Blog Posts and Information About Domestic Violence
We have compiled resources and information for years from survivors. Not only do our blogs cover a lot of important facts and details, but they offer perspective into the life of survivors of domestic violence.
Read our posts to find out more.
What Is Run4Her and Why Should You Sign Up?
By Hanna Embry Break the silence against domestic violence does a lot of fundraising, and Run4Her is one of our biggest events. This not only
Leaving an Abuser while Pregnant and the Financial Impacts
By Hanna Embry The financial impact, and overall impact of leaving your abuser can be incredibly overwhelming. Especially when you’re pregnant, or have a newborn.
Leaving is Only the Beginning: The Real Journey After Abuse.
By Iris Pendelton The Real Journey Begins After You Leave: Leaving is Only the BeginningHealing After Abuse is Hard, But You’re Not Alone Many people
When Two Hearts Are Silenced.
By Tara Woodlee, President of Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence When Two Hearts Are Silenced: Why We Must Prioritize the Safety of Pregnant Women
Therapeutic Interventions for Healing From Domestic Violence
By Survivor Sammie S. Rose Healing Through Accepting My Journey My journey from merely surviving to thriving was not painless, but what was needed to
Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets
By Iris Pendelton For many survivors of domestic violence, pets are more than just animals—they are family. The companionship and unconditional love that pets provide
Understanding and Addressing Teen Domestic Violence
By Jessica Christinson Domestic violence harms many, and among teenagers, it remains an often-overlooked crisis. People frequently view teenage relationships as innocent or just part
How to Comfort a Friend Who May Be in an Abusive Relationship
By Tara Woodlee Do you think your friend may be in an abusive relationship, but don’t know where to start? Read on to find out
Need to Know Facts About Domestic Violence
By Mikayla Shave Domestic violence includes not just sexual assault, or punching a spouse. Domestic violence includes predatory skillsets—gaslighting, weaponized incompetence, and withholding of finances.
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Child Custody
By Mikayla Shave Domestic violence is a grim reality that affects countless families across the globe. It is not only a deeply personal issue. But
Gaslighting Facts and How to Move Forward
By Sammie Rose For those who are familiar with gaslighting may express that this form of abuse can lead any victim into another realm of
Teen Dating Violence: Respecting Boundaries in the IRL and URL World.
By Misty Medders Teen Dating Violence: Respecting Boundaries in the IRL and URL World Dating violence is a significant issue affecting teenagers today, and it’s
Understanding Divorce Grounds and Processes.
Understanding Divorce Grounds and Processes for Domestic Violence Survivors
Online Dating Safety
“Online Dating Safety: Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself from Harm. “ By Gurpreet Dhariwal In today’s digital age, traditional dating methods are being replaced by
Understanding Coercive Control
“Coercive control, abuse, grooming, and power imbalances” By Guest Blogger Andi Gronek ***Trigger Warning: This is a frank discussion of abuse, grooming, and love-bombing. There
Sex Trafficking: The Exploitation of Vulnerability and the Urgent Need for Justice
By Stephanie Smith At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we aim to shed light on the harsh realities of sex trafficking—a global crisis
This is how it starts-Recognizing Red Flags: Protect Yourself from Abusive Relationships
By Gurpreet Dhariwal We understand the importance of healthy, supportive relationships at Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV). Unfortunately, many abusive relationships don’t reveal
Celebrity Advocates for the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act
By Mikayla Shave Celebrity Paris Hilton, known for her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, spent the week on Capitol Hill urging the GOP-led House to pass
Strangulation Awareness: Escalating Lethality and Lessons from Gabby Petito’s Story
By Iris Pendleton Strangulation is one of the most devastating forms of domestic violence and a chilling indicator that a relationship has reached a lethal
A Journey Through Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence
By Survivor Julie **The following is written by survivors of childhood trauma domestic violence and abuse. Names have been changed to protect all involved.** Parental
Unsupervised Visitation and Safety Planning: Protecting Children During the Holiday Season
By Mikayla Shave As the holiday season approaches, many parents who have experienced domestic violence are faced with the added stress and anxiety of unsupervised
Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence and Addiction: A Path to Empowerment and Recovery for Women
By Guest blogger Allison Brown Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence and Addiction Domestic violence and addiction often go hand in hand, creating a toxic
This Is How It Starts: Recognizing the Red Flags of Domestic Violence andAbusive Relationships
