Guidance when planning for the future. Safety plans are designed to provide a survivor with a concise resource for how to remain safe in a variety of ways. This is in no way a guarantee of safety but a precaution to help prevent future incidents and to offer the survivor peace of mind. [...]
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is violence or aggression that occurs in a close relationship. The term “intimate partner” includes current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can vary in frequency and severity and occurs on a continuum, ranging from one episode that might or might not have a lasting impact, to chronic and severe [...]
Sexual violence is sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is a serious public health issue in the U.S. that impacts survivors' lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. Sexual violence is a widespread crime suffered worldwide by individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, [...]
Hope. Healing. Empowerment. Trauma is the emotional response when an injury overwhelms us. The injury could be physical, sexual or emotional. Some of the most common traumatic events include: Physical assault Sexual assault, including childhood sexual abuse Verbal assault Being threatened with physical or sexual assault Witnessing violence against others Long-term neglect in childhood [...]
As summer comes to a close, we have many awareness months and days to reflect on. Pride Month, Mental Health Liberation Month, National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and many more. We must consider the intersectionality of survivors and their identities, and how this impacts them moving through multiple systems, access [...]
When our body feels unsafe, our brain takes automatic steps to protect us. That reaction can vary from person to person, from time to time. Most of us have heard of the fight or flight response. Our adrenaline forces us to run from danger or fight against it, a natural survival tactic. However, these are [...]
We are honored and excited to announce that Battered Women’s Shelter has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through September 30th, vote for us through the Target Circle program to [...]
Violence has played a perpetual role in our society and civilization. Settler colonialism, the mass transportation and exploitation of enslaved individuals, and systematic oppression continue within today’s society, often unnoticed and unacknowledged. The violence that individuals face in their intimate partner relationships is paramount to the insistency of societal violence and lack of accountability for [...]
Pride month is a time for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer community to be proud of who they are and tell the stories of those who brought us the freedom to be who we are. Historically, the LGBTQ community were forced to keep their identities private for fear of discrimination on a personal [...]
Where did the month go?! April is coming to an end and our Sexual Assault Awareness Month was filled with educational trainings, awareness events and important conversations. We want to thank everyone who participated in our events and supported us financially. We would love to keep up this momentum all year long! It is crucial [...]
