‘Domestic abuse.’ Think about those words. Now, close your eyes for a moment. Picture the first image that came to mind. Did you see a fist? Or perhaps a bruised face? Maybe an inebriated, pot-bellied man in a dirty sleeveless shirt grabbing the arm of his wife as she struggles to escape his grasp? I […]
Domestic Violence
Abuse or Homelessness: The Choice No Survivor Should Have to Make
Escaping a home where an abuser maintains control does not always equal freedom for women facing intimate partner violence (IPV). Often, it is a path directly to the streets. IPV is a proven cause of housing instability and homelessness for survivors and families.[1] After enduring the trauma of abuse, a survivor may not have the […]
Abuse is Abuse: Recognizing Domestic Violence in LGBTQ+ Relationships
Abuse Still Happens in LGBTQ+ Relationships. Put yourself in the shoes of a victim of an abusive relationship. Imagine the feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, fear, and desperation. Think about how it would feel to be trapped, yet too scared to ask for help to find a way out. What if people didn’t think your relationship […]
Adopt-A-Family: ‘Tis the Season for Giving the Gift of Empowerment!
The holiday season is full of love and joy. It’s a time to sit back, enjoy some hot chocolate, and feel cozy in a blanket while surrounded by your loved ones. Think back–do you remember a time when you received a special present? As a kid, maybe it was the toy Barbie doll, truck, stuffed […]
4 Ways to Honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month at WC&S
Think of your friends, family, and coworkers. Think of all your loved ones. One might assume that domestic violence has no impact on them; that it is something you might hear on the news but is someone else’s problem. Whether or not you are directly impacted by DV, it IS an issue that everyone should […]
Domestic Violence: How to Cope with Trauma
It takes you about one minute to make your bed in the morning. During this minute and while preparing for the day, about 20 people in the United States are abused by an intimate partner. Those that are abused by an intimate partner are also survivors of trauma. Trauma can have negative long-term mental and […]
