Stand Strong One Year Later: Standing Together Against Domestic Violence
There’s something about the crisp, autumnal air that makes us want to cozy up with a furry friend when arriving home every evening, maybe brew a cup of chai, and binge on the latest Netflix hit with friends or loved ones. Unfortunately, having a safe place to go at the end of the day is something many of us take for granted. One in three women and one in four men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. Additionally, one in 15 children will be exposed to domestic violence this year, with 90% of these being eyewitnesses to violence in their own families. That’s an alarming statistic, but San Luis Obispo-based nonprofit Stand Strong is out to change that.
Stand Strong, formerly The Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County, was the recipient of Verdin’s 24-Hour Give last November. We had the pleasure of collaborating with the organization to provide them with a complete rebrand and marketing strategy, which they have been implementing to impressive effect ever since. Resources provided by Stand Strong include a 24-hour crisis support and intervention hotline, transitional housing and rehabilitation programs, counseling and legal services, Latinx and children’s services programs, and prevention education.
One year later, the organization has hit some significant milestones, amassed quite a volunteer presence, and seen an outpouring of community support in response to the new brand and messaging, recently posting a remarkable 1,917 hours of crisis-response coverage.
They have turned the town purple (the official ribbon color for domestic abuse awareness) with events like the Oct. 25 candlelight vigil in San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza – joining forces with RISE, Safer, and Cal Poly’s Men and Masculinity program – to honor victims of domestic violence as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Their community outreach efforts have captivated the wonder of San Luis Obispo, with projects like the adorning of the Yarns at the Adobe tree in purple, or a recent showcase at October’s Art After Dark SLO of work created in art therapy programs by local survivors of intimate partner violence.
Though domestic violence has long been treated as a women’s issue, victims are not confined to any one gender. Stand Strong’s hope after the rebrand is to further its mission of prevention and education by challenging the traditional narrative and broadening community conversation around this issue.
We’re optimistic that the community will build an even deeper connection to the new name and are excited to see how Stand Strong continues to further its already amazing reputation in standing against intimate partner violence. The success stories arising from their efforts give us hope – our thanks to Stand Strong for continuing to inspire and make a measurable impact in our community!
To learn more about Stand Strong’s mission and support services, or to find out how to volunteer and help break the silence, visit https://standstrongnow.org or follow @standstrongnow on social media. For immediate crisis counseling services, call Stand Strong’s 24-Hour Crisis & Information Line at (805) 781-6400.
Speaking of the 24-Hour Give, this year’s event is just around the corner! It all kicks off next Thursday, November 8th at the Verdin campus at 3580 Sacramento Dr. #110 in San Luis Obispo. Join us from from 4-6 p.m. for our Give-a-thon Happy Hour and sip some delectable rosé, courtesy of Malene Wines! During the Give, be sure to keep your ear to the ground and follow @VerdinMarketing on social media for all the latest happenings! More exciting details to come, so stay tuned!
