News Releases - The SAFE Alliance

SAFE | Media Contact

Valeria Perez, Communications Coordinator

Phone: 512.772.9374

SAFE | News Releases

Events for Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness month all April long
April 2022, Austin, TX — April is both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The SAFE Alliance and our partner organizations are hosting events throughout the month to help our community understand these serious health concerns.

‘What Was I Wearing?’ exhibit challenges attitudes about sexual assault through stories told by survivors
April 2022, Austin, TX — The “What Was I Wearing?” exhibit opens on April 7 with a special ceremony led by SAFE advocates, the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, and survivors of sexual assault. “What Was I Wearing?” invites the community to question harmful attitudes and reactions by sharing stories of survivors and displaying the outfits they were wearing at the time of the assault.

SAFE’s Expect Respect program to promote healthy teen relationships in four U.S. cities with funding from The Allstate Foundation
March 2022, Austin, TX — The SAFE Alliance in Austin, Texas received nearly $1 million to replicate its evidence-based, violence prevention program, Expect Respect, in four U.S. cities: Hemet, California; Chicago, Illinois; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Houston, Texas.

Kelly White announces retirement as Co-CEO of SAFE
February 2022, Austin, TX — Kelly White, Co-CEO of The SAFE Alliance, has announced she is leaving the organization as Co-CEO effective March 31, 2022. Over the past three decades, Kelly has been part of SAFE’s history and has been an instrumental part of the agency’s predecessor organizations, the Center for Battered Women, SafePlace, Austin Rape Crisis Center, and the Austin Children’s Shelter.

What businesses can do to prevent trafficking during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January 2022, Austin, TX — January is Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As the new year begins, advocates who specialize in preventing trafficking are encouraging businesses and community groups to be active in their role to stop violence. The SAFE Alliance is now offering trainings to local organizations on how to spot trafficking and take action.

Austin’s Piper Stege Nelson named one of BBC’s 100 most inspiring, influential women for 2021!
December 2021, Austin, TX — Piper Stege Nelson, SAFE’s Chief Public Strategies Officer, was named to the BBC 100 Women 2021 list. 2021’s keyword is “reset,” with the BBC honoring women who have contributed to “playing their part to reinvent our society, our culture, and our world.”

Austin City Council to purchase hotel for new famliy shelter
December 2021, Austin, TX — This week, the Austin City Council will vote to purchase and renovate a hotel that will be used as a shelter for survivors of family violence (Item 59).

SAFE’s Touch-A-Truck is back for a fun-filled family event!
September 2021, Austin, TX — Touch-A-Truck, one of Austin’s most exciting, family-friendly events, is back Saturday, Sept. 25 at Camp Mabry! Kids of all ages can touch, climb on, and explore a variety of vehicles—like ambulances, bulldozers, fire trucks, military transporters, and more.

Honoring Frankie Fowler and her 40 years of service at SAFE
July 2021, Austin, TX — For 40 years, SAFE has had the immense honor of having Frankie Fowler as a volunteer. We’re fortunate to have such powerful force for good working with us and we look forward to continuing this wonderful relationship. Thank you Frankie!

Preparing for harassment-free workplaces as employees return to office
April 2021, Austin, TX — Many local businesses are planning for post-COVID times. That means people are starting to return to work in person. To restart successfully, companies need a plan to prevent workplace harassment.

Special online events during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
April 2021, Austin, TX — In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 18–24, SAFE is hosting a series of digital events to raise awareness about crime victims’ issues, rights, and resources available.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 2021, Austin, TX — With Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month both in April, we have an opportunity to discuss these forms of violence and the ways they are tied together.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
February 2021, Austin, TX— February is a busy month for our Expect Respect program, which focuses on preventing abuse by educating youth in Austin-area school about healthy relationships.

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January 2021, Austin, TX— Raising awareness about the seriousness of trafficking is a critical step in putting an end to this widespread issue.

Closing out 2020 on a positive note: SAFE Holidays a massive success
December 2020, Austin, TX— SAFE is thrilled to announce that nearly 300 donors have provided gifts for more than 1,000 SAFE clients as part of this year’s SAFE Holidays program.

SAFE workplace harassment trainings go digital
November 2020, Austin, TX— The SAFE Institute now offers a streamlined, self-paced online training to help businesses build healthy, respectful workplaces free from harassment.

News conference – Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 2020, Austin, TX— Our Strong Start team is discussing the recent uptick in calls related to parenting support and child abuse since the pandemic started.

The cost of COVID-19 for nonprofits
March 2020, Austin, TX— Despite canceling our major fundraisers for the year, SAFE has remained dedicated to keeping our doors open and continuing to provide a high level of care to our clients. To make that possible, we have had to get innovative.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January 2020, Austin, TX— Every January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Our CARES team supports survivors of trafficking in Austin through advocacy, counseling, and a drop-in center where survivors can take a break with their peers.

SAFE & Sound benefit concert returns on Aug. 29 at Stubb’s
August 2019, Austin, TX— SAFE & Sound returns this summer for a night that celebrates Austin, local music, and raises funds and awareness to support The SAFE Alliance as they serve survivors of violence in Central Texas.

SAFE launches app for working with child abuse victims with disabilities
July 2019, Austin, TX — SAFE’s Disability Services recently launched the All Kids SAFE digital guide to support law enforcement and other child abuse investigators working with child victims who have disabilities or who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and hard of hearing (DDBDDHH).

SAFE’s Touch A Truck Returns for a Fun-Filled Family Event
May 2019, Austin, TX—Touch-A-Truck, one of Austin’s most exciting family-friendly events, is returning to Camp Mabry on Saturday, May 11, 2019.

