I am a CG Veteran, and a survivor of MST during my time in service. As I found the courage and strength to begin my journey of healing, I found incredible support, encouragement and advocacy in Safe Waters. From weekly community calls, to encouragement along my VA journey, to work with active duty units for prevention and support, this organization and the incredible vision behind it indeed created Safe Waters for healing, restoration, advocacy and support. I found a place to belong, an incredible group of humans to help along my journey, and to restore what had been shattered. Thank you for your support, your courage, your kindness and your unwavering commitment to prevent MST from happening, and to walk alongside those with that experience. In the most turbulent times of life, you have truly created safe waters. -Survivor Testimony #1

Real People,
Real Stories.

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for everything you have done—not just for me, but for so many survivors who have needed someone in their corner.
As a member of the Coast Guard and as a survivor of sexual assault, there were times when carrying both of those identities felt incredibly heavy. Navigating service, leadership, operational demands, and personal trauma at the same time can feel isolating in ways that are difficult to put into words. It’s been over four years since my Sexual assault, and I’m still serving and still promoting despite what happened, and that’s because of the work that’s being done through Safe Waters.
Safe Waters changed that for me.
You provided something that every survivor deserves, but not everyone finds—safety, dignity, advocacy, and unwavering support. You listened when speaking up felt impossible. You believed me when I needed to know my voice mattered. You helped me understand that healing is not linear and that strength can exist alongside vulnerability.

-Survivor Testimony #2

Before I reached out to Safe Waters about my past SA/SH, I felt completely lost. I didn’t know where to begin, or if healing was even possible for me. When I contacted them on the first day of 2025, I was in one of the darkest places I’ve ever been—overwhelmed, exhausted, and feeling like there was no way out. It was affecting everything—my day-to-day life, my relationships, and my ability to function at work.
From the very beginning, they showed up for me in a way I hadn’t experienced before. They checked in with me every week, helped me get connected to therapy while I waited for my referral, and made sure I was never alone in the process. There were so many moments where I just needed someone to listen, and they were always there—no judgment, just support and understanding.
Connecting with them truly changed my life. It didn’t make everything perfect, and I know healing isn’t something that happens overnight. But they helped me find my footing again. They gave me the tools to recognize what I’m feeling and the strength to face it, instead of letting it take over. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have some control back—and that means everything to me. -Survivor Testimony #3

Safe Waters provided me with the advocacy and support I needed during one of the most difficult situations I have faced. When I felt overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take, they helped guide me through the process with compassion, understanding, and care. The team at Safe Waters took a time in my life and career where I felt isolated and alone and turned it into a time where I felt supported, encouraged, and confident. 

Having unwavering support beside me, listen to my concerns, and help me navigate such a challenging time made a tremendous difference. Safe Waters reminded me that I do not have to face everything alone and that my voice mattered. That I matter. 

The advocacy and support gave me strength, even more so in a time when I needed it most. I am so incredibly grateful for the team at Safe Waters who dedicate themselves to helping survivors and providing a safe place where people can find guidance, support, and hope. I am so thankful for everyone at Safe Waters who stood beside me and helped me through a situation that felt incredibly heavy and impossible to handle on my own. Safe Waters truly helped me see that the right thing is always worth fighting for, no matter how hard it may be. -Survivor Testimony #4