Shatter the Silence, End the Violence

  • Many people in our community are unaware of what actions to take when their loved one experiences sexual assault or domestic violence. The Gilroy Innovators’ Community Assessment from 2020-2021, found that more than 50% of people would go to a friend or family member first in an event of sexual assault or domestic violence.

    Would you know how to help your friend or family member?

    Click here to download the 2020-21 Community Assessment results

  • Action steps you can take today:

    Following are several actions you can take today to help prevent violence before it happens and to be there for your loved one if it does. Together we can “Shatter the silence, End the violence.”

    1. Talk about relationships: Share what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like with your friends and family. Be careful not to judge, avoid asking why questions, and validate their feelings.
    2. Call out toxic behavior: If you see a behavior that doesn’t feel healthy, address it and talk about it. Let your friend or family member know how their behavior can be harmful to someone and what the consequences may be.
    3. Create space to express emotions:  Violence can leave an impact on the family as a whole. Create safe spaces to express emotions as a family, listen without judgement, and develop positive healthy solutions together.
    4. Lead with strengths: Lift your friends and family up by reminding them of what makes them amazing, strong, and wonderful. Remind them of their worth and build up their self-image.
    5. Learn more: Visit www.communitysolutions.org or our Facebook and Instagram pages @communitysolutionsstv for more information on services provided by Community Solutions and/or ways you can get involved.

  • Video tips for how to help a friend or family member:

     

    HOW TO HELP A FRIEND

     

    ABOUT TOXIC AND ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

     

    HOW TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS CAN IMPACT CHILDREN

  • Teen Dating Violence Awareness Videos

    Below are a couple of the winning videos from our 2021 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month video contest. Watch for great info and tips on how to spot and have a healthy relationship (applies to adults too!).

    HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS by Isabella

     

     

    HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS by Julian

     

    WHAT’S A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP by Damaris

     

    HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS by Stephany

     

     

    TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS by Emma

     

     

  • Call 877-363-7238 for support 24 hours a day!

    If you or someone you know needs support, call Community Solutions 24/7 at 877-363-7238 to speak with a confidential advocate. We offer free support services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, including counseling, accompaniment, assistance with restraining orders, and much more.

  • About the Gilroy Innovators:

    The Gilroy Innovators is a team of community members dedicated to creating a safer Gilroy. The Innovators will use the Close to Home approach to design community-led initiatives and solutions to prevent domestic and sexual violence from happening in our community. Everyone plays a role. Youth and adults; people of all genders; family, friends, and neighbors; professionals and politicians all combine their voices and efforts to create change together.

    Click here for more information:
    Gilroy Innovators Flier (English)
    Gilroy Innovators Flier (Spanish)

    How YOU can get involved:

    • Invite the Gilroy Innovators to talk at your work team, sports teams, social groups, faith-based meetings, and any other gatherings to promote this amazing new venture. Get connected by calling Erica at Community Solutions at 408-776-6246.
    • Be an ally of change by supporting this exciting new project through providing space, materials, food, and/or any other contributions you can.

    For more information, please contact:

    Rosalvo Romero
    669.239.9017
    rosalvo.romero@communitysolutions.org

“ At Community Solutions I met some wonderful women who helped me with my fears and helped me understand that I did not deserve to be abused by anyone. ”

Luz, age 50, Solutions to Violence

“ [Community Solutions] helped me with my problems and were there when I was having hard times. They have helped my family with a place to live and helped us pay some bills and buy some food when we needed it. ”

Serena, age 15, Child & Youth Behavioral Health

“ I cannot describe very well but all I know is that each day is getting better. Your program helps. ”

Jin, age 62, Adult Behavioral Health

“ Thanks to the program, I left the ugly house I was living in that had two small windows for the 8 of us, dirt floors, broken windows, no door, and the toilet always clogging. Now my children and I have a nice apartment where we have more space, privacy, and carpet where we can be barefoot. ”

Teresa, age 38, Solutions to Violence Supportive Housing Program
ESCAPE