Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
By Amy Thomson When many people hear about sexual violence, they often assume that the perpetrator was a stranger. They may picture dark alleys and sinister figures lurking in the shadows. Even though 30% of sexual assault victims are attacked by strangers, the circumstances around each assault vary widely. Victims and survivors of sexual assault […]
How to Talk to Children About Domestic Violence After They Witnessed Abuse
By Cesiah Guerra It was night when my son stood by my bed. He stood on guard to protect me, in case his father would walk in the room to hurt me, as he had for the past few weeks. I told my ten-year-old son to go to sleep, but he refused. He said, “Mama, […]
How to Identify or Create Social Support Systems
It’s okay to feel vulnerable when asking for help. Because domestic violence thrives when victims are isolated, social support has often been restricted or made extremely difficult for a victim to obtain. Where can you find a support system of people who recognize these challenges? How can you even articulate what you’ve experienced in your […]
Having a Solid Support System
Having a solid support system following an abusive relationship is vital to a survivor’s healing and recovery journey. After an abusive situation, life is chaotic. Very often, survivors don’t know where to turn or what to do. Many are just going through the motions of barely surviving. That’s why it’s incredibly helpful to have a […]
We are Survivors: The Ongoing Process of Healing
What does it mean to be a survivor of an abusive relationship? How does one even begin to heal from such an experience? Being survivors Being a survivor means not just educating yourself on what you endured, but also standing up and speaking out to educate others. Reach out and speak out. It may be […]
How to Safety Plan with a Friend Experiencing DV
When your friend confides in you that they are being abused, you feel helpless or overwhelmed. You may face difficulties finding the best way to help them. Researching organizations that can assist with signs of abuse and suggestions for your friend is an excellent place to start. Creating a safety plan with a friend experiencing […]
