Yuma advocates support domestic violence survivors year-round

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, local advocates are raising awareness, educating families and connecting survivors with support.

Each October, Yuma recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the community goes purple to show support for survivors. But local advocates say the need for awareness and help continues throughout the year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in three women and one in four men in the United States experience some form of domestic violence during their lifetimes.

Bailey Ray, a local podcaster and survivor of domestic violence and childhood abuse, said those experiences changed how she sees the world.

"It has completely changed me," Ray said. "I don't even have the same perspective on life before and after."

Ray said her children gave her the courage to leave her abusive marriage. She recalled her daughter encouraging her to take that step.

"My daughter...she was just like, 'Mommy, you have to do this for yourself, and I'm not going to hate you,'" Ray said.

Ray recently launched the Rising With Red Foundation to help others affected by domestic violence. She said sharing her story allows her to support women, men and children facing similar experiences.

"I'm glad that I am the walking testimony, where I'm able to help other women, other men, and other children," she said.

Dina Evancho, a local crime victim advocate with more than 30 years of experience, is also a board member of the nonprofit Proverbs 31.

She said awareness efforts should include teaching children about healthy relationships and mutual respect from a young age.

"The awareness part of actually educating…has to start when they're young," Evancho said. "The mutual respect that you show toward each other would be huge within itself, and I think that's the beginning."

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry estimates between three million and ten million children in the United States witness domestic or intimate partner violence each year.

Evancho also emphasized that leaving an abusive relationship can be especially dangerous.

"The most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when they're getting ready to leave," she said.

In Yuma County, organizations, including Amberly's Place, provide support to people affected by domestic violence and other circumstances.

From April through June, Amberly's Place served more than 1,400 victims and survivors.

"Domestic violence happens every day, 24/7, 365...not just around the country, but right here in our Yuma community," said Tori Bourguinon, Executive Director of Amberly's Place. "This is an issue that's very prevalent in our community and that we need to continuously address because it never stops."

Ray urged anyone experiencing domestic violence to speak up and seek support.

"No one deserves to go through any of that, especially not alone," she said. "You're not supposed to go through life alone, and so my biggest thing is speak up, speak out."

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support and safety-planning resources are available through local organizations. You do not have to face it alone.