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 […]
Understanding Domestic Violence: History, Impact, And How You Can Help
Domestic violence is a complex and widespread issue that affects many different people. Although the movement for change has gained awareness in recent decades, it wasn’t always this way. Domestic violence has often been overlooked or normalized throughout history. Legal protection for survivors was minimal, and abuse inside the home was rarely addressed by authorities. […]
Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Domestic Violence in Our Community
Across Northwest Indiana, sadly, one does not have to look too far to find a story of domestic and or sexual violence in our community. These tragic stories often take the form of a dramatic episode, a visible injury, a clear villain, and a clear victim. But for most survivors in our community, domestic violence […]
What Healthy Love Looks Like After Crisis: Hope, Healing, And Relationships
For survivors of domestic violence, the idea of ‘healthy love’ can feel complicated or intimidating. Even the word ‘love’ can carry mixed emotions: longing, fear, grief, and hope all at once. After escaping an abusive relationship, survivors may face challenges when trying to form a new, healthy relationship later on. Trust is fragile, and it […]