Hi Survivor,

As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve traveled together and the tremendous impact we’ve made. Since our founding, we’ve won more than 100 legislative and administrative bipartisan justice reforms, secured more than $3 billion in public funding for safety solutions like victim services, mental health care, reentry, and diversion, expanded access to victims' compensation in ten states, and grown the number of trauma recovery centers from just one center to 54 across twelve states. In addition to the advocacy success we’ve built a strong movement of survivors across the country. We’ve grown our membership to 200,000 survivors and have trained thousands of survivors to become advocates. 

Last year, we hosted the first-ever Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington, D.C. Nearly 3,000 survivors and dozens of organizations from 30 states came together to advocate for the right to heal and a new approach to public safety. If you haven’t already, check out the recap from the event at https://youtu.be/kAezfcdn-wQ?si=pID7YE7D7YyMslvX. 

We’re so excited about this year. 2025 will be a year of action, advocacy, healing, and growth. We will take bold steps to expand our chapters, provide more volunteer opportunities, and continue our advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. Together, we will push forward with renewed energy, fueled by the belief that all survivors deserve a right to heal and a new approach to public safety. 

I am so proud to stand alongside each of you, knowing that together, we are not just survivors—we are leaders. We are leaders transforming the narrative around safety and justice and leading the charge for lasting change. As we set our sights on the upcoming year, remember that our work is not just about the present but the future we are building for generations to come.

Let’s continue to support and encourage each other as we move forward with purpose and collective power. We will be in touch with more information on how you can get involved and take action. 

When Survivors Speak, Change Happens! 

Aswad Thomas 

National Director, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice 

Vice President, Alliance for Safety and Justice