Every October, purple ribbons start appearing all over Pagosa Springs. But who’s putting them there — and why?
Turns out, it’s us. We’re Rise Above Violence, the same folks behind the Runway for Rise Recycled Fashion Gala fundraiser, and the Clothesline Project you’ll see this month at the high school and hospital. We are a local nonprofit that serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Twice a year, we hang ribbons around town to spark conversations about domestic violence and sexual assault, but also, more importantly, to remind survivors that they are not alone.
Did you know that if you filled the stands at a Pagosa Springs High School basketball game, the odds are that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men sitting there have lived through — or are currently experiencing — domestic violence?
That number can feel overwhelming, and we understand that. Which is why we love this year’s national theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month: “Walk With Survivors.”
This theme captures the most effective, everyday ways any of us can support the people we know and love who are living with abuse.
Advocates and survivors alike tell us that three things make the biggest difference:
• Listening without judgment.
• Believing and affirming.
• Offering consistent support.
But, what do these look like in real life?
Listening without judgment means letting someone share their story without interruption, shame, or blame — and without jumping straight to fixing the problem (unless they ask for that).
Believing and affirming can sound like: “I believe you. I’m so sorry this happened — and thank you for trusting me with it.”
And perhaps the hardest, but most powerful, step is offering consistent support. Sometimes, when a survivor first opens up, friends and family rally around them. But when the situation stretches on, especially if they stay, people’s support can fade. Checking in, even months later, can make a world of difference. It lets survivors know they still have someone in their corner, no matter what.
These three actions — listening, believing and showing up consistently — are what it truly means to walk with survivors. They’re not grand gestures or expert interventions; they’re everyday acts of empathy that remind survivors they don’t have to walk alone. When we choose to listen without judgment, to believe someone’s story and to keep showing up even when it’s hard, we’re walking beside them on their path toward safety, healing and hope.
It’s not our job to walk their path for them, or to push them toward what we think they should do. Every survivor’s situation is different. When we respect their choices and keep showing up with compassion instead of judgment, that’s what true support looks like, and that’s what it means to walk with survivors.
This past weekend, our community truly embodied what it means to “Walk With Survivors” at our Runway for Rise Recycled Fashion Gala. Together, we raised more than $78,000 to support those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. These funds will directly impact the lives of survivors, providing them with resources, support and hope when they need it most.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this success possible. To our generous sponsors who believe in our mission, our compassionate donors who gave so freely, and every attendee who showed up to stand with survivors — thank you for your unwavering support.
A special thank you goes to the 10 incredible teams who brought creativity, passion and purpose to the runway and to our dedicated volunteers who gave their time and energy. Your commitment to this cause reminds survivors that they are not alone and that their community stands ready to walk beside them.
Just like the purple ribbons around town, your presence at this event sends a powerful message: We are here, we are listening and we will continue showing up with consistency and compassion. Together, we’re not just raising funds — we’re raising awareness, raising hope and raising the possibility of a community where everyone can live free from violence. Together we rise.
You are not alone in this, if you or someone you know needs support, Rise Above Violence is here 24/7. Call (970) 264-9075 or visit riseaboveviolence.org.
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