Ask Amanda

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  Ask Amanda: Does Having Money Keep You Safe from Abusers?

  You can probably guess the answer to this one. A Silicon Valley advocate weighs in | Q: There’s a stereotype that domestic violence primarily affects lower income indi... read more

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  Ask Amanda: Is It Ever Safe to Go Back?

  An abuser promises things will be different this time. Can this ever be true? | Q: My ex who abused me wants me to come back. He promised things are going to be differ... read more

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  Ask Amanda: Are We Ready to Adopt a Pet?

  Survivor mom wonders if six months after abuse is too soon to adopt a pet | Q: I left an abusive husband six months ago and moved into a fairly small apartment. I’m so... read more

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  Ask Amanda: Dealing with Toxic Family Members

  It's hard to understand why those closest to you wouldn't believe you were abused | Q: Some of my closest family members aren’t supportive of me leaving my abu... read more

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  Ask Amanda: Abuser Refuses to Move Out

  Is there any way to force an abuser out of a shared home? | Q: I have a dear friend who is in trouble—her and her daughter’s dad, who is very verbally abusive, live to... read more

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  Ask Amanda: Disabled Survivor with No Support

  Survivors with disabilities can face barriers and stigmas, but there is hope | Q: I got away from my abuser five months ago, and while at least I'm n... read more

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  Ask Amanda: My Abuser Is Trying to Keep Me from Getting Help

  Why you need to question everything your abuser says | Q: My abuser has taken the only shelter and its services away from me. He went there to file a restraining order... read more

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  Ask Amanda: Why Can't I Trust a New Person

  If you have trouble making connections after abuse, it may be a sign of PTSD | Q: I just read your article about feeling sorry for your abuser, which was a gre... read more

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  Ask Amanda: How Do I Help My Deaf Friend Escape Abuse?

  The deaf community is more susceptible to domestic violence than the hearing | Q: What happens when you’re deaf and being abused by a partner? I have a deaf friend ... read more

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  Ask Amanda: How Do I Ask for Help?

  One reader knows it’s time to disclose abuse, but she’s not sure where to begin | Q: I need help. My husband has been abusive for years, but I’ve never told anyone be... read more

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  Ask Amanda: Can I Visit a Food Bank?

  No one should feel embarrassed to access healthy and emergency food through a local food bank | Q: Since divorcing my abusive husband, money’s been tight. Some weeks,... read more

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  Ask Amanda: How Do I Make a Household Budget?

  Now that she’s on her own, one survivor strives for financial independence | Q: I’m a 30-year-old woman and I don’t know how to budget my money. My abuser used to c... read more

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  Ask Amanda: I Feel Sorry For My Abuser. Am I Crazy?

  Survivors can cycle through many emotions after leaving an abuser, even sympathy | Q: I was married 12 years [to an abuser], together 5, so total 17 years. I'm stil... read more

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  Ask Amanda: I Have a Bad Feeling About This Guy

  Are you overreacting, or is your gut instinct is trying to tell you something? | Q: I’m 28 and I recently started seeing someone new. He’s charming, outgoing and a ... read more

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  Ask Amanda: What Happens If Shelter Is Worse Than Home?

  Shelters should always hear out survivors’ concerns—what to do if they don’t | Q: At the shelter I’m currently at, there are bed bugs, they were feeding us expired ... read more