NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2024

Bay Area Women Against Rape Announces New Name: BRAVE Bay Area

#BAWARisBRAVE

Oakland, CA – Bay Area Women Against Rape (BAWAR), a pioneering nonprofit organization founded in 1971, is proud to announce its new name: BRAVE Bay Area (Believing, Responding to, Advocating for, Validating, and Empowering survivors). This change reflects the organization’s commitment to serving survivors of all forms of gender-based violence, while maintaining its strong ties to the Bay Area community and challenging societal perceptions of bravery.

Gender-based violence encompasses a wide range of harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. This includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. While women and girls are disproportionately affected, it’s crucial to recognize that people of all genders, including men, transgender, and non-binary individuals, can be targets of gender-based violence. BRAVE Bay Area is committed to supporting all survivors, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

Founded by community women concerned about survivors of sexual violence, the organization has expanded its mission over five decades to address a broader spectrum of gender-based violence. BRAVE Bay Area has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the community while maintaining its core mission of supporting survivors.

Executive Director Leah Kimble-Price reflected on this significant moment: “Our new name, BRAVE Bay Area, embodies not just the courage of survivors, but also our call to action for the entire community. While women remain our primary service population, we recognize that transgender and nonbinary individuals face the highest risk of sexual violence and often have the least access to resources. Our services are designed to be inclusive and accessible to all survivors, regardless of gender identity.”

Kimble-Price continued, “When I think about the vision of our founders and what a moment like this means for the organization, I am reminded of the words of Audre Lorde: ‘When I use my strength in the service of my vision it makes no difference whether or not I am afraid.’ This encapsulates the spirit of BRAVE Bay Area – using our collective strength to serve our vision of a world free from gender-based violence, regardless of our fears.”

Dr. Shelitha Campbell, Interim Board Chair, emphasized the transformative nature of the organization’s new identity: “We believe that being BRAVE is a transformative journey, one that is made possible by the support of an entire community. The first step toward reclaiming your power is knowing you’re not alone. This name change embodies the unity and resilience that will guide our goal to ensure that every survivor is heard, valued, and empowered across the Bay Area.”

The concept of bravery is central to the organization’s new identity and mission. Too often, marginalized individuals are told they are brave for surviving violence, living with a disability, existing outside mainstream beauty standards, or speaking up against oppression. BRAVE Bay Area recognizes that these are not choices, but inherent aspects of people’s identities and experiences.

“With our name change, we’re shifting the responsibility of bravery from survivors and marginalized communities to society as a whole,” Kimble-Price explained. “It’s time for us, as the Bay Area, to get brave. We must step up, intercept, and disrupt the cycles of violence that create survivors in the first place, particularly for our most vulnerable community members.”

BRAVE Bay Area will continue to provide essential services across Alameda County and beyond, including:

• Advocacy for survivors navigating the legal and healthcare systems
• Emotional support and reassurance
• Information and referrals to additional resources
• Prevention education programs

These services are available to survivors of various forms of gender-based violence, including but not limited to sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. The organization places a special emphasis on reaching and supporting transgender and nonbinary individuals, recognizing their heightened vulnerability and unique needs. Importantly, all services are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring broader accessibility for the diverse Bay Area community.

In 2023 alone, BRAVE Bay Area (then BAWAR) answered 990 hotline calls, demonstrating the critical need for their services in the community. Additionally, the organization’s certified confidential advocates supported more than 175 survivors with case management, court-accompaniment, emergency relocation, and support groups. These significant numbers underscore the organization’s vital role in providing immediate support and comprehensive resources to survivors of gender-based violence.

The organization’s team of certified confidential advocates, providers, facilitators, and educators are excited to embody these values in their work. “We are proud to know that when we respond to a call for support, a survivor will see us enter the room and hear the words ‘I’m your BRAVE advocate and I’m here to help’,” Kimble-Price added. “Our goal is to ensure that every survivor, especially those from the most marginalized communities, feels seen, heard, and supported.”

To celebrate this new chapter and introduce BRAVE Bay Area to the community, the organization will be hosting an open house event. The event will take place on October 30th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at their San Leandro service center. This open house provides an excellent opportunity for community members to learn more about BRAVE Bay Area’s services, meet the team, and discover ways to get involved in supporting survivors and preventing gender-based violence.

BRAVE Bay Area invites the community to join them in this new chapter of collective responsibility and action. The organization’s headquarters are located in Oakland, with its main service center situated in San Leandro to serve the community better. For more information about BRAVE Bay Area and its services, please visit www.bawar.org, email info@bawar.org, or call 510-430-1298. For immediate support, the crisis hotline is available at 510-800-4247. All services are provided in both English and Spanish.

Join the conversation and show your support on social media by following @bawarisbrave on Instagram and using the hashtag #BAWARisBRAVE.

About BRAVE Bay Area

BRAVE Bay Area (Believing, Responding to, Advocating for, Validating, and Empowering survivors), formerly known as Bay Area Women Against Rape, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting survivors of all forms of gender-based violence and challenging societal norms that perpetuate cycles of violence. Founded in 1971, BRAVE Bay Area provides advocacy, support, and education services across Alameda County and beyond, with a primary focus on women and a dedicated commitment to serving transgender and nonbinary individuals who face disproportionate risks. The organization calls on the community to take brave action in preventing violence and supporting all survivors.

Contact:

Leah Kimble-Price

Executive Director

Email: info@bawar.org

Phone: 510-430-1298

Website: www.bawar.org

Crisis Hotline: 510-800-4247

Headquarters: Oakland, CA

Main Service Center: San Leandro, CA

All services available in English and Spanish

Follow us on social media: 

Instagram: @bawarisbrave

Hashtag: #BAWARisBRAVE