Many people wonder, “Why didn’t they say something sooner?” The truth is, there are countless reasons why survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma may not come forward right away — or ever. One of the biggest reasons is fear of not being believed. Survivors who gather the courage to share their experience are often met with doubt, blame, or minimizing responses: ❌ “Are you sure?” ❌ “It doesn’t sound that bad.” ❌ “Why didn’t you leave sooner?” Hearing these kinds of responses can feel devastating and isolating. It teaches survivors that staying silent might feel safer than speaking up. Other reasons survivors may not come forward include:     •    Fear of retaliation or more harm from the abuser     •    Worry about being blamed or shamed by others     •    Concerns about how family, friends, or community will react     •    Pressure from cultural, financial, or religious barriers     •    Fear that nothing will change, even if they speak out Silence does not mean it didn’t happen. Survivors are often carrying the weight of their story alone, waiting for a safe place to be heard. At ARISE, we believe survivors. We listen without judgment. And we are here 24/7 to provide confidential support, options, and hope. 📞 970-668-3906 📧 Outreach@ARISEsummitCO.org (fb)

⛳️ Our 6th Annual Resiliency on the Ranch Golf Tournament is almost here! 📅 Sunday, September 15 | 📍 Keystone Ranch Golf Course Here are 4 reasons you don’t want to miss it: 1️⃣ Golf with a purpose — every swing supports survivors 2️⃣ Delicious BBQ lunch + free beer 3️⃣ On-course contests and fun prizes 4️⃣ $340 of every registration goes directly to ARISE’s survivor services Register your team today and tee up for a cause! https://bit.ly/4l5BQkc (fb)