SAAM: Pushing Up for Survivors

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and, this year, our community is coming together to uplift survivors — both in spirit and in strength. 
On April 23, Rise Above Violence is hosting its annual Push-Up Challenge, a powerful event where participants push their limits to honor the resilience of survivors and raise awareness about the fight to end sexual violence.
​This week’s SAAM theme, “Uplifting Voices of Survivors,” is at the heart of why we take on this challenge. 
Sexual violence thrives in silence, and by standing together — by showing up, speaking out and, yes, dropping for push-ups — we remind survivors that they are seen, believed and supported.

Law enforcement and emergency response: leading the charge
Each year, our local law enforcement officers (LEOs) and emergency response teams in Pagosa Springs set the bar high, not just in the number of push-ups they crank out, but in their commitment to supporting survivors. 
Their participation in this event is just one way they demonstrate their dedication to fighting sexual violence. More importantly, every day, they serve as key partners in ensuring that survivors have access to justice, safety and support.
“We know that when a survivor comes forward, the response they receive can make all the difference,” said Kaylie Jackson, director of advocacy at Rise Above Violence. “That’s why coordinated community response is so important. This challenge is not just for awareness, but as a reflection of the real work different agencies do year-round.”

Expanding survivor support
Beyond law enforcement and first responders, our community continues to grow its support systems. One of the newest additions is the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program at the local health department, which provides critical medical care and forensic exams for survivors. 
This program ensures that survivors have access to compassionate, trauma-informed care right here in Pagosa Springs, reducing the need for long-distance travel in times of crisis.

Join us in the challenge
We invite everyone — athletes, community members, businesses and organizations — to take part in the Push-Up Challenge. Whether you do one push-up or 100, every effort counts. It’s not about strength alone — it’s about solidarity. Every rep is a reminder that we are in this fight together and that no survivor walks alone.
Come show your support on April 23 at 5:30 p.m. The 20-minute Push-Up Challenge Blitz is hosted at CrossFit Pagosa at 81 Greenbriar Drive. 
You can register in advance online or in person for this fun-raiser event. Let’s push up for survivors, lift our voices and continue building a community where safety, justice and healing are possible for all.
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Together we rise.