“Why Don’t You Just Leave?” The Dangers of Leaving and Why You Should Have a Safety Plan
No matter how many gains we make in the fight against domestic violence, victims and survivors alike cannot seem to escape one of the most troublesome questions they face when disclosing abuse: “Why don’t you just leave?” This question reveals the very real lack of awareness regarding the dangers victims and survivors of domestic violence […]
Ending Unhealthy Relationships
No relationship is perfect There is no such thing as the “perfect relationship.” Human beings by nature are imperfect, and their relationships are the same. Subject to occasional mood swings, clashes in personality, priorities, misunderstandings, and external stressors. However, arguments or disagreements that occur within healthy relationships are isolated incidents. When they happen in unhealthy […]
How to Model Healthy Relationships for Your Children
Abusive relationships are anything but healthy. Children born of those relationships will never see healthy behaviors modeled for them. They will not see what a true relationship is supposed to look like. This is why in the aftermath of a domestic violence situation, it’s imperative for survivors to show their children that it is possible […]
Talking About Healthy Relationships with Your Teen
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12 (NIV) We were all young once, or maybe some still are. Youth brings laughter, opinions, attitudes, more laughter, some crying and a whole lot […]
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 […]
