Escaping Violence

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  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

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  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... read more

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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  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 larges... read more

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  Barriers to Leaving, Part 4

  No place to go, no job skills and eight other reasons it can be hard to walk away | Psychology Today called Sarah Buel “the country’s sharpest weapon against domest... read more

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  Planning for Pet Safety

  Four steps survivors can take when escaping with their pets | When escaping domestic violence, survivors are often worried about pets’ safety if left with the abuser,... read more

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  Do You Feel Trapped by Your Faith?

  When spirituality and domestic violence cross paths | Some religious communities provide a strong support network for survivors during or after domestic abuse … and... read more

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  Barriers to Leaving, Part 3

  Did any of these prevent you from walking out the door? | Survivors of domestic violence from any and all socioeconomic levels, cultures and genders face valid and ... read more

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  Packing Your Bags

  Contemplating leaving an abusive partner? Here is how to start preparing | If you are not in immediate danger and are considering leaving your abusive partner, there ... read more