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 accompany this transition. While children effortlessly form friendships during a game of tag, adults often carry the weight of past trauma, pain, and distrust. The Importance of Friendship in Healing […]
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 remains one of the most underreported crimes. Factors such as stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited access to resources contribute to the silence surrounding this critical issue. At Break the […]
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 quickly realize that getting legal protection, emotional support, and physical help isn’t as straightforward as it seems. In many ways, intimate partner violence (IPV) is not treated with the same […]
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 individuals—whether friends, family, or acquaintances—may unknowingly support the abuser, often questioning or downplaying your experience. At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we believe that understanding this dynamic is […]
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 violence stretch far beyond that, encompassing emotional, psychological, and financial forms. Each instance causes deep harm, with some victims losing their lives to their abusers. The question remains: How many […]
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 do I do next? Your mind is flooded with questions, doubts, and fears. While friends and family may have tried to help you see the situation for what it is, […]
