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After Abuse

Speaking Out

Four steps to becoming an advocate for domestic violence survivors | You’ve survived a waking nightmare. And now that you’ve emerged a free person, you have a desir... read more
Why No One Googles "Children and Domestic Violence"

Kids not witnesses, they are victims we don't talk about | I grew up living with domestic violence. So did my mom. So did her mom. So did 40 million other adult... read more
Threatened Not to Testify

When abusers threaten survivors from telling their account in court, it’s considered witness tampering | Batterers are not always career criminals like the drug dea... read more
Could Adopting a Pet Help You Heal?

When, what and why to adopt | There are many things we’re advised to do for the betterment of our health – eat more kale, start jogging, go to bed earlier, drink wat... read more
Should You Change Your Social Security Number?

A social security attorney explains the pros and cons | Starting your life over after domestic violence is not a simple task. If your abuser isn’t behind bars, many... read more
Time Doesn't Heal All Wounds

The battle scars domestic violence leaves behind | When most relationships end, what’s done is done. Time heals all wounds, right? In some instances, maybe, but it’... read more
Advocates Team With Police as First Responders

Pioneering efforts aim to help where justice system leaves off | When topics involving police, courts and domestic violence are published on domesticshelters.org, o... read more
'My Friend Told Me She's Being Abused'

The right and wrong thing to say at this moment | Someone in your life has just entrusted you with a serious confession: She (or he) is being abused by th... read more
The Excuses We Tell Ourselves

There’s no justification for an abusive partner | Before you ever got into an abusive relationship, you probably said at some point, “I would never let anyone mi... read more
Rebuilding Your Self-Esteem After Abuse

5 ways you can start feeling good about yourself and the world again | After escaping an abusive partner, starting a new life can feel empowering. You’re on your ow... read more
Give Back a Smile

National program helps heal visible effects of domestic violence | "It feels good when you can smile and know that the world is smiling with you. I smile all the ti... read more
Arm Yourself with Information

Free online handbooks can help violence survivors heal | Escaping and recovering from violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, means you first need t... read more
Why Survivors Should Set Goals for the Future

Think long-term when you're escaping violence  | Business mogul Bill Gates once said that people tend to overestimate what they can do in one year but und... read more
Staying Strong After Leaving the Shelter

Why some survivors consider returning to an abusive partner | Make no mistake about it—seeking help from a domestic violence shelter is a courageous, bold an... read more