Highlighting LiveSafe Resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
A Q&A with Cobb Collaborative’s Lesleigh Knotts & LiveSafe Resources’ Raysa Figaro
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and advocating for the prevention of domestic violence. In honor of this important month, we invited Raysa Figaro, Director of Domestic Violence Programs at LiveSafe Resources, to discuss the critical services their organization provides, common misconceptions about domestic violence, and how individuals facing abuse can seek help. LiveSafe Resources, one of our wonderful partners in Cobb, has long been a cornerstone of support for those impacted by domestic violence, offering essential services and guidance to survivors as they navigate their journeys to safety and healing. In this Q&A, Raysa shares valuable insights and support for both survivors and their loved ones.
1. Can you tell us about LiveSafe Resources and the services you offer to individuals impacted by domestic violence?
“LiveSafe Resources was founded in 1917 as YWCA of Cobb 501(c)3 Organization; with 39 staff members. We are experts in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse. We are the state certified domestic violence program for Cobb County as well as the state certified sexual assault program for Cobb, Cherokee and Paulding counties.”
The services that LiveSafe Resources offers to individuals and their families who are impacted by domestic violence are the following:
▸ 24-Hour Crisis Line (770) 427-3390
▸ Emergency Shelter at our 40-bed Safehouse
▸ Sexual Assault Program
▸ Individual and group counseling
▸ Child advocate
▸ Temporary Protective Orders (Cobb Co. Only)
▸ Legal Advocate
▸ Transitional Housing & Rental Assistance
programs
▸ Case management, referral and advocacy
with other organizations
2. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. How does LiveSafe Resources participate in raising awareness during this time?
“In the month of October, to raise awareness on Domestic Violence, LiveSafe Resources along with other community partners, like the DA’s office and the Solicitors office, put together a Domestic Violence Vigil to honor all the lives that were lost in the state of Georgia in the last year and to raise awareness to our community as well as provide them with information on Domestic violence and resources. This year’s Vigil was held on October 2nd. We have attended events like Dogs against Domestic Violence, an event hosted by KSU, and National Night Out that took place in Woodstock. We will also be attending other domestic violence awareness events throughout the month of October to continue to raise awareness and provide the community with resources.”
3. Can you explain the importance of safety planning for individuals in abusive relationships? How does LiveSafe Resources assist in creating these plans?
“One of the most important and valuable tools we provide our clients is a safety plan. Whether a client is ready to leave an abusive relationship or preparing to leave, we talk to them about what is important to them and what they need to leave an abusive relationship safely as well as how to stay safe while they are still in the abusive relationship. One of the most dangerous times for a victim is when they are trying to leave an abuser because at that time the abuser is going to lose all the power and control they have over the victim and the abuser will do whatever it takes to maintain that power and control. For example, we talk to the victims about preparing a bag that has all of their important documents that they may have access to and to keep them in a safe place outside the home or in a place that the abuser cannot get to them when they decide to leave. We talk to them about having a safe place to go to, when they are ready to leave, that the abuser does not know about. We talk to them about safe words or key phrases they can use with a friend or family member that will alert that person to call 911 and send them to where the victim is at. These are just some examples of what is provided to a client during safety planning. One of the important things about a safety plan is that it is done with the victim and tailored to their individual needs, so no safety plan will ever look the same.”
4. How can people who are dealing with domestic violence access your services, and what should they expect when they reach out for help?
“Anyone that is dealing with domestic violence or sexual assault, or if they know someone who is dealing with it, they can always contact our 24-hour crisis line @ 770-447-3390. Through that line, they will get assistance in English or Spanish and if they speak another language, we can assist them with the help of the language line. When a victim calls us, they should expect to speak with an advocate that will treat them with empathy and respect. The advocate will do an assessment to find out what services the victim needs and wants at the time and will then provide them with those resources.”
5. What message would you like to share with individuals who may feel hesitant to seek help?
“I would want someone who may be experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault, who is hesitant to seek help, to know that it is not their fault that this is happening to them and that this is a tactic the abuser uses to keep them and their loved ones from seeking help. I want them to know that they are not alone, and we are here to help in any way that we can, even if they just need someone to talk to, we at LiveSafe Resources are here for them. I want them to know that we care about their safety and well being and will do what we can to help them through their healing journey.”
6. Anything else you’d like to add?
“Because we are a non-profit organization and most of our funding comes from grants, at times we are limited to what we can do for our clients. So, we ask our community to partner with us so that we can continue to help all victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Community events are an impactful way to do that. We have an event, Que & Brew, coming up on October 18th, 2024 at Taylor-Brawner Park. Also, we are honored to have been chosen by the Cobb County Solicitor General as beneficiary of this year’s Sneaker Ball on October 25th. To learn more about this event, check out our news article. All the proceeds of both events will go to LiveSafe Resources. If anyone is interested you can find more information on our website, www.livesaferesources.org, or on our Instagram @livesaferesources.”
Domestic violence affects millions of individuals every year, but community organizations like LiveSafe Resources are making a difference by offering critical support and guidance to those in need. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that help is always available for those experiencing abuse. If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, don’t hesitate to reach out for support—whether through LiveSafe Resources or other local organizations. Together, we can raise awareness and ensure that no one has to navigate this journey alone.
We are so appreciative of all the work LiveSafe Resources does to support the community. Thank you to Raysa for sharing such valuable information and providing crucial resources to those in need.
