Hope United Survivors Network demands funding for intimate partner violence support services

At the recent Gaston County Board of Commissioners meeting, the urgent issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) took center stage, with a passionate plea from a representative of the Hope United Survivors Network. The organization, dedicated to protecting women and children, highlighted the staggering reality that one in three women in the United States experiences IPV, a public epidemic that extends its impact into families, workplaces, and the economy.

The representative painted a vivid picture of the devastating effects of IPV, describing how it chips away at victims' confidence and safety, isolating them from their support networks. In North Carolina alone, the economic toll of IPV was reported to exceed $500 million in 2018, with Gaston County accounting for approximately 3,500 individuals affected, leading to over $10 million in associated costs.

Hope United Survivors Network plays a critical role in addressing this crisis, providing essential services such as safety planning, crisis response, and legal advocacy. The organization ensures that survivors have access to transportation, housing assistance, and support as they navigate the complexities of restraining orders and other legal matters. Notably, in 2023, only 10 percent of survivors required shelter, raising concerns about the remaining 90 percent who depend on the organization's life-sustaining support.

The representative urged the commissioners to recognize the profound impact of Hope United's work and to invest in the safety and healing of survivors. The call to action emphasized that without sustained support for these vital services, the future of countless women and children in danger remains uncertain. As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the message lingered, underscoring the need for community commitment to combat IPV and support those affected.