The Safe Center, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and the leading victim service organization in Nassau County, raised a record $158,000 to support its work on behalf of survivors in Nassau County at its Annual Gala on October 24, 2024 at the Nassau County Museum of Art, located at One Museum Drive in Roslyn, NY. 

The event gathered supporters, advocates, and community leaders to reflect on the progress made and to continue championing the fight against domestic violence/intimate partner violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and child abuse. 

“Every year, more people come out to support the important work we do on behalf of some of our most vulnerable neighbors on Long Island,” said Bridget Mantello, Director of Development & External Affairs at The Safe Center. “This year, as we mark The Safe Center’s 10th Anniversary, we pay tribute to our expert staff, dedicated volunteers, community partners, and visionary leaders. Thank you to everyone—both newcomers and long-time supporters—who have supported us over the past decade as we tirelessly serve our community.” 

The event featured a keynote by Alicia Santandreu, one of the first domestic violence survivors served by The Safe Center after its creation in 2014.

“Yes, I was a victim of abuse, but I became a warrior. I chose to be victorious over what happened to me, and I chose to dedicate myself to those in abuse, trying to leave, or navigating life outside of it,” said Alicia Santander, who came to The Safe Center 10 years ago when she was escaping an abusive relationship. Today she is a proud mother of two and local business owner. “You can do anything. I want you all to realize your infinite potential to achieve it all. Living in Abuse is not life. Life and living truly begins outside of abuse and it is so beautiful.”

Just last year, The Safe Center responded to 5,026 hotline calls and assisted 5,122 survivors impacted by Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking and Child Sexual & Severe Physical Abuse. More than 28-thousand people have attended educational trainings raising awareness on how to recognize, respond to and prevent future incidents of abuse. 

About The Safe Center

The Safe Center, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading victim service organization in Nassau County, providing comprehensive and trauma-informed services for victims of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, child sexual and severe physical abuse, rape and sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse. In 2014, The Safe Center was created by the merger of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (founded in 1978) and the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect (founded in 1979). This merger created a highly integrated service model to empower victims of interpersonal violence to recover from their abuse. The Safe Center operates a 24-hour Hotline (516-542-0404) providing crisis intervention, access to services, and information and support. Visit https://www.tscli.org for more information.