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Identifying Abuse

The Mind-Trip That Is Emotional Abuse

How to recognize the signs of an abuse that leaves no bruises | People often think that domestic violence means physical hostility—fistfights, shoving matches, hair... read more
Safety Planning With Your Kids

When putting a plan in place to leave an abuser, don’t leave the kids out of the loop | If you are getting ready to leave an abuser, you’ll need to plan for the saf... read more
Leaving Without Dying

One security expert says abusers are more dangerous than any other type of attacker, especially when a survivor leaves | As a threat advisor by profession, Spencer ... read more
Calling the Police Shouldn't Be Another Barrier

10 tips on how to report domestic violence without fear | Most incidents of domestic violence are committed behind closed doors, shielded from police patrols and wi... read more
Customizing Your Safety Plan

One size does not fit all when it comes to safety planning | Creating a safety plan is a vital step when one is considering leaving an abusive partner. In doing so, th... read more
When Survivors Are Forced to Use

Another way abusers assert power and control | As a way to numb the pain of abuse, survivors of domestic violence sometimes turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mec... read more
The Biggest Barrier to Leaving

Readers say it's abusers' threats, excuses and a fear of retaliation | It may seem to defy the logic of those who have never experienced abuse from an intim... read more
When Your Support System Isn't Clear

Some survivors aren’t able to turn to family and friends. Luckily, they can find help in other places | For some domestic violence survivors, those closest to them—... read more
8 Ways Controlling Men Make Mothering Even Harder

Children suffer fear, uncertainty and trauma | Being a mother is the most challenging job in the world, even with the help of a loving partner or other family member.... read more
Will My Abuser Retaliate?

Whether or not you should expect violence to escalate after seeking a protection order | Domestic violence survivors seek personal protection orders (PPOs) to help ... read more
Not Above the Law

What a police department’s domestic violence policy can tell you | Abusers understand power and control. And when the abuser is a police officer, those power and co... read more
How U Visas Help Immigrant Victims of Domestic Abuse

The hope is to bring survivors out of the shadows, say advocates | Many survivors of domestic violence hesitate to report their abusers because of embarrassment, fi... read more
When They're Not Ready for Help

How to help someone who’s being abused even if it seems they’re not listening | Your sister/best friend/coworker/neighbor discloses to you that he or she is having... read more
Barriers to Leaving, Part 5

The final 10 reasons why a survivor might stay | There are so many misguided beliefs about why survivors stay with an abuser. She loves drama. He just w... read more
How Police Are Trained to Respond to Domestic Violence

The protocols for responding to domestic violence can help survivors know what to expect | Domestic violence has been found to constitute the single largest categor... read more