Narcissists and Relationships
“Deep Pain Within You” a DV Survivor Story.
“You’ve got to resurrect the deep pain within you and give it a place
Mourning the Loss of Motherhood
On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the lives of the women who came before us and we grieve the loss of mothers that were taken from us too soon. But, for some of us, we also grieve the mothers we never were and the children we will never see again.
Tell Me You Are A Bad Person Without Telling Me
How do you know if that person that you are inviting into your life is good or bad for you? Can you trust your gut, or are red flags oblivious to you? And what about boundaries? This journal entry from our blogger, Amanda, talks about these very questions and more.
A Soundtrack for Survivors
Music can move us as survivors. Rick Dougherty shares his ultimate playlist of songs that have helped him with his past abuse and how they will also help him when walking across Ireland in June to raise money and awareness for BTSADV.
The Autism Spectrum and Abuse
“By trying to raise awareness of the Autism spectrum, especially how it relates to abuse, I am hoping to help others avoid the decades of confusion I experienced when trying to come to terms with the abuse I suffered.”
Chris was US…
There have been many opinions about the Chris Rock/Will Smith Oscar moment, but for survivors of domestic violence, we may see ourselves in Chris Rock in that very moment.
Chasing Confidence
Amanda endured years of gaslighting, and her journal entry reflects the effects that happen after, including doubting her self-confidence.
Survivor but still surviving…
So when we say we are survivors, we are implying that we have conquered every strike, every shove, every bruise, every antagonistic word, every silent night of just tears, and the US transforming into the hero that saved us!
Hope and Encouragement After Domestic Violence
Krista may have lost everything, but she never lost hope. If you need encouragement today, this blog is for you.
Volunteer Spotlight: Rick D
BTSADV’s own volunteer, Rick Dougherty, shares his Survivor Story in this Volunteer Spotlight.
The Autism Spectrum and Abuse
By trying to raise awareness of the Autism spectrum, especially how it relates to abuse, I am hoping to help others avoid the decades of confusion I experienced when trying to come to terms with the abuse I suffered.
Volunteer Spotlight: Ashley P
BTSADV’s own volunteer, Ashley Paschen, shares her Survivor Story in this Volunteer Spotlight.
Sabotaged: How Abuse Can Trigger Body Image Issues and Eating Disorders
Abuse often violates our bodies and free will. What happens when trauma responses cause us not only to disassociate to cope but also use food or a lack of it it to bring comfort or a sense of control back to our lives? What happens when self-hatred causes abuse to continue from within? It’s time to love the person staring back in the mirror.
Volunteer Spotlight: Odalis’ Story
BTSADV’s own volunteer, Odalis Robles, shares her Survivor Story in this Volunteer Spotlight.
Rosa Parks: Fighting Assault and Injustice
Mrs. Parks deserves so much credit for her fight for the rights of Black people in America. It also needs to be acknowledged that she fought for the rights of women and victims of abuse.
Volunteer Spotlight: Melia’s Story
BTSADV’s own volunteer, Melia Winters, shares her Survivor Story in this Volunteer Spotlight.
Preventing Teen Dating Violence
This is where some parents can tend to miss the clear signs of teen-dating violence, under no fault of their own. They are looking for the stranger who tries to groom, and infiltrate the safe-space created for the child. What is often the more pressing concern is the people we invite into the safe-spaces.
To be the teen…
“Who would believe them in that aspect of empathy enough to provide the comfort they needed after facing such detrimental levels of trust?”
Learning During Human Trafficking Prevention Month
There is not a gender, race, nationality, or sexual-orientation that is immune to human trafficking.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness: Krista’s Story
With February being Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, BTSADV blogger Krista shares her story of meeting her abuser as a teenager and how it shaped her story for years to come.
Purple Alerts: Can They Help Victims?
The Purple Alert may or may not be the right answer, but the fact remains that society is not doing enough to protect victims. Too often, with the lack of support from the police, families are forced to work on their own to find their missing loved ones.
Sarah Emma Edmonds: Civil War Hero
In an effort to hide from her abuser, she started calling herself Emma Edmonds, and began working in a shop that made women’s hats. Emma succeeded in this endeavor, and was co-owner of the establishment quickly. Her story then took a turn that is familiar to so many survivors of abuse. She escaped; found personal success; and then her abuser caught up with her.
Desperate to Escape:The Link Between Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence
Many victims of human trafficking have also been victims of domestic violence in their past. Childhood sexual abuse is very common in trafficking victims, and the emotional and mental damage from the abuse often leads to adulthood issues that could put a person at further risk of being trafficked later in life.
