Justice for survivors and their well-being remain NewMexicoWomen.Org’s priority as the non-stop news cycles focus on the release of the Epstein files and Zorro Ranch here in New Mexico. Our systems often fail survivors and our communities, ignoring the realities of gender-based violence and casting doubt and shame onto their experiences. While we know the journey to justice and accountability is often made possible by the work of survivors, we recognize that they do not owe the world their stories or testimonies. We also know that healing is not linear, and the onslaught of triggering details in the news can be overwhelming.
We stand in solidarity with survivors and with organizations on the front lines of gender justice, working toward a world where survivors are met with belief, support, and resources rather than scrutiny and further traumatization. We know survivors are powerful. Whether they speak out publicly or choose to heal in private, survivors are part of a larger movement that has their back.
Recently, legislators in the New Mexico House voted unanimously to establish a “Truth Commission” that will examine the activities at the Zorro Ranch. This bipartisan four-member panel aims to use subpoena powers and testimony to investigate the failures that led to such atrocities so we can prevent them from ever happening again.
This International Women’s Day, March 8, we invite you to stand with survivors and local lawmakers to demand accountability and justice for survivors. If you’re able to, you can show support by amplify survivor power by donating to these local organizations or by sharing these resources with your networks. Help us build a world where every survivor has access to care and support and is met with belief rather than scrutiny.
Local New Mexico Resources:
NM Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (NMCSAP) offers a 24-hour helpline and a comprehensive list of direct service providers.
NM Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
https://www.nmcadv.org/find-nm-resources
NM Dream Center: Combating human trafficking
(505) 900-3833
The Life Link
The Life Link Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative hotline: 505-GET-FREE
Eastern New Mexico
Arise Sexual Assault Services
(575) 226 – 7263
Central New Mexico
Casa Fortaleza
(505) 910 – 4031
Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico
(505) 266-7711
Solace Sexual Assault Services (Santa Fe)
1-800-721-7273
The Life Link (Santa Fe)
(505) 438-0010
Northern New Mexico
Community Against Violence (Taos, NM)
(575) 758 – 9888
Sexual Assault Services of NWNM
(505) 326 – 4700
Southern New Mexico
La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services
(575) 526-3437
Other Resources for Healing and Support:
- Survivor’s Sanctuary – a free self-guided healing platform for survivors of sexual violence.
- ‘Me Too’ Healing Resource Library – a database of over 1,000 healing, mental health, legal, and direct support resources for survivors.
- Understanding Triggers Toolkit – a ‘me too.’ toolkit to help survivors recognize, understand, and work through moments of activation.