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Ask Amanda: How Do I Talk to New Partner About Past Abuse?

Starting a relationship after trauma might mean having some vulnerable conversations | Q: Should you tell a new partner you’ve been abused in the past? I’m always scar... read more
Ask Amanda: My Family Invites My Abusive Ex to Events

How survivors can handle family members who are in denial about domestic violence | Q: I’m struggling with what to do — my family still insists on inviting my ex to fa... read more
Ask Amanda: Connecting with Kids After Trauma

Family therapist recommends getting mom and kids into counseling if possible | Q: I got myself and my kids away from my abuser after two years. We’re all starting to h... read more
Ask Amanda: Can We Stop Gendering Kids Halloween Costumes?

8 gender-neutral costume ideas that fight against sexist stereotypes | Q: Every Halloween, as a parent, I find myself frustrated comparing ‘girl’ and ‘boy’ costumes at... read more
Ask Amanda: I Still Feel Connected to an Abuser

Survivors share advice on how they overcame a trauma-bond that once kept them trapped with an abuser | Q: My husband is a great manipulator. He abuses me and mentally ... read more
Ask Amanda: My Abusive Ex Doesn't Prioritize Our Daughter

Survivor mom wonders if she should do what her family is encouraging, and cut off all contact | Q: I was [with an abusive partner] for seven years and left just under ... read more
Ask Amanda: Can a Judge Issue a Gag Order Against a Victim?

A survivor is told she can no longer post on social media about the domestic violence charges against her ex-partner | Q: A judge issued a gag order against me from sp... read more
Ask Amanda: Using the Grey Rock Method to Avoid Abuse

Choosing not to react can be a temporary solution to shutting down some types of abuse | Q: I’ve been dating someone I’d consider a narcissist for over a year. He’s ve... read more
Ask Amanda: I Live with a Controlling Husband

A pattern of increasing control by a partner is abuse, and has the potential to escalate | Q: My husband is very controlling, which I can see now. But I used to feel l... read more
Ask Amanda: How Do I Rebuild My Finances After Abuse?

Anxiety takes over every time one survivor thinks about facing her finances | Q: I’m a survivor and feel stuck, financially, after what 2020 dealt us all. Even though ... read more
Ask Amanda: My Husband Wants Me to Spank the Kids

A spouse is conflicted over husband’s request to use corporal punishment with the children | This edition of Ask Amanda was written by Lisa Fontes, a domestic violence... read more
Ask Amanda: My Abusive Pastor-Husband Has Dementia

Leaving someone with a disease presents even more guilt, challenges | This edition of Ask Amanda was written by Lisa Fontes, a domestic violence expert with a Ph.D. in... read more
Ask Amanda: Wearing a Face Mask is Triggering Anxiety

For survivors of domestic violence who have experienced suffocation or strangulation, there is a way to calm yourself before putting on a facemask | This edition of As... read more
Ask Amanda: Abuser from 15 Years Ago Is Stalking Me

Off parole, he has begun to terrorize his victim all over again | Q: Hi Amanda, I just saw your article about feeling guilty after putting an abusive partner in jail. ... read more
Ask Amanda: After Mom Died, Dad Takes It Out on Us

A young survivor of abuse wonders if the cycle of abuse will ever end | Q: I have been put in a unique situation that's been getting worse and worse over the past seve... read more