By Iris Pendleton Relationships can feel magical at first. The attention, affection, and shared dreams create a senseof closeness. However, for some, this closeness hides
3RD Annual Symposium Be Free 2 Fly International and Break the Silence
By Stephanie Smith October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time when individuals and organizations across the country unite to raise awareness about the
Navigating Winter Break Visitation After Domestic Violence: Tips for Peaceful Holidays
By Mikayla Shave Winter breaks are often seen as a time for families to reconnect, create lasting memories, and enjoy well-deserved time off from work
Domestic Violence and Veterans: Addressing the Silent Struggle and Providing Support
By Jessica Christian Domestic Violence and Veterans: Addressing the Silent Struggle and Providing Support Veterans are pillars of strength, resilience, and dedication in our communities,
Understanding DARVO: A Manipulative Tactic and How to Protect Yourself
By Chyna Snell-Nelson What Is DARVO? A Guide to Understanding and Protecting Yourself from Manipulation In both personal and professional relationships, healthy communication and mutual
Understanding PTSD in Domestic Violence Survivors: A Path to Healing
By Gurpreet Dhariwal Domestic Violence and PTSD: A Silent Struggle That Deserves Attention Domestic violence affects more than 10 million men and women in the
Surviving the Holidays After Leaving an Abusive Relationship: A Guide to Healing and Self-Care
By Iris Pendelton Surviving the Holidays After Leaving an Abusive Relationship: A Guide to Healing and Self-Care The holiday season can bring a whirlwind of
Building Healthy Friendships After Abuse: A Path to Healing
By Mikayla Shave Making friends as an adult can be daunting, especially after leaving an abusive relationship. At Btsadv, we understand the emotional complexities that
Break the Silence: The Urgent Need for Domestic Violence Reporting
by Jessica Christian Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions globally, transcending gender, age, race, and economic status. Despite its widespread nature, it
The Legal System’s Bias: How Domestic Violence Survivors Are Re-Victimized
By Stephanie Smith When it comes to domestic violence (DV), survivors often find that the hardest battles don’t end once they escape the abuse. They
Understanding “Flying Monkeys” After Abuse: How to Handle Manipulation and Gaslighting
By Makayla Shave One of the most challenging and unexpected obstacles survivors face after leaving an abusive relationship is the emergence of “flying monkeys.” These
Understanding the Complex Layers of Domestic Violence: Prevention and Support.
By Sammie Rose Domestic violence is a pervasive issue, affecting millions of lives each day. While most think of physical abuse, the layers of domestic
Creating a Safety Plan: Essential Steps for Leaving an Abusive Relationship.
By Mikayla Shave So, you’ve come to the painful realization that you’re in an abusive relationship, but now you’re faced with the overwhelming question: what
“Faith, Self-Love, and Healing: Navigating Domestic Violence in Religious Communities”
By Stephanie Smith Survivors of domestic violence often identify deeply with their spirituality, viewing faith as a source of strength and comfort. A significant number
“Domestic Violence and Custody: Navigating Legal Steps for Full Custody and Protection”
By Mikayla Shave Navigating Custody Battles as a Domestic Violence Survivor: Essential Steps and Strategies When domestic violence plays a role in custody decisions, it
Navigating Co-Occurring Disorders: My Journey Through Addiction, Recovery, and Mental Health Challenges.
By Sammie Rose Overcoming Co-Occurring Addiction and Mental Health Disorders: My Journey to Recovery Navigating co-occurring disorders, like addiction and mental health issues, presents unique
Navigating Legal Issues as a Domestic Violence Survivor: Protection, Custody, and Resources.
By Mikayla Shave Navigating Legal Issues as a Domestic Violence Survivor: Protection, Custody, and Resources Survivors of domestic violence often face multiple legal challenges stemming
Breaking the Silence on Suicide and Self-Harm: Raising Awareness, Offering SupportSuicide and Self-Harm Awareness.
By Jessica Christian Breaking the Silence on Suicide and Self-Harm: Raising Awareness, Offering Support Talking about suicide and self-harm is never easy, but it’s a
The Deadly Consequences of Domestic Violence: From Homicide to Self-Termination
By Iris Pendelton The Deadly Consequences of Domestic Violence: From Homicide to Self-Termination Domestic violence continues to be a silent epidemic, wreaking havoc on lives
Protecting Your Privacy Online as a Domestic Violence Survivor.
By Jessica Christian Protecting Your Privacy Online as a Domestic Violence Survivor For survivors of domestic violence, the internet can be both a lifeline and
Understanding the Complex Risk Factors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): A Personal Perspective
By Sammie Rose Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and often misunderstood issue that impacts countless lives. As a survivor, I feel compelled to
Honoring Lives Lost: The Impact of Run for Her on Domestic Violence Awareness.