My Survivor Story
June 13th 2020 This will be the hardest thing I have ever done, however
My Survivor Story
In March 2019, I began dating a man with whom I lived with in
My Story Erikah Ojaniemi, Survivor
I’d like to share my story with everyone. Let me start off here, my
10 Years Later: The Joe Paterno Saga
As a survivor, we normally assume that most people think like us. Maybe they have not experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse, but you assume that they still find these things as abhorrent as you find them. It was disheartening to hear these people bend over backwards to defend a cover-up of sexual assault towards children.
Pope Francis Tells Survivor He Can See Her Dignity
Italy’s Domestic Violence Problem Recent comments made by Pope Francis towards a survivor of
Being An Ally Over the Holidays
Last week, in the blog “The Holidays and Domestic Violence,” we saw some numbers
The Holidays and Domestic Violence
The Numbers May Lie Do you remember hearing that the Great Wall of China
A Guide to Becoming a Thankful Survivor
I have spent years of my life in turmoil, confusion, hypervigilance, exhaustion, and many other negative emotional states, but when I look back over time and through my healing process, I am grateful for numerous aspects of my journey.
The Forgotten: How the Gabby Petito Case Highlighted Many Unresolved Missing Persons Cases
According to the FBI (2021), in the year 2020, there were 543,018 missing person records entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). By the end of the year, there was still a staggering 89,637 unsolved cases. Although white people tend to report the most missing people, not too far behind are black people, and yet, many are never seen in the media. Another shocking fact is that The University of Wyoming stated in the area where Gabby’s body was found, 710 Indigenous people were reported missing between the years 2011 and 2020 (Robertson, 2021). As much as Gabby was worth searching for, the question that many are asking is why aren’t these lives considered just as important as hers?
Looking For A Sign
By Rick Dougherty Social media has been a blessing and a curse for those
Addicted to Love: A Diary of a Recovering Codependent
“You say that you aren’t an addict and are not like your family, but that relationship is your addiction. You are going in the same direction as your parents, and if you don’t get out now, you will eventually die young, just as they did.”
One Day at a Time 21 Years Later; My Survivor Story
This person used me as a punching bag for a hobby. What made things worse was that I had no help from family members or the authorities! The police laughed at me and when it came time for court visits, my ex would threaten me to not enter the court room.
My Survivor Story
Whenever I got upset with the things he was saying and the things he was doing to me, he would call me crazy. I believed him.
I am a Survivor
“…he then comes grabs me hands me an ice pack and cuddles me and says “Well if you wouldn’t have gotten mad and started yelling, or acting crazy I wouldn’t have to set you straight”
A Survivor’s Story
“If you are stuck in an abusive or toxic relationship – please do believe me, the grass really is greener on this side. I know you are scared to leave but right now is this the life you really want to live?”
Financial Abuse: A Different Kind of Back-to-School Season
Many women aren’t even aware that they can be victims of abuse without a punch, slap, or kick. That is why we need to come armed with knowledge.
Brutal Love
I decide this is my moment I lunge toward him to grab the gun. I get a firm hold with both hands and being twisting and pulling. I rip it free. I run for the front door and throw it into the deep snow.
A Survivor Story
It’s been like a horror movie and I’m the only witness. Everyone thinks I’m crazy. I’ve lost everything and anyone I ever loved or cared about. I’m all alone. I was in the hospital for a month. I voluntarily admitted myself into the psychiatric ward because the pain has been terrifying me.
When It’s A Cop…
“Hon, you’re not going to like what I have to say, and I don’t like having to say it. You can go to Internal Affairs and report that piece of s***. But he is a sergeant, and you are a rookie still on probation and a woman. Your word against his and you will probably be fired.
Pride is Power
Similar Goals: As we come to the end of Pride Month in the United
What is Digital Abuse?
By: Rebecca Lynn Technology has become a staple in our lives, one that is
Survivor Story: My Ex Started Abusing Me After My First Son Was Born
Written by: Brittney, Survivor I’m Brittney, and I left my attacker two years ago.
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
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
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
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
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
Understanding PTSD in Domestic Violence Survivors: A Path to Healing
By Gurpreet Dhariwal Domestic Violence and PTSD: A Silent Struggle That Deserves Attention Domestic
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
Building Healthy Friendships After Abuse: A Path to Healing
By Mikayla Shave Making friends as an adult can be daunting, especially after leaving
Break the Silence: The Urgent Need for Domestic Violence Reporting
by Jessica Christian Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions globally, transcending
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
