After Abuse

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  How Do You Find Safe People?

  Looking for these three qualities will start you off on the right foot | After escaping abuse, finding a person who makes you feel safe can be like a breath of fres... read more

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  '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 their partne... read more

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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 underestimat... read more

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  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 and strong d... read more