, crisis support, safety planning, and pathways to healing. We also invest in education and prevention—because safer communities are built when everyone understands their role in preventing violence.

This April, we invite you to honor the legacy of those who paved the way. Learn the facts. Challenge victim-blaming language. Model and teach consent. Support survivor-centered services. Attend a local awareness event. Together, we can build a future where survivors are believed, supported, and never alone.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, reach out to 800-974-3359.

 

Women’s History Month: Honoring Strength, Resilience, and Advocacy

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Women’s History Month is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and impact of women—past and present—who have shaped our communities through courage, compassion, and perseverance. At Someplace Safe, this month is an opportunity to recognize not only historic progress, but also the everyday bravery that moves individuals and families toward safety and healing.

For many victims of crime, strength is not always visible. It can look like reaching out for help, making difficult decisions, protecting children, or taking the first steps toward healing. These moments matter. Women’s History Month reminds us that history is built not only by well-known figures, but by everyday people who persevere through adversity.

Honoring Survivors and Advocacy

Survivors of crime are a powerful part of women’s history. Their stories reflect resilience and determination, even when the path forward feels uncertain. At Someplace Safe, we are honored to walk alongside survivors as they reclaim their voice, rebuild their sense of safety, and move forward on their own terms.

Advocacy plays a vital role in this journey. Through listening, believing, and supporting those impacted by crime, advocates help survivors navigate systems and access resources that promote dignity, empowerment, and hope. This work is made possible by dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners whose commitment creates lasting impact.

Community Makes Healing Possible

Healing does not happen in isolation. Women’s history is rooted in connection, and survivors are strongest when surrounded by support. Each act of care—whether time, resources, or understanding—helps build safer spaces and brighter futures.

As we honor Women’s History Month, we look ahead with purpose. We invite you to reflect on the women who have shown resilience in your life and join us in supporting a future rooted in safety, compassion, and empowerment.

Teen Dating Violence: Recognizing, Educating, and Supporting Youth

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Each February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) raises awareness nationwide about dating abuse among youth. This annual month-long campaign focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

While teen relationships may look different from adult relationships, abuse can still occur—and it can have lasting emotional and physical impacts. In fact, 1 in 10 high school students faces dating violence. While teen relationships may look different from adult relationships, abuse can still occur and have lasting emotional and physical impacts.

Teen dating violence includes behaviors used to gain power and control over a partner. This may involve emotional or verbal abuse, physical harm, sexual coercion, or digital abuse—such as monitoring social media, demanding passwords, or excessive texting. Not all abuse is physical, and emotional and digital abuse are especially common among teens.

Teens may be more vulnerable because they are still learning about healthy relationships, boundaries, and communication. Unhealthy behaviors are sometimes mistaken for jealousy or caring, which can make them difficult to recognize. Warning signs may include changes in mood or behavior, withdrawal from friends, fear of upsetting a partner, or constant checking of a phone.

Someplace Safe offers youth-specific services designed to meet the unique needs of young people through age-appropriate, trauma-informed support. Trained advocates provide youth-specific services, with an emphasis on off-site service delivery, for teens and youth experiencing:

  • Teen dating violence
  • Family violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Bullying or harassment (including online)
  • Cyberstalking
  • Social media bullying
  • Child sexual exploitation materials
  • Other crimes affecting youth

This past year, Someplace Safe provided advocacy, intervention, and prevention services to 61 teens ages 13–19 who were primary victims of crimes including sexual exploitation, child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child physical abuse or neglect, and related offenses. Of these teens, 58 experienced more than one form of victimization, often involving complex, overlapping, or high-risk circumstances. This underscores the need for accessible, inclusive, and trauma-informed youth advocacy. Nearly one-third of the teens had a cognitive, physical, or mental disability, highlighting how disproportionately vulnerable teens with disabilities are to crime and abuse.

Prevention starts with education. Teaching teens about healthy relationships, consent, and respect helps them recognize red flags and seek help early. Adults and communities play an important role by listening without judgment, taking concerns seriously, and sharing trusted resources. Someplace Safe provides education and presentations for teens and youth, offered in schools, social clubs, faith communities, and other spaces where young people gather. Presentation and educational topics for teens and students in grades 7–12 include Healthy Relationships, Exploitation and Safety for Youth, Cyber Bullying and Online Crimes, Not a #Number, and others. To learn more, visit someplacesafe.info/training-and-education/.

There are also a variety of online resources for teens, parents, and supportive adults. During TDVAM, loveisrespect.org offers extensive information on relationships, boundaries, consent, and more. This year’s theme For TDVAM is: Real Love Respects. The theme focuses on what real love should look and feel like. In a world full of mixed messages, it centers around one truth: respect is non-negotiable. It empowers youth to recognize harmful patterns early and to expect more from relationships.

