Identifying Abuse

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  3 Myths About Survivors of Domestic Violence

  It’s time to stop telling yourself these things | Myth: You deserve the abuse—you did something to provoke your partner. For Real: No one deserves to be abuse... read more

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  Is Mutual Abuse Real?

  It’s a term often used as a manipulation tactic—true mutual abuse is rare | The definition of “mutual abuse” is exactly what you think it is—when two partners are m... read more

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  Are You the Victim of Financial Abuse?

  Ask yourself these questions | When people think of abuse, what comes to mind is usually physical abuse, followed by sexual, emotional or psychological abuse. Finan... read more

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  What is 'Victim Shaming'?

  Victim shaming comments and questions focus the blame on the wrong person | When women began stepping forward late last year accusing comedian and actor Bill Cosby ... read more

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  How to Speak Out on Domestic Violence

  Training teaches you how to recognize, respond and intervene | In 2013, the Avon Foundation for Women asked organizations to propose what they would do with a $125,00... read more

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  Is the 'Cycle of Violence' Outdated?

  Advocates say look to the Power and Control Wheel to understand domestic violence | Since the Cycle of Violence was introduced in 1979, it’s helped serve as a roadm... read more

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  He's Forcing Me to Get Pregnant

  Reproductive coercion is domestic violence, and it’s not OK | Abusers use many sinister forms of violence to control their victim. For some, their abusive partners ... read more

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  App Detects Dangerous Partners

  Not sure if what you're experiencing is abuse? Check the app | Can actually be with an abusive partner and not even recognize it? Unfortunately, it happens more o... read more

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  Can Abusers Change?

  Once an abuser, always an abuser? Signs that recovery is possible | It’s a hotly debated topic with no easy answer. Can people change? Sure, we all change as we matur... read more

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  Are You a Good Partner?

  Recognizing the warning signs of an abuser in yourself | You may not even notice the little things you’re doing that are adding up. Do you ever criticize your partn... read more

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  The Lingo of Domestic Violence

  Speaking out about abuse means learning its language | Words can be powerful, which is why part of understanding domestic violence is knowing the terms that go alon... read more

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  Beyond a Bruise

  Would you recognize abuse even if it didn’t leave a mark? | When people think of domestic violence, they often picture women with black eyes, bruises on their arms,... read more

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  Domestic Violence Doesn't Take a Holiday

  Survivors can face an increased risk during the holiday season | This year, as you hang the twinkling lights and decorate your mantel with sprigs of holly, remember... read more

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  Before the First Date: Is There a Violent Past?

  It’s OK to snoop if it means staying safe | Thanks to the Internet, you don’t have to be a private investigator to do a little sleuthing before a first date. Who ha... read more

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  Can He Rape Me if We're Married?

  Marital rape is a very real—and very illegal—offense | Make no mistake about it—marital rape is a serious form of violence and an often-present component of domestic ... read more