October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Survivors Deserve Action
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the realities of domestic violence, stand alongside survivors, and bring greater attention to the resources and support available to those experiencing abuse. At Stepping Stone Shelter, we believe awareness is an important first step, but survivors need more than awareness. They need safety, support, access […]
From Safety to Stability: Supporting Survivors Beyond Emergency Shelter
For someone experiencing domestic violence, reaching a place of safety can be life-changing. However, getting to safety is not the end of their journey; it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Over the past month, we’ve talked about what healthy relationships look like, what healing can mean, and the support available to survivors during and […]
Building A Safe And Independent Future After Domestic Violence
A common misconception about domestic violence shelters is that their services stop after emergency shelter. While leaving an abusive relationship is a vital step toward safety, it’s only one part of rebuilding a life after domestic violence. After an immediate crisis passes, survivors may still face questions about housing, finances, employment, transportation, relationships, and what […]
Healing After Domestic Violence: Why Support Doesn’t End When Shelter Does
Leaving an abusive relationship is a significant step, but it isn’t the end of the journey. For many survivors, finding safety is only the beginning of rebuilding a life that may have been disrupted by fear, control, financial abuse, isolation, and trauma. At Stepping Stone Shelter, support isn’t limited to the time someone spends inside […]
Parenting Through Trauma: Supporting A Child After Experiencing Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects the entire family, not just the parties involved. Children experience trauma when they are directly harmed by abuse, but they can also be deeply affected by witnessing violence, hearing threats, or living in an environment where they don’t feel safe. Parenting after experiencing domestic violence can feel overwhelming. Individuals might struggle with […]
How Domestic Violence Affects Children Long After the Abuse Ends
The impact of domestic violence doesn’t end when the abuse stops. When people think about domestic violence or intimate partner violence, the focus is often on the adults involved, particularly the survivor. While that attention is critical, it’s important to recognize the lasting impact abuse has on the children who witness or experience it. Each […]
Understanding The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health And Domestic Violence
May is mental health awareness month, and we’re addressing the stigma surrounding mental health and domestic violence. Mental health and domestic violence are deeply intertwined; however, both are often surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. Harmful stereotypes and misconceptions contribute to silence and make it even more difficult for survivors of either to seek help, speak […]
Mental Health Awareness Month: The Intersection Of Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Mental Health
During May, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, encouraging conversations surrounding emotional well-being, healing, and support. At Stepping Stone Shelter, we especially recognize the impact that domestic violence and sexual violence can have on a survivor’s mental and emotional health. The experience they have often leaves emotional scars that take time to heal and can […]
The Intersection Of Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which means there’s no better time to educate our community about the impact sexual assault can have. At Stepping Stone Shelter, we support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. As we discuss this issue, it’s important to recognize its nuances. One of these complexities is the […]
Coercive Control: Understanding Psychological Abuse
When most people think of abuse in relationships, they often think of physical violence. However, abuse isn’t always visible. Many survivors experience coercive control, a pattern of psychological manipulation and pressure used to control another person. This can include intimidation, isolation, emotional manipulation, threats, guilt, love bombing, or pressuring someone into sexual activity. For teens […]