Anxiety is the Lingering Shadow of Being Controlled

anxiety

By Iris Pendelton For many, anxiety is often pictured as simple nervousness, a racing heart before a presentation. Or feeling uneasy in a crowd. But for survivors of abusive relationships, anxiety takes on a far more complex and often invisible shape. It lingers long after the abuse ends. Weaving itself into everyday thoughts, decisions, and […]

Finding Peace After Endless Beatings

beatings

By Survivor Brittany **The following is written by a survivor of domestic violence and abuse. Names have been changed to protect all involved.** I met my ex about 6 months after I had my first born son. He was everything I had ever wanted in a partner, or so he seemed in the beginning. Building […]

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 believe that once you leave an abusive relationship, everything magically gets better. They picture freedom, peace, and instant healing. But in reality, leaving is only the beginning. It’s powerful. It’s […]

Escaping My Nightmare and Finally Waking Up!

nightmare

By Survivor Sheri **The following is written by a survivor of domestic violence and abuse. Names have been changed to protect all involved.** The abuse was rather physical, starting at a young age, as early as I can remember. EMDR has taken me back to memories around two-years-old where my dad was physical, large, and […]

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 in America. When Two Hearts Are Silenced, Every day in this country, pregnant women walk into doctors’ offices to hear the steady beat of a second heart growing inside them, […]

Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets

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 can be a source of strength during difficult times. However, leaving an abusive home becomes even more complicated when a beloved pet is involved. Abusers often use pets as a […]