By Alexis Bien At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we firmly believe that angels are not only the celestial beings we pray for;
Reclaiming My Identity After Abuse: A Journey of Rediscovery
By Iris Pendelton Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we understand that the journey of reclaiming one’s identity after experiencing abuse is both profound
Understanding Technology-Facilitated Abuse: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age.
By Mikayla S At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we recognize that technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) poses a significant threat to victims and survivors
The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Child Custody: An Urgent Call for Change.
By Mikayla S At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we understand that the issues surrounding domestic violence and child custody are complex and
The Empowering Journey of Women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Healing Through Combat Sports.
By Mikayla Shave At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we recognize that over one in three women has experienced violence or sexual assault
Coping with Triggers: Navigating Trauma in Everyday Life.
By Victoria Tatum At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we understand that trauma can linger in unexpected ways. Triggers can arise when we
ebuilding Self-Esteem and Confidence After Domestic Abuse.
By Jessica Christain At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we understand that the aftermath of domestic abuse can leave profound emotional scars. Rebuilding
Rediscovering Yourself After Domestic Abuse: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment.
By Iris Pendleton Acknowledging Your Trauma The first step in reclaiming your identity is acknowledging the trauma you have endured. Seeking therapy can provide a
The Role of Faith and Spirituality in Healing from Domestic Violence.
Domestic violence is a serious moral and spiritual concern. The behaviors and crimesviolate the dignity of human beings and the basic moral principles we’re all
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Pregnancy: Risks, Prevalence, and Consequences.
Pregnancy-related domestic violence is a serious public health issue. While there’s a growingamount of research on the subject, there are still plenty of unanswered questions
Why Fathers Should Be Vulnerable with Their Children: A Story of Healing and Unconditional Love
As Father’s Day passes, people are bound to have different feelings about theholiday. Perhaps they had a wonderful relationship, or they were distant from their
There Goes My Hero: Sins of a DV Father
While we tend to focus on the survivors of domestic violence, we also need toremember the aftereffects of a child who witnesses their parents going
Understanding Male Victims of Domestic Abuse: Challenging Social Stigmas.
What does it look like when our physically strongest individuals experience trauma atthe hands of an abuser? What standards do we have to operate by
The Transformative Power of Self-Compassion and Self-Care: A Journey to Healing
Owning My Worth and ValueThe journal entry exposes the damaging belief that I was unworthy of anything better—a toxiclie that kept me trapped in the
Understanding Grit and a Mother Way of Teaching It.
Grit, by definition from the Oxford Dictionary is described as, courage and resolve; strength of character.My mom is the epitome of grit. For a woman
Post Separation Abuse
Post-separation abuse can be defined as ongoing and willful patterns of intimidation fromsomeone’s former intimate partner, including legal abuse, financial abuse, and threats ofendangerment to
Domestic Violence, Firearms, and Impulse Control
They don’t come out and tell you they’ve been violent before. They don’t necessarily tell youthey’re “into guns”. They don’t let you know they’re moving
How to Talk to Children About Domestic Violence: Tips for Parents.
Navigating a discussion about domestic violence with a child can be difficult butnonetheless important. For example, when I was teaching fifth grade, I had a
Women’s Mental Health
There are numerous tips about how to remain happy 24×7 in life. However, when you havelost a loved one or a pet when you have
Unveiling Gaslighting: Deceptive Manipulation in Modern Media
We may usually think of someone being physically assaulted when we hear theterm “domestic violence,” but attacks on mental health are undoubtedly a part of
The Forgotten: Animals are Survivors Too
I’ll be honest, my Sweetie Pie always had faith. She was the salt of the earth. My Bentley, well, every day washis first. They enjoyed
Animal Warriors
Animals can play a significant role in helping domestic violence survivors in numerous ways. Here are some ways animals can provide support and comfort: Emotional
Nurturing Empowerment: Teaching Youth About Domestic Violence
Our sons and daughters are at the forefront when it comes to helping stop domesticviolence. What we choose to tell them and teach them about
The Myth of the Healing Timeline
A few words on healing. Even though I am in a healthy marriage, I am sometimes triggered by my past. I sometimes shudder and shake
How to Guides: Children Witnessing Abuse and How to Speak Out
“The greater a child’s terror, and the earlier it is experienced, the harder it becomes todevelop a strong and healthy sense of self.”― Nathaniel BrandenPeople
Providing Sanctuary for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Pets
23-year-old Sara is considering leaving the abusive relationship, but the thought of possibly having toleave her dog Waggy behind fills her with anxiety, fear, and
Women of Courage: Grace in a Vintage Time
“There are few people you meet who are just lovely. You then learn their story, and that’s when you realize, “That’ll probably be the loveliest
Women Supporting Women: Building Stronger Networks and Communities.
