October is Home Violence Consciousness Month—a time to replicate not solely on the statistics we hear but in addition on the lived realities behind them. For me, this month has particular that means, as my private {and professional} journey has come full circle.
Earlier than I wore a badge, I labored with Vista Rise Collective (previously Reside Violence Free) right here in South Lake Tahoe. It was my first introduction to the braveness of survivors and the advanced dynamics of home violence, little one abuse, and sexual assault. Again then, I noticed the energy of individuals making an attempt to rebuild their lives, the hope that comes with advocacy, and the significance of getting a protected house in a small group the place everybody appears to know one another.
Quickly after, I joined Legislation Enforcement in varied capacities with El Dorado County and most not too long ago, with the South Lake Tahoe Police Division. I served this group for over 11 years. This expertise gave me a distinct vantage level. I met victims on a few of their darkest days, usually when worry outweighed hope. I witnessed firsthand how home violence not solely harms people however ripples outward—affecting kids, prolonged households, and the broader group. I additionally discovered the significance of collaboration between police, advocates, counselors, and courts. No single company can tackle home violence alone.
But, in these years, I additionally carried the load of the unanswered questions: What occurs after the decision for service has ended or has the investigation concluded? Who helps survivors when the uniforms go away? How do survivors and households discover therapeutic—not simply security? These questions adopted me lengthy after my shifts ended.
That’s the reason; after retiring from energetic service, I selected to return to Vista Rise Collective—this time in a brand new capability as a Medical Intern whereas finishing my grasp’s diploma in Marriage and Household Remedy. Now, as a substitute of responding to disaster within the second, I sit with survivors and their households within the lengthy aftermath. We work collectively to course of trauma, construct more healthy relationships, and picture futures not outlined by violence and their traumatic experiences.
What strikes me most at this stage of my journey is the resilience I proceed to see. Survivors usually are not simply surviving—they’re elevating kids, holding jobs, going to high school, and giving again to their neighbors. Their energy jogs my memory why consciousness months like this one matter. They remind the group that home violence shouldn’t be a non-public situation; it’s a public one. It lives amongst us—in properties, workplaces, and faculties. And it requires all of us to concentrate.
In legislation enforcement, I usually heard the phrase, “In the event you see one thing, say one thing.” In advocacy and remedy, I’d add: “In the event you hear one thing, consider them.” Survivors must know they are going to be heard, believed, and supported—whether or not by a neighbor, an officer, a counselor, or a pal.
This October, my hope is that South Lake Tahoe continues to steer with compassion. Home violence can occur to anybody, no matter age, orientation, gender id, occupation or background. It thrives in silence and secrecy, however it begins to lose its energy when a group speaks with one voice. Whether or not by means of supporting native nonprofits like Vista Rise Collective, studying extra about wholesome relationships, or just checking in on a pal, every of us has a task to play.
I’ve worn many hats on this group: advocate, officer, and now therapist-in-training. Every function has proven me a distinct piece of the identical puzzle. And whereas the work isn’t simple, it’s all the time value it. As a result of each survivor deserves not solely security—but in addition therapeutic, dignity, and hope.