SAFE to Hold 2nd Annual SAFEMen Forum
April 2019, Austin, TX— On April 23, 2019, SAFE will hold the 2^nd annual SAFEMen Forum to gather local leaders and create concrete plans on how they and their institutions will work to break the cycle of violence and create a culture of respect.

SAFE Introduces The SAFE Institute to Foster Healthy, Respectful Workplaces
Austin, TX— SAFE announced the launch of The SAFE Institute, a new initiative created to bring SAFE’s valuable experience to organizations that are committed to cultivating safe, respectful spaces.

SAFE Expands Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Clinic
Austin, TX— SAFE’s Eloise House, which administers a majority of sexual assault forensic exams in Austin, recently expanded its facilities to better serve survivors of sexual assault in Central Texas.

Touch-A-Truck raises funds for SAFE’s Children’s Shelter
Austin, TX— Touch-A-Truck, one of Austin’s most exciting family-friendly events, is returning to Camp Mabry on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Kids can touch, climb on, and explore 60+ vehicles of all shapes and sizes–like ambulances, fire trucks, bulldozers, or military transporters.

Community Needs Assessment Analyzes Local Sexual Assault Response
Austin, TX— A recently published Community Needs Assessment provides a comprehensive analysis of the needs and challenges for sexual assault response in our Central Texas community. This assessment reveals that the community has made great strides in our sexual assault response systems, but that there remains much room for improvement in all parts of the system.

SAFE Launches Consent Isn’t Cheesy Campaign
Austin, TX— The SAFE Alliance’s Expect Respect program, which educates youth in over 40 local schools about building healthy and safe relationships, is launching the Consent Isn’t Cheesy campaign during the month of February to engage young people in conversations about consent.

SAFE Launches SAFEMen Pledge
Austin, TX— As reports of widespread sexual harassment and assault continue to surface, the spotlight is on the numerous men who have taken advantage of countless women. The SAFE Alliance is asking men to commit to ending the cycle of violence by signing the SAFEMen Pledge. Read More…

Touch-A-Truck Puts Kids in the Driver’s Seat
Austin, TX— Touch-A-Truck, one of Austin’s most exciting family-friendly events, is returning to Camp Mabry on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Kids can touch, climb on, and explore 40+ vehicles of all shapes and sizes–like ambulances, fire trucks, bulldozers, or military transporters.This family-friendly event (just $5 a ticket!) has something for everyone: food trucks, a petting zoo, face painting, barrel train rides, games and adventures in the Kid Zone, just to name a few. Read More…

SAFE Named a ‘2017 Best Nonprofit To Work For’
Austin, Texas— SAFE, a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, has been named one of the nation’s top 50 “Best Nonprofits To Work For” in 2017, ranking 21^st overall and 2^nd in the large organizations category (250+ employees). Read More..

On SafePlace Campus, Cornyn to Announce New Bill to Help Victims of Domestic Violence TODAY
Austin, Texas — TODAY U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) will announce the introduction of new legislation called the Helping End Abusive Living Situations (HEALS) Act at The SAFE Alliance’s SafePlace campus in Austin. read more…

Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace Merge to become SAFE

Austin, Texas — Effective Jan. 1, 2017, Austin Children’s Shelter (ACS) and SafePlace officially merged to become one agency – The SAFE Alliance, or SAFE, stop abuse for everyone. ACS and SafePlace are long-standing and respected human services agencies that have together or separately provided services for those experiencing sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, and domestic violence. All programs and services previously offered and facilitated by ACS or SafePlace are continuing as programs of SAFE. Read more…

“Draw the Line Day” Proclamation: Austin Mayor Steve Adler to Honor SAFE and The Mrs

(April 6, 2016; Austin, TX) —Austin Mayor Steve Adler will present The SAFE Alliance and the Austin-based, all-female band The Mrs with a proclamation declaring April 8 “Draw the Line Day.” The proclamation honors the work of SAFE and their leadership in ending sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, and domestic violence through prevention, intervention, and advocacy for change. The document also honors The Mrs for this week’s release of their new song, “Draw the Line,” which highlights these issues.

Austin Band and Nonprofit Partner to Launch Campaign in Support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

(April 5, 2016; Austin, TX) : Austin-based, all-female band The Mrs, announced today a unique partnership with SAFE, a local nonprofit working to end sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, and domestic violence. The Mrs’ newest song and music video, “Draw the Line,” will serve as the primary tool for awareness and fundraising. All proceeds from the new track will go directly to SAFE.

SAFE Supports Thumbs Up! : Sexual Assault Prevention is Everyone’s Business

(Jan. 28, 2016; Austin, TX): Just over 1,000 sexual assaults were reported in Travis County last year. A recent Texas Statewide Sexual Assault Prevalence Study, conducted by the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault at the School of Social Work at UT Austin, found that only 9.2 percent of sexual assault victims in Texas reported their experiences to the police…. And it’s because we can’t ignore sexual assault that Austin is now the site of a ridesharing debate that has been raging over the last several months. We have become involved with this debate because of the young women we are seeing that report to us they were sexually assaulted by their ridesharing drivers….

SAFE Supports Multi-Layered Regulations for TNCs

(December 16, 2015; AUSTIN, TX): The SAFE Alliance, a partnership of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, has been closely watching the ongoing debate regarding regulation of transportation network companies (TNC’s) in Austin.Beginning in June 2015, we became the primary agency conducting forensic exams for teen and adult sexual assault survivors in Central Texas, which has put us in the unique position…

Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace come together to address violence and abuse

(September 17, 2015; AUSTIN, TX): In order to deliver more comprehensive services and better address the spectrum of needs for individuals and families affected by violence and abuse, the Boards of Directors of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace have created an operational merger between the two organizations. The organization is called The SAFE Alliance, or SAFE for short.