One in four women and one in seven men are affected by domestic violence in their lifetimes.
Serving as the only domestic violence agency in the city of Erie, SafeNet is providing help to those in need.
The nonprofit organization hosted a tour and luncheon on Wednesday afternoon, inviting local community leaders to learn about services the organization provides.
"We need everyone's input to help make changes," Robyn Young, Executive Director of SafeNet, said. "We're giving a tour to people that you know can vote on our laws and can really make a difference to help victims."
These leaders have the ability to help financially and legislatively, enabling the progression of domestic violence awareness in the area.
The agency has been open since 1974, helping thousands of victims find hope in their bleak situations.
"We've seen right here in our own community [that] people have been killed because of domestic violence," Young said. "It's a very serious situation, and SafeNet offers services to save lives."
The agency is opening a brand new boutique in the near future, a place where people can look and feel their best.
"They come to us and we can help them get new clothes," Young said. "We help them pick out things that they want to wear and things that look good."
SafeNet helps around 2000 victims of domestic violence each year, and they are always willing to take in more.
A 24-hour hotline is available at 814-454-8161.
"They can call us anytime," Young said.