Recovery for survivors.
Strength for loved ones.
Education for communities.

Brave Step® empowers adults impacted by sexual
violence — survivors, loved ones and allies — while
equipping communities to prevent future harm.

Start Your
Recovery Journey

Get Support as
a Loved One

Become a
Changemaker

Who We Are

Brave Step is a trauma-informed
nonprofit that walks alongside adults
impacted by sexual violence.

Your home for courage, connection & care.

We believe recovery is possible, support is powerful and community change begins with brave conversations.

To Build A Strong, Supportive Comunity, We:

  • Provide personalized services that help survivors claim the life they deserve
  • Equip loved ones with the knowledge and skills to support recovery
  • Cultivate courageous changemakers through prevention education and advocacy

Together in Recovery

Stories & Testimonies

“Brave Step gives me a confidence … what I have learned, the ideas that I formed and opinions I’ve formed as a result of the way Brave Step helps me look at myself. It’s been so monumental.”

–Survivor

Stories & Testimonies

“Brave Step gives me a confidence … what I have learned, the ideas that I formed and opinions I’ve formed as a result of the way Brave Step helps me look at myself. It’s been so monumental.”

–Survivor

Stories & Testimonies

“Brave Step gives me a confidence … what I have learned, the ideas that I formed and opinions I’ve formed as a result of the way Brave Step helps me look at myself. It’s been so monumental.”

–Survivor

Before

Carrying The Weight Of Trauma Alone

With Brave Step

Finding Connection, Tools, And A Safe Place To Grow

After

Reclaiming Confidence, Voice, And Possibility

This is the transformation your support makes possible.

Our Impact Since 2014

Brave Step has empowered thousands of individuals and families through survivor care, loved ones support, and community education.

Adults Supported Through Brave Step Programs

Changemakers Activated Through Prevention And Education

People Reached Through Color It Blue Awareness Efforts Since 2023

Every number represents a life strengthened and a community made safer.

Invest in Recovery & Prevention

Your Generosity Strengthens Survivor Recovery, Equips Loved Ones And Builds Safer Communities. Every Gift Fuels Programs And People That Change Lives.

Ways to Give

  • Monthly Giving
  • One-Time Gift
  • Honor & Tribute Gifts
  • Workplace & Matching Gifts
  • Stock, Donor-Advised Funds & Legacy Giving

Your Gift Makes Recovery Possible

  • Supports trauma-informed counseling and peer groups
  • Equips loved ones with tools to support recovery
  • Activates changemakers who prevent future harm
  • Strengthens a community where survivors are believed, supported, and never alone

Make a Donation

Our Programs

Three Ways Brave Step Strengthens Individuals, Families, And Communities.

Adult Survivor Care

Personalized counseling, groups, peer support, empowerment programs and tools to claim the life you deserve.

Find Support

Loved Ones Program

Guidance, skills and community for those supporting a survivor because loved ones play a vital role in growth.

Learn How to
Support

Education & Prevention

Workshops, trainings and community initiatives that equip individuals and organizations to prevent sexual violence.

Become a
Changemaker

Upcoming Programs & Events

Whether through support groups, workshops, trainings, or community events, there are many ways to get involved.

Explore Events

Latest in the News

Entendiendo y Abordando Machismo en Comunidades Latinos 

Entendiendo y Abordando Machismo en Comunidades Latinos 

Oct 2, 2026

Fecha: 22 de octubre de 2026  Hora: 6:30-8:00 pm ET  Formato: Virtual en Zoom Enlace de registro: Entendiendo y Abordando Machismo en Comunidades Latinos  – Fill out formEl machismo y el marianismo son ideas culturales sobre cómo se espera que...

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Navigating Anger: A Five-Part Brave Bytes Series

Navigating Anger: A Five-Part Brave Bytes Series

Sep 17, 2026

Navigating Anger: A five-part brave bytes series Anger is a natural human emotion. Learning to recognize it, understand what may be underneath it and respond with intention can support healthier relationships, personal growth and meaningful change. Brave Step’s...

read more
Join us at Meat Fest

Join us at Meat Fest

Aug 28, 2026

The community spirit as pitmasters and grillers compete to support Brave Step's mission. Every bite helps create a safer world.Date: Saturday, Oct. 24 Time: 2-6 p.m. Location: 2101 Shenandoah Ave., Charlotte, NCGuests enjoy family‑style tastings, live music, local...

read more

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Community Spotlight

Giving with Grace Foundation

“Supporting the work that Brave Step does is important to me not because I am a survivor but because I understand that I am blessed to not be one. I have 9 grandchildren and the chances are great that at least one of them will be directly impacted and that scares and saddens me. Supporting Brave Step is one way that I feel I can make a difference for someone right now. Makes me hopeful that if Sexual violence ever finds its way into my inner circle … that there are good people out there to help.”

Anonymous Donor

“Being a survivor myself, I know how hard it is to move forward and/or come forward about emotional experiences in our lives. The most important thing I have learned is that having a support system you can trust in all aspects is a life changer, and having the support makes you feel less alone, and build the courage to claim your life back. Brave Step’s mission to build this community of support and bring awareness to such a sensitive situation does exactly that. Helping us feel that we are not alone, we don’t have to carry that weight ourselves, and that our past experiences are not what defines us.”

Anonymous Donor

“My role as a volunteer keeps me connected with individuals who are as passionate as I am about the life-changing work being done through Brave Step. I also have the chance to give back and support courageous women who are on their healing journey and who share similar experiences. Brave Step has opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. When asked why I volunteer, the answer is simple: I believe in the work they do and the personal impact the organization has on my life!”

Katie Overcash, LCSW

“As a mental health therapist and yoga instructor, I’ve worked with Brave Step and Brave Step clients for years now.  I appreciate the services that Brave Step offers survivors; they find the most highly qualified providers practicing the most effective modalities for trauma and developmental trauma.  Brave Step is constantly expanding their offerings and accessibility for those seeking support.  Brave Step clients are invested in the work and the change I have seen has been absolutely amazing!”

Volunteer Cori

“Volunteering with Brave Step and socializing the programs available gives me the opportunity to highlight to others that there is a place for them that offers hope and healing.”

Anonymous Donor

“It’s important to me because it is important to my grandma who is a survivor and an advocate for change.”

Anonymous Donor

“Everyone needs to feel safe, loved and cared for in order to reach their potential. Your work helps restore what’s been taken from the vulnerable and allows for healing.”

Intimate Partner

“It’s vital we do all that we can to support survivors and those who love survivors reclaim their lives. It’s the least we can do.”