24 Hr Crisis Line

Mission and Vision

Guiding Principles for Buncombe County’s Anti-Sexual Violence and Anti-Human Trafficking Agency

Our Values

Our VOICE takes an intersectional, person-centered approach to support survivors and prevent future acts of sexual violence. We hold ourselves accountable to these core values:

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Believe All Survivors

We advocate for the health, safety, and happiness of everyone impacted by sexual violence. Our programs are open to people of all genders, sexual orientations, racial identities, socioeconomic statuses, and abilities. All reports are taken seriously.

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Promote Dignity

We honor the inherent dignity and worth of all people and believe that everyone has a right to healing, wholeness, and a life free of sexual violence.

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Support Individual Agency

Survivors choose their own path to healing. We provide them with information in a compassionate way without reservation or judgment.

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Shift Paradigms

Sexual violence is a societal problem linked to many forms of oppression. Working alongside community partners who align with our values, we will remain at the forefront of advocating for societal change.

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Create a Culture of Care and Honesty

Compassion and respect guide our relationships with each other and with community members. We foster a culture of open, direct, and caring communication.

Core Beliefs of Our VOICE

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We believe that all people deserve personal safety regardless of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Our programming stems from this belief, and seeks to promote open communication and informed choice.

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People who experience sexual violence are not to blame. Only perpetrators are to blame.

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We believe that with access to information and support, clients can explore options and make their own decisions. All reports are taken seriously and responded to.

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All information received from clients is strictly confidential (except in cases of child abuse or neglect, or when clients are a danger to self or others).

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We recognize sexual violence as a widespread public health threat with historical and cultural origins, rather than the isolated problem of a small margin of people. Sexual violence is one aspect of gender-based oppression, inextricably linked to other forms of oppression.

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We believe that healing is possible – both on an individual and cultural level.