SafeSpace, in partnership with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, hosted its second annual Aim for Freedom Sporting Clay Shoot at the Indian River County Shooting Range. And as the clay targets shattered, they carried a powerful message for victims of domestic violence – that of freedom, safety and hope.
Thirteen teams of four spent the day in friendly competition, united by the shared purpose of saving the lives of individuals seeking refuge from physical and emotional abuse in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
According to its website, SafeSpace is the Treasure Coast’s only state-certified domestic violence center, serving victims and their children 24/7. Its comprehensive programs include emergency shelter, legal advocacy, financial literacy, counseling, prevention education, and specialized services for children.
“We serve the entire Treasure Coast with domestic violence shelters in Vero Beach and Stuart,” said Jennifer Fox, CEO of SafeSpace.
“We also provide resources for people who don’t need shelter but do need support. We have three attorneys who assist with injunctions for protection, ensuring survivors can obtain restraining orders. For those facing economic challenges, we offer tools and resources to help them become safe and independent.”
Fox said that they received nearly 3,000 calls on their 24-hour crisis hotline last year.
“From those calls, 900 individuals became clients, with nearly 200 of them children. That creates generational trauma. We hear their stories and we help them build a safer future. Immediate help is critical because once someone leaves an abusive relationship, they are 70 times more likely to be killed within the first two weeks than at any other time. That’s why we must act quickly and create a safety plan.”
“Aim for Freedom is about more than hitting targets,” said Aimee Cooper, CFO at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s about standing with survivors and showing them they are not alone.”
She said the Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting residents and responding to domestic abuse situations through proactive law enforcement, community engagement, and partnerships with local organizations. Its collaboration with SafeSpace for the clay shooting event also created a unique opportunity to raise awareness among men about domestic violence and the importance of prevention.
Not surprisingly, the Sheriff’s Office team took first place, showcasing their marksmanship skills.
Funds raised through the Clay Shoot will directly support SafeSpace’s essential services, helping survivors find refuge, healing, and the resources needed to build safe, independent lives.
For more information, visit SafeSpaceFL.org.
Photos by Kerry Firth