Teen dating violence is preventable. Through education, open conversations, and community support, we can help young people build healthy, respectful relationships. For help or questions about teen dating violence or youth services, please contact Someplace Safe.

Human Trafficking in Minnesota: Understanding a Hidden Crime

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Human trafficking happens in Minnesota more often than many people realize. It is a hidden crime that impacts individuals and families in both urban and rural communities across the state.

Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means (such as force, abduction, fraud, or coercion) for an improper purpose, including sex or labor trafficking. It does not always look like kidnapping or physical restraint. In many cases, traffickers use manipulation, threats, financial control, or emotional abuse to maintain power over victims.

In Minnesota, sex trafficking is the most commonly reported form, though labor trafficking  and other forms occur. Trafficking can take place in a variety of settings, including private residences, hotels, online spaces, restaurants, agricultural work, and domestic labor. Survivors are often exploited by someone they know or trust – such as a partner, employer, or family member – rather than a stranger. People of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can be affected. Individuals experiencing homelessness, economic instability, or limited support systems, especially youth and marginalized communities, are at increased risk.

Minnesota has made efforts to address human trafficking. Minnesota’s Safe Harbor Law ensures young people who are sexually exploited are treated as victims and survivors, rather than criminals. Through the No Wrong Door model of Safe Harbor, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach ensures that youth can receive trauma-informed support and safe housing through networks of systems partnerships, task forces, and advocacy organizations. Safe Harbor Regional Navigators, such as the one at Someplace Safe, also work to connect youth with services and serve as points of contact and education for their communities.

Someplace Safe provides specialized services for individuals affected by labor trafficking, as well as youth who have experienced or are at risk of sexual exploitation or trafficking. Advocates offer comprehensive, trauma-informed, client-centered support, recognizing the sensitive and complex nature of trafficking. If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking or exploitation, Someplace Safe can help. Our trained advocates provide free, confidential, survivor-centered support, safety planning, and connections to resources for individuals and youth affected by trafficking in our communities.

How You Can Help Locally

Community members can also play a role by learning the signs of trafficking and sharing trusted resources with others. Someplace Safe offers a variety of community education and professional training on topics such as:

  • Safe Harbor 101
  • Exploitation and Safety for Children
  • Exploitation and Safety for Adults
  • Not a #Number (youth trafficking and exploitation prevention curriculum)

Visit someplacesafe.info/training-and-education/ to learn more about these opportunities.

Human trafficking is complex, but it is preventable. Through education, community involvement, and compassion, we can work together to create safer communities for all. If you have questions or you would like to learn more about human trafficking locally, please contact:

Someplace Safe Regional Navigator:

Call or Text: 218-739-3486 ext. 557

Email: anne.lr@someplacesafe.info

Youth Sexual Exploitation or Trafficking:
Call or Text: 320-270-5006
Email: youthadvocates@someplacesafe.info

Labor Trafficking:
Call or Text: 320-270-3009
Email: labor.trafficking@someplacesafe.info

 

Your Generosity Helps Survivors Feel Supported, Empowered and Never Alone

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Day after day, Someplace Safe walks alongside victims of crime, offering encouragement, safety, and empowerment as they move toward becoming strong, thriving survivors. Our victim-centered, trauma-informed services ensure every person receives compassionate support tailored to their unique experiences and circumstances.

But this life-changing work is only possible with the help of generous supporters like you. Over the past year, Someplace Safe experienced a 19% increase in community members seeking crime victim advocacy services. In addition, we saw an average of a 32% increase in survivors needing essentials such as emergency housing, meals, household items, and clothing. Your financial support directly fuels our ability to meet these growing needs and provide safety, stability, and hope for victims, survivors, and families across our communities.

This holiday season—and throughout the year—we invite you to stand with local survivors by offering your support.

Donate Online

Giving is simple through our secure donation page at someplacesafe.info/donate. You may make a one-time gift or set up a recurring monthly, quarterly, or annual donation. Gifts may also be designated to a specific program, office, or made in honor or memory of someone special.

Mail or Drop Off a Gift

Donations may be mailed or dropped off at any Someplace Safe office, or sent to:
Someplace Safe
PO Box 815
Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0815
Please make checks payable to Someplace Safe. You may designate your gift to a specific program or location, or in memory of a loved one.

Every act of kindness—large or small—helps strengthen a survivor’s path toward safety, stability, and healing. Your generosity this holiday season builds a community where survivors feel supported, empowered, and never alone.

To explore more ways to give during the holiday season, visit Giving Opportunities at Someplace Safe.

If you or someone you know needs advocacy or support, contact your local advocacy office or call 800-974-3359.