MANGILAO, Guam — Victim Advocates Reach Out or VARO is a recipient of the 2025 Visionary Voice Award by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
The award recognizes VARO’s work to end sexual violence in Guam and to support the victims through the painful process of seeking justice. VARO received the award at the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence proclamation signing on Monday, April 7, at the Guam Community College Multi-Purpose Auditorium.
The awards are presented annually in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a national campaign held each April to raise awareness about preventing sexual violence. The Guam Coalition hosted their annual proclamation signing declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
“This award represents the best of community leadership in the movement to end sexual violence,” said Dr. Julie Ulloa-Heath, executive director of VARO. “It is indeed an honor to recognize our 26 tireless and selfless volunteers and staff advocates for their dedication to our organization but more so to their commitment to assisting members of our community. We are small but mighty! This award also speaks to our community partners’ hard work and dedication to the people of Guam.”
“What you see here is our staff advocates, but they do enormous things for our community,” said Louisa Borja, president of VARO. “VARO has served our island community for 44 years, and it is truly an honor to be here today to accept this award,” Borja added.
The full list of the 2025 Visionary Voice Award recipients will be announced later this month by the NSVRC. Annually, the award is given to over 20 individuals nationally.
About VARO
VARO is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support services to victims of family violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. Established in 1982, VARO offers crisis intervention, advocacy, emotional support, and community education to help individuals and families heal from trauma and rebuild their lives.
About NSVRC
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC works to address the causes and impact of sexual violence through collaboration, prevention efforts, and the distribution of resources.
