Anxiety Isn’t Weakness—It’s a Survival Response
By Joanna Kopic Anxiety is often misunderstood as a sign of emotional instability or personal weakness. In reality, for many survivors of domestic violence, anxiety is not only natural, it’s a deeply ingrained survival response. Far from being a flaw, it’s the brain’s way of protecting the individual in the face of past or ongoing […]
Being a Voice for DV and Pregnancy
By Tessa Baker Pregnancy is often seen as a joyful time. Filled with hopes and dreams for the future. However, for many people in abusive relationships, this can turn into a period of fear and struggle. Abuse during pregnancy doesn’t just harm people physically. It can also deeply impact their mental health and well-being. The […]
The Link Between Domestic Violence and Suicide
By Hanna Embry Suicide rates among survivors of domestic violence is quite high. The link between domestic violence and suicide can be easily seen when you simply look at the data. Let’s break down how intricately connected the life of survivors is to suicidal thoughts. Not to mention suicide attempts, and suicide after DV. Suicide […]
When Pregnancy Marked the Beginning of Abuse
By Kelly Stratton **Trigger Warning: The following is written by a survivor of domestic violence and abuse during pregnancy. Some descriptions and details may be too graphic for some.** This is My Story of Survival Before I got pregnant, he never laid a hand on me. He was attentive, affectionate and said all the right […]
The Price of Peace is Silence
By Iris Pendelton When the price of peace is silence, do we pay it? Abuse is not confined to dimly lit bedrooms or closed doors behind suburban homes. Sometimes, it wears a uniform. Sometimes, it stands behind a pulpit. And sometimes, it smiles in community meetings or passes laws in a statehouse. Abusers aren’t just […]
Anxiety After Abuse: Reclaiming Peace Through DBT Skills
By Kelly Stratton DBT skills can help you cope with abuse after the fact. Getting out of an abusive relationship is often seen as the finish line—but for many survivors, it’s just the beginning of the healing process. Long after the physical danger ends, the emotional wounds remain. Living with Effects of Abuse One of […]