You Don’t Have to Start Over

January has a way of making everything feel urgent.

New year. New goals. New habits. A fresh start.

But for many people — especially survivors of domestic violence — the idea of “starting over” can feel overwhelming, unrealistic, or even unsafe. Healing doesn’t follow a calendar. And survival doesn’t reset just because the year changes.

At the Violence Prevention Center, we want to say this clearly:

You don’t have to start over to deserve support.

Healing Isn’t Linear — and That’s Okay

There’s a lot of pressure this time of year to reflect, resolve, and reinvent. But healing often looks quieter than that.

It might look like:

• Getting through another day

• Setting one small boundary

• Reaching out for information

• Choosing rest instead of progress

None of these are failures. They are signs of resilience.

Support Meets You Where You Are

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to explain everything perfectly.

If something feels off, unsafe, or heavy — that’s enough.

VPC exists to walk alongside people at every stage, whether they are seeking immediate safety or simply looking for someone to talk to.

Moving Into the Year, Gently

Instead of asking, “How do I fix everything this year?” It may be more compassionate to ask, “What do I need right now?”

And sometimes, the answer is support.

If you or someone you know needs help, VPC is available 24/7 at 618-235-0892.

You are not behind. You are not failing. And you don’t have to start over to be worthy of care.