To promote the belief that all people have the right to live free from violence by providing support and advocacy services for victims and education for youth and our community. This is done by enhancing safety for victims, families, and the community; securing justice for victims; and educating and engaging the community to respond to and prevent violence.

Human Services , Victims Services

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 371 victims were provided victim assistance services in 2017, with advocates answering 3,960 calls for assistance. 76 victims received on-scene crisis intervention, with an additional 77 via the 24- hour hotline. 37 victims received assistance to file protection orders, and an additional 403 contacts to ensure victim knowledge and utilization of rights occurred for criminal justice cases. Beyond direct victim services, rise works to prevent violence through educational awareness initiatives, with a major focus on outreaching youth. 887students participated in 230 violence prevention presentations, including youth rise high school elective class, and wise teens support groups. 97 allied professionals were trained; 45 training workshops or community education presentations were provided. Trainings and community education projects raise awareness and skills for responders on domestic, dating, and sexual violence dynamics, trends, and responses particular to their profession or the general public.