Are Restraining Orders Really the Best Option?
Getting an order of protection is usually the first step for survivors ready to leave an abuser, but there are still questions about how well this piece of paper actually…
Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence
Instead of telling survivors what to do, we need to give them back control By Lisa Aronson Fontes, PhD Apr 08, 2024 This piece was originally published in 2015. It…
Abuse Cannot Be Blamed on Alcoholism or Mental Illness
Domestic violence is not caused by drinking, drugs or having a mental disorder By Lisa Aronson Fontes, PhD Feb 21, 2024 This piece was originally published in 2017. It was…
Being Choked During Sex Is Rising in Popularity Among Young People
Consensual strangulation is just as dangerous as when it’s done as a violent act, warn experts By Amanda Kippert Jun 19, 2024 Strangulation is one of the most dangerous tactics…
What Is a Court Advocate?
FAQs about working with legal advocates in court, invaluable members of a domestic violence survivor’s support team By Shelley Flannery Jun 12, 2023 Navigating the justice system or family court…
October 19 is Purple Thursday!
October 19 is Purple Thursday! You may be wondering what Purple Thursday is. The color purple represents domestic violence awareness. The third Thursday of October is now nationally known as…
A Comprehensive Guide to Domestic Violence Awareness Month
How you can help raise awareness of intimate partner violence each October By Amanda Kippert Awareness months might seem trivial in theory—shouldn’t we be concerned with important issues like domestic…
Being Coerced into Swinging Is Sexual Abuse
Bringing new sex partners into a relationship should always be done with consent and safety in mind, otherwise, it’s abuse By Amanda Kippert In a recent post on an anonymous…
How to Recognize Emotional Abuse
Test yourself with our 5-question emotional abuse test to see if you can recognize this tactic abusive partners use to control their partners By Amanda Kippert Jun 05, 2023 This…
Sexual Coercion in Intimate Relationships: Eight Tactics
When sex in a couple is not exactly violent, but not entirely voluntary, either By Lisa Aronson Fontes, PhD Sexual coercion refers to using nonviolent means to pressure an unwilling…