Rise Above Violence

Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program, Inc. (acvap), dba: Rise Above Violence, a non-profit organization established in 1996, is a community- based Program that intervenes, responds, and prevents incidents of domestic Violence, sexual assault, and other interpersonal Violence through the provision of advocacy, support, and education services throughout Archuleta County. Rise promotes the belief that all people have the right to live free from Violence. A total of 449 victims were provided Victim Assistance services in 2022, with advocates answering 2,531 calls for help and support. 77 victims received crisis intervention in person and another 129 via the 24-hour hotline; 52 victims received Assistance to file protection orders. Court advocacy, updates, and accompaniment to court hearings occurred 1,196 times to ensure Victim knowledge and utilization of rights occurred for criminal and civil justice cases. Beyond direct Victim services, Rise works to prevent Violence through educational awareness initiatives, with a major focus on outreaching youth. 669 students participated in 238 Violence prevention presentations, including youth Rise leadership, bullying prevention, and bystander intervention. 87 professional allies and community members were provided 29 specialized training workshops and community awareness. Trainings and community education projects raise awareness and skills for the general public and allied responders on domestic, dating, and sexual Violence dynamics, trends, and responses particular to their profession or for general knowledge.