Domestic Violence & Safety
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Introduction:
Domestic violence is one of those topics that melts the ice around my heart a little.
Growing up, and honestly, even into my early adult life, domestic abuse was something I thought was normal. Then again, there’s a whole lot of shit I thought was normal during my childhood that, as I got older, I discovered was, in fact, NOT NORMAL.
But that’s a story for another blog post. Or twelve. Maybe an entire damn series.
Anyway, back to why we’re here.
I know how complicated domestic abuse can be. I know what it’s like to desperately want someone to change, to cling to the good moments, and to convince yourself that maybe it’s not that bad. Or worse, that maybe this is the best you’ll ever have.
I also know that leaving isn’t always as simple as packing a bag, walking out the door, and returning to some safe, loving home like the movies portray.
Hell, people seem to forget that not everyone has that option.
“Why don’t you just go back to your parents’ house?”
Oh, you mean the safe, loving, supportive home that everyone apparently has waiting for them?
As if that place always exists. Or, better yet, as if it’s even a safer option.
So, if you’ve found yourself on this page because something in your relationship doesn’t feel right, please don’t ignore that feeling.
If you’re already feeling like you need to leave, please take that feeling seriously. You don’t need to wait for things to get worse to deserve help. And you don’t have to figure out how to leave safely all on your own.
Below, you’ll find organizations, safety-planning resources, and support services that can help you figure out what comes next.
And if you remember absolutely nothing else from this page, remember this:
You deserve to feel safe. In your home, in your relationships, and in your own damn life.
FUCK ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU, MAKES YOU FEEL, OR HAS YOU THINKING OTHERWISE.
Immediate Help & Confidential Support
National Domestic Violence Hotline– Provides confidential support, safety-planning assistance, and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, questioning whether their relationship is abusive, or trying to help someone they care about. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CALL: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or TEXT: START to 88788
Domestic Shelters- Offers a free, searchable directory of domestic violence shelters, advocacy programs, and support services throughout the United States and Canada.
Love Is Respect- provides confidential support, education, and resources for young people experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships. Its website offers information about wanting signs, healthy relationships, boundaries, and safety planning. CALL: 866-331-9474 or TEXT: LOVEIS to 22522. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
WomensLaw– provides easy-to-understand legal information for people experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Its resources explain protective orders, custody concerns, state-specific laws, and legal options.
This website also offers an email hotline where individuals can ask questions about their legal rights and receive information about available resources.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)- Provides confidential support for survivors of sexual assault and abuse, including those who experienced sexual violence within a relationship. It’s National Sexual Assault Hotline connects individuals with trained support specialists who can offer emotional support, information and assistance finding local services. CALL 800-656-HOPE (4673) Support is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)– provides free resources to help survivors recognize financial control, understand their options, plans for financial safety and work towards financial independence.
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)- Safe Havens for Pets program provides a searchable directory of organizations that may offer temporary shelter, foster care, or other safe accommodations for pets belonging to individuals experiencing domestic violence.