Beyond Survival

It’s a question that too many survivors of domestic violence hear — from friends, family, and sometimes even from themselves: “Why don’t they just leave?” But for those experiencing abuse, leaving is not that simple. In fact, it can be the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship. The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois works with survivors every day who face a complex web of barriers that make “just leaving” nearly impossible without safety planning and

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) reminds us that behind every statistic is a story—and behind every story is a community that can help rewrite the ending. This year’s theme, Every1KnowsSome1 , is a powerful reminder that domestic violence doesn’t only happen to “other people.” It happens in every neighborhood, across every background, age, and income level. Chances are, someone you know  has been affected. What It Really Means When we say “Every1KnowsSome1,” we’re nam

Cycles of abuse often begin in the everyday moments where anger, frustration, or stress take over. When children grow up in homes where...

Earlier this month, we shared ways to prioritize your digital safety —practical steps like updating passwords, checking devices, and...

When we think about abuse in relationships, we often picture adults. But unhealthy and abusive patterns can begin much earlier. In fact,...

Digital safety is key to survivor safety. Here are a few key steps to staying safe in our digital world

When people hear the word shelter , they might think of a building or a bed to sleep in for the night. But for survivors of domestic...

He wasn't Mr. Perfect

Dreams of Peace

She just didn't know.

When we think of trauma, we often imagine big, dramatic moments — but the truth is, trauma lives in the everyday. For many survivors of...

Am I safe?

When someone escapes an abusive relationship, many expect the worst to be over. But for survivors like Maya*, the emotional aftermath can...

Leaving abuse is a courageous step. But what comes next can feel just as overwhelming. For many survivors, the trauma lingers long after...

A story of resilience.

A call saved her life.

Healing after domestic violence or trauma looks different for everyone. You might wonder, “Do I really need counseling?” The short answer...

Starting counseling can feel like a big step—and sometimes it brings up questions about what the experience will actually be like. At the...

Going to court can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re seeking protection from someone who has harmed you. You don’t have to do it...

An Emergency Order of Protection can be a valuable tool in getting and staying safe from an abuser.