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Escaping Violence

You Can Call a Hotline Even If You Don't Want to Leave

10 questions you can ask an advocate that have nothing to do with shelter | Contrary to what many believe, shelter hotlines are not only for people who are looking for... read more
How Leaving Looks Different During COVID-19

The pandemic has changed the survivor’s path to safety, but it’s still possible to leave an abusive partner | Leaving an abusive partner is difficult under normal circ... read more
My Abusive Partner Is Also a Cop

Ways to overcome unique challenges of officer-involved domestic violence | Nanette Chezum knows what it’s like to face domestic violence with an abuser who’s a police ... read more
How to Spot a Signal for Help, and How to Respond

Learn smart responses to help someone while ensuring their safety | Help is available for survivors of abuse, but it isn’t always easy (or even possible) to reach out ... read more
Couples Counseling Will Not Stop Abuse

Seek individual therapy if you suspect you’re being controlled | Has your partner started yelling more frequently? Maybe they’ve become jealous for seemingly no reason... read more
When an Abuser Tries to Block Your Separation

Eight response strategies to help you leave an abusive partner safely | Most people feel scared and confused when they think about separating from an abusive partner. ... read more
Why We Shouldn't Be Telling Survivors to 'Find God'

Suggesting religion as a way to heal is right for some, not all | To those who find strength or peace in their religion, it may seem helpful to advise those they meet ... read more
Do Stand Your Ground Laws Apply to DV Survivors?

How self-defense laws help victims of abuse and how they don’t | Self-defense laws in every state are designed to help protect would-be victims of assault from prosecu... read more
Shelters Work to Keep COVID-19 Out

Domestic shelters are taking precautions like everyone else, and they’re open and ready to help | With most states still advocating social distancing practices, you ma... read more
How Domestic Violence Hotlines Triage Callers

Due to limited space, not everyone in need can get into shelter | Sometimes survivors looking for shelter are surprised or hurt to hear that their local shelter can’t ... read more
Leaving an Abuser When You Live Apart

Why the break-up speech needs to come from a distance | We often say that it’s not as easy as simply walking out the door when someone is ready to escape an abusive pa... read more
How Social Stigma Silences Domestic Violence Victims

Why many domestic violence victims are reluctant to report | Many domestic violence victims suffer in silence. Enduring a steady pattern of abuse and humiliation at ho... read more
Survivors Can Now Text for Help

For those who are monitored, stalked or never alone, calling is not always an option | Let’s face it—there are talkers and then there are texters. Some of us are seemi... read more
Should You Stage an Intervention?

If you’re desperate to convince someone to leave an abuser, ambushing them is not the best way | The popular TV show Intervention makes the process of interceding in a... read more
More States Considering Extreme Risk Protection Orders

ERPOs take guns out of the hands of people exhibiting dangerous warning signs | Essentially they’re a temporary restraining order for guns. Called ERPOs, or Extreme Ri... read more