Blog

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 GivingRead More

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 — thisRead More

At RESPOND, we believe everyone deserves to live free from violence—no matter who they are or who they love. This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces for all survivors. The Reality: LGBTQIA+ Communities and Domestic Violence While domestic violence affects people ofRead More

Nonprofits like RESPOND rely on a diverse mix of support to drive their missions forward: government funding, individual donations, event proceeds, business partnerships, corporate matching gifts, and one especially critical yet often behind-the-scenes source, foundation grants. Foundation grants can fund specific projects, essential services, or even general operations. They are often the key to launchingRead More

This Mother’s Day, we honor the courage, compassion, and drive of the RESPOND’s founding mothers—a group of women who took their shared vision and turned it into an organization that has saved countless lives. Honoring the Founding Mothers & Supporters of RESPOND In the early 1970s, domestic violence was a hidden crisis, rarely talked about.Read More

As the days grow longer and the trees turns green again after a long winter, many of us feel a natural pull to be outdoors. Whether it’s the urge to take a walk through the woods, the view of bees buzzing around freshly bloomed flowers, or the fresh scent of rain-soaked soil, different aspects ofRead More

One of the most common myths about domestic violence is that alcohol and drugs are the root cause of abusive behavior. While substance use can escalate the severity of violence or make incidents more frequent, it’s crucial to understand that addiction and intoxication do not cause abuse. Abuse is a choice—rooted in a desire forRead More

Domestic violence is often misunderstood. Many believe it happens because of anger, stress, or external factors like substance use. However, at its core, domestic violence is about power and control. The person causing harm seeks to dominate their partner and maintain authority through a range of behaviors and tactics. A domestic violence relationship is moreRead More

When you think of volunteering at RESPOND, you might picture hands-on, front-line roles—helping at events or directly interacting with those in need. While these are important, there’s another side of volunteering that often goes unnoticed: the behind-the-scenes work. Tasks like stamping envelopes, assembling informational packets, and organizing supplies may seem small, but they’re the essentialRead More

The Women History Classes Forgot to Mention When we think of history’s most influential figures, we often hear about politicians, scientists, and activists who made sweeping changes. However, the subject of domestic violence is often overlooked and many of the women who transformed the movement to end domestic violence remain overlooked. Their work has shapedRead More