Recent Blogs

For many people, the holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and connection. For survivors who have recently left an abusive relationship, this time can feel complicated. Traditions from past years may stir up difficult memories, and the pressure to feel joyful can feel distant. At RESPOND, we see these experiences every day. We walk alongside survivors......

Thanksgiving is almost here, and at RESPOND, we’re thinking about all the ways people show up for survivors, sometimes in ways you can see, and sometimes in ways you can’t. Some of our favorite examples? A turkey donation so a family in shelter can sit down to a warm meal. A small, hand-knit baby blanket......

At RESPOND, we know that life after abuse is complicated. It can bring relief, sadness, hope, and confusion sometimes all at once. There’s no single way to move forward, and the path rarely feels linear. Many survivors describe feeling waves of emotions: relief, sadness, hope, confusion, and everything in between. This range of emotions isn’t......

We asked RESPOND staff members to tell us why they do the work they do. Their answers reminded us that behind every program, every call, and every shelter stay, are people who care deeply, and who bring heart, skill, and dedication to every survivor they support. “I do this work because I love seeing our......

When we talk about domestic violence, it’s important to remember what it really is: a pattern of behavior used to gain power and control in an intimate relationship. That control can take many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, and financial are just a few. Abuse gradually strips away a survivor’s resources, health, freedom, and sense of......

At RESPOND, we often talk about how every gift makes a difference. And it truly does. But when it comes to major fundraising events like our Gala, sponsorships can be the difference between a modest net profit and a transformational one. For small nonprofits, sponsorships are so much more than a logo on a program......

The Survivors of Abuse Feeling Empowered for Re-entry (SAFER) program is a one-of-a-kind partnership between RESPOND and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, supporting women who are incarcerated or detained as they process experiences of domestic violence and plan for a safe, stable place to go once they’re released. My name is Kahdijah, and I am......

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......

When people think of nonprofit leadership, many picture the board of directors—but what that board actually does can be a mystery. Who are they? Why are they there? And what do they do? The truth is, a board’s role looks different in every organization. It often depends on the needs of the CEO and the......

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, 97% of U.S. domestic violence programs report that survivors have experienced abuse involving technology. Tech-enabled abuse refers to the use of technology to exert power, control, and intimidation over someone. As technology becomes more advanced and accessible for more people, abusers can have more ways of......

Behind every contribution lies a ripple effect that changes lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting impact. At RESPOND, we see this every day. One donation can help survivors find safety, a family rebuild their future, and an entire community grow stronger. Yet, across the country, giving is declining, especially among younger generations. According to Giving......

To the supporter who can’t shake a survivor’s story at the end of the day. To the friend or family member who’s supporting someone through an abusive relationship. To the teacher who suspects something is wrong at home but doesn’t know what to do. To the counselor, housing specialist, shelter volunteer, or intern — this......