At RESPOND, we recognize that it is never as simple as “just leaving.” Our support line is a resource for any survivor, confronting any kind of abuse, from any relationship.
As counselors managing the support line, we know there are innumerable barriers to fleeing violence. Survivors often face financial instability, the risk of homelessness, lack of community, concerns about children, threats to physical safety, emotional hurdles, and more.
Domestic violence also carries long-term consequences that can shape every part of a survivor’s life. It is a chronically disempowering, isolating, and silencing experience—one that requires care, compassion, and sustained support.
The initial call to the support line is one of the hardest steps a survivor can take, and while it may seem small, it is a major step toward safety. Counselors view managing the support line as a privilege at RESPOND. Often, we are the first trusted person to hear a survivor’s experience, and we never take that honor for granted.
While dynamics of power and control are a consistent thread throughout all domestic violence relationships, every survivor comes from a unique situation with nuance and complexity. As counselors, we prioritize active listening to every survivor’s story and meet them where they are, allowing them to lead the conversation and exercise empowerment and autonomy. Our role is completely dedicated to them during the call, providing unconditional support. Whether a survivor needs a space for emotional support, has questions about resources and social services, or needs active safety planning, counselors are trained to be adaptive and tailor every conversation to the client’s needs in the moment. Conversations on the support line are always a collaborative experience.
Counselors will never tell survivors what to do or what steps they should take next. Our role is to help survivors name their goals and generate ideas about the best ways to achieve them as a team.
Ultimately, our goal is to be a safe and confidential space for survivors to share as much or as little of their situation as they would like. Part of our prevention efforts at RESPOND is to dispel the belief that survivors must handle their situations quietly and on their own. It is our pleasure to be in survivors’ corners.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence, RESPOND’s Support Line operates Monday–Friday from 9:00AM–5:00PM. We’re here to help you at (617) 623-5900.
