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Ask Amanda: Reinventing Father's Day After Domestic Violence

When holidays trigger traumatic memories, you can ignore the day or create something new | Q: My husband is a survivor of childhood domestic violence. Father’s Day is ... read more
Ask Amanda: Celebrating My Birthday is Triggering

Usually happy days like one’s birthday can be triggering for those who’ve been through trauma or abuse, and but this mom deserves celebrating | Q: Am I the only surviv... read more
Ask Amanda: How Do I Make New Friends After Abuse?

It can feel scary to trust anyone again after domestic violence | Q: I just escaped a four-year relationship with an abusive boyfriend. I was traumatized, but I’m begi... read more
Ask Amanda: Isn't Reactive Abuse Just Victim-Blaming?

Why do I get called an abuser when I’m just trying to defend myself against him? | Q: My ex was abusive toward me for the whole three years we were together and one ni... read more
Ask Amanda: How Do I Explain Domestic Violence to My Kids?

Survivor mom wants kids to learn empathy for survivors, watch for red flags in the future | Q: Hi, I'm in search of information to help my daughters and sons understan... read more
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: Why Do I Miss My Abusive Ex?

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