In a world with so much competition and barriers, the solidarity among women stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. The bond between women,
Run 4 Her: Empowering Women, Supporting Survivors – Join Us!
With March being Women’s Health Month, we partake in our annual Run 4 Her event. While we are strengthening our own bodies as we run
Silent Suffering: My Journey Through Abuse and Isolation
Every year I start with a brand new class. I always wonder what they have experiencedbefore they walked into my classroom. Some have been hurt
Teen Dating Violence: Is Generation Z the Game Changer?
We live in a very technologically advanced world, meaning less physical and verbal connections, andmore remote forms of communication. The generations nowadays don’t have the
Letter to my 19-year-old self
Dear 19-year-old me: This is 38-year-old me. I have come from the future and I have some things to share with you. You are beautiful,
Consent
As Valentine’s Day passes, we often think about couples holding hands, kissing, and going on dates. There is one key component that must not be
Self-Love is the First Love
When we reminisce about first love, it’s often about teenage crushes or special moments with someone else. But today, I challenge you to fall in
Healthy VS Unhealthy Teen Relationships
When it comes to teen relationships, it’s vital to guide our children towards healthy dynamics. As a parent with a 13-year-old son in a healthy
Understanding Consent: Insights
Consent is a dynamic, ongoing dialogue with oneself. It’s a process shared with those we invite into our lives, where we communicate our needs and
Protecting yourself online from human trafficking.
Protecting yourself and your loved ones from online human trafficking is of utmost importance. Human trafficking is a serious issue that requires vigilance and knowledge.
“Recognizing Signs of Human Trafficking in Schools: A Teacher’s Perspective”
During a fifth-grade science class I observed, a girl was summoned by the principal, assistant principal, and guidance counselor. The fact that all three of
A Deadly Countdown: New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day
Domestic violence reports are higher than the normal daily average on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with New Year’s Day averaging 2.7 times more
Every Child Should Want to Go Home
As a child, I remember being so excited for any break from school. Whether it was athree day weekend or two months during the summer,
“Bolstering Safeguarding: Protecting Domestic Abuse Survivors During the Holiday Season”
By Tara Woodlee The holiday season often shimmers with warmth and joy, a time for celebration and togetherness. However, amid the festive cheer, there exists
“Every Child Should Want to Go Home”
As a child, I remember being so excited for any break from school. Whether it was athree day weekend or two months during the summer,
“Silent Tears: Unmasking Hidden Abuse” Poem
Is it you? Is it me? Is it the woman sitting in the church pew next to you or me? Could it be her or
What Got Me Through; A Thank You to a Survivors Support System
My tragic comedy is well worth the read. Domestic violence isn’t just something happening at the times it happens. It stays with the abused, us
Keeping Your Head Down During the Holidays.
Most likely, if you’re already in a difficult relationship, and you may even acknowledge it as abusive, you’ll “just be trying to stay small” throughout
The Complex Interplay of Domestic Violence, Addiction within the Military
By Tara Woodlee Domestic violence within the military is a complex and distressing issue that affects service members and their families. It is important to
“Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence in the Military and Finding Hope”
Domestic violence within the military is a complex and distressing issue that affects service members and their families. It is important to approach this topic
Recognizing the Signs of Sexual Narcissism in Relationships
In the realm of sexual behaviors, it’s important to be vigilant for specific indicators. Sexual narcissists have a tendency to initiate intimate relationships using their
A Domestic Violence Survivor’s Bruising
Seeing your bruises then feeling the subsequent mixture of anger, frustration, guilt, numbness, weakness, and self-blame. You might be getting no sleep or easily startled
Once is Too Many Times
Most relationships don’t start off with physical abuse. Often the first sign is subtly controlling behavior. Maybe calling and texting you many times throughout the
The Prevalence of Domestic Violence: Statistics for both female victims and male victims of domestic violence
Types of Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a term used for abusive behaviors used by an individual to gain power and control over another person
Review: No Ordinary Love
In November 2020, only a few months after leaving the abusive relationship, I drove to Ocala, Florida, for the movie’s drive-in theater premiere. I watched
Reaching Out
Reaching Out : What to do when someone you know is in a Domestic Violence Situation Domestic violence can affect anyone. Knowing what to do
The Forgotten Impact: The effects of domestic violence on friends and family
Domestic violence and its effects can spread through the victim and their loved ones like a wildfire. I’ve been on both sides of that– first
A Gun in the Hands of an Abuser
The second amendment grants the constitutional right to bear arms. Is there a point at which this right should be taken away? Would taking away
