Blog

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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

Fundraising events are more than just raising dollars, they’re an opportunity to connect people, share joy, and build collective support for survivors. That spirit was on full display at The Rockery & Friends concert, a third-party fundraising Read More

Winter in New England brings quiet streets, early sunsets, and biting cold. For survivors of domestic violence, the season can bring heightened risks that often go unseen. At RESPOND, our advocates hear the same worry every year as temperatures Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More

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 Read More