This year marks an important milestone for the Saint Louis Anti-Violence Project (STLAVP) as the agency celebrates 10 years of incorporation and commitment to uplifting LGBTQIA+ survivors of relational violence.
STLAVP’s mission is to bring awareness of relational violence within and to the LGBTQIA+ community. Over the past decade, STLAVP has:
- Conducted field research of LGBTQIA+ survivors and documented their
experiences. - Trained local anti-violence and violence prevention agencies on inclusive practices.
- Advocated for systemic change and amplified the voices of LGBTQIA+ survivors
across Missouri.
Since 2016 alone, STLAVP has trained more than 1,100 individuals across 34 agencies, equipping service providers with the tools to better support LGBTQIA+ survivors.
The Growing Need for LGBTQIA+ Survivor Support
The urgency of STLAVP’s mission continues to grow. In 2023, STLAVP conducted a community survey at Downtown Pride and Tower Grove Pride. The results were staggering:
- 53% of respondents identified as LGBTQIA+ survivors of relational violence.
- 83% reported they did not seek help from local service providers.
These findings underscore the critical gaps in services available. Across St. Louis and Missouri, LGBTQIA+ adults face limited access to survivor-centered shelters, counseling, prevention services, and legal advocacy that reflect their lived experiences. Even more concerning is the lack of emergency resources specifically designed for LGBTQIA+
survivors.
Building Hope: STLAVP’s First 24-Hour Online Day of Giving
To continue meeting this urgent need, STLAVP is launching its first-ever 24-Hour Online Day of Giving. This campaign will run from 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 23rd through 2:00 PM on Friday, October 24th.
Community members, allies, and businesses are invited to take part in this historic event. Every contribution will directly support STLAVP’s work to expand access to safe, inclusive, and life-saving resources for LGBTQIA+ survivors across Missouri.
Learn more and support STLAVP’s mission at www.stlavp.org.
