Posts filed under: Blog

What does domestic violence look like? For many people, the answer is shaped by stereotypes: a particular kind of relationship, family, neighborhood, or person. But there is no single profile of a survivor, and abuse does not happen only to certain people or in certain communities. Domestic violence affects people of every age, race, gender,......

What This Really Means and Why It Shows Up in Conversations About Harm It is a phrase many people hear in moments when they are trying to express discomfort, hurt, or concern. On the surface, it might sound like feedback. In reality, it often shifts attention away from what was said or done and redirects......

Jealousy alone is a feeling; it is internal. It does not have to change how someone treats another person. Possessiveness is different. It happens when that feeling turns into behavior....

One of the most common and painful dynamics in relationships impacted by abuse is the belief that change is possible if you just try harder, stay longer, or love someone in the right way. ...

One of the most important parts of healing is learning how to name what we feel. Not because naming solves everything, but because it gives shape to experience. ...

At RESPOND, the Philanthropy and Engagement team works behind the scenes to help ensure survivors can access safety, shelter, advocacy, and support when they need it most. Their job is to communicate our mission to the public and build relationships with the generous community members who fund it. While their work may not always be......

In society, a common question we hear when it comes to domestic violence is: “Why didn’t they just leave?” It sounds simple, but it misunderstands how abuse works and what survivors are navigating in real time. Leaving an abusive relationship is rarely a single decision. It is a process shaped by safety risks, financial barriers,......

Reality TV can certainly be entertaining, but it’s also not “real.” Producers craft story arcs, editors splice scenes to heighten drama, and casting often prioritizes personalities that will generate buzz — not authentic connections. After all, the show needs views and revenue. Some of the most popular reality TV shows involve dating. Many of the......

At RESPOND, much of our work begins during moments of crisis. Many survivors come to us after an incident has already occurred. In those moments, our priority is clear: immediate safety, emotional support, and connecting people to resources. As the Director of Domestic Violence Prevention Programs, I often ask: how could communities recognize domestic violence......

So, what does survivor-centered care really mean at RESPOND? For us, it’s not just a philosophy—it’s a practice we follow daily. It means we start with the survivor as the expert in their own life. We center their voice, choices, and lived experience, even when those choices don’t match what we might recommend. Take Elizabeth,......