Shining a light on domestic violence in the Borderland

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, when communities unite to acknowledge the pervasive impact of abuse and rally around survivors. For Doña Ana, Luna, and Hidalgo counties—a region rich in compassion but facing daunting challenges—this month is more urgent than ever.

The need is stark. In 2021, the Las Cruces Police Department received 4,200 domestic violence–related 911 calls. Only 849 cases proceeded to prosecution, and just 29 resulted in successful outcomes—illustrating how difficult it remains for survivors to achieve safety and justice. Many incidents are never reported because victims fear retaliation, lack resources, or don’t know where to turn.

At La Casa, we see this every day. In 2021, we served about 400 individuals; by 2024, nearly 2,000 survivors—a fivefold increase—came through our doors. Since 2021, we have expanded grant-funded transitional housing by more than 600%, helping more families rebuild their lives with safety, stability, and dignity. Yet demand for safe, affordable housing still outpaces available resources—especially in rural areas. Safe housing remains one of the greatest barriers to leaving abuse.

Domestic violence is one of the few crises that does not discriminate. It crosses age, ability, ethnicity, and income. Everyone is welcome at La Casa—no matter who you are, what you earn, or how you identify. That commitment shows up in practice: our shelters in Las Cruces and Deming have increased capacity; we’ve broadened outreach in rural communities; strengthened legal advocacy and children’s services; and added transitional and permanent supportive housing.

We also removed a heartbreaking barrier by co-sheltering survivors with their companion animals. Too many people delay leaving danger out of fear for a pet’s safety. Today, no one has to make that choice. With trusted partners, we also secure safe boarding for livestock—including horses—so rural families can seek safety knowing their animals will be cared for.

A centerpiece of DVAM is our community vigil—a moment to remember those lost, honor resilience, and recommit to change. This year, we invite you to gather with us at the Mesilla Community Center on Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. Candles, purple ribbons, and shared stories will link us in solidarity and send a clear message: no one fights violence alone.

Awareness must lead to action. La Casa has a bold vision shaped by months of community outreach: a comprehensive campus where survivors can access behavioral health and primary healthcare alongside emergency shelter, housing, legal advocacy, workforce supports, and pet co-sheltering—all in one safe, healing place. This is the evidence-based model our borderland deserves.

But we cannot do it alone. Funding for survivor services—especially in rural communities and for underserved populations—remains limited and fragmented. To make this campus a reality, we need partners to leverage scarce resources and align efforts: healthcare systems to embed clinics; public and private funders to invest capital; municipalities and counties to help identify land and infrastructure; housing authorities and landlords to expand units; schools and courts to strengthen safety for children; and businesses, faith communities, and neighbors to stand with survivors.

Here’s how you can help right now: show up for a friend, learn the warning signs, hire a survivor, become a landlord partner, volunteer, and donate if you can. Most of all, believe survivors. If we match our awareness with action—together—we can build the campus, the partnerships, and the future where safety is the norm, healing is accessible, and every person in our borderland can live free from violence.

My ask this October is simple: lean in. Wear purple. Attend the vigil. Talk about it—even when it’s uncomfortable. Support survivors. Volunteer. Invest in community safety. Let’s transform awareness into action—because every person deserves to live with dignity, free from fear.

If you or someone you know needs help, call La Casa’s 24/7 hotline: 1-800-376-2272 or visit www.lacasainc.org. We’re always available.

Marcie Davis is the CEO of La Casa, Inc., a not-for-profit comprehensive domestic violence agency with four locations in southern New Mexico. Marcie uses a power wheelchair and is accompanied by her service dog, Fenway.