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Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224

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So many brave victims were able to take the first step toward safety and freedom by picking up the phone and speaking with one of our advocates. We would like to invite previous callers to The Hotline to share their experiences.



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current news

50 Obstacles to Leaving: 41-50

[social_share/]Still with us? Today is our final day of demonstrating just how many roadblocks can stand in the way between abuse and freedom for a victim. A victim is never to blame for abuse. While these barriers to a violence-free life can seem insurmountable at times, know that advocates on the hotline are available to talk and brainstorm strategies with you 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE(7233). 41. Rural Victims: ... Read More »

50 Obstacles to Leaving: 31-40

[social_share/] Leaving can be one of the most dangerous times in an abusive relationship, and there are countless reasons that victims are unable to leave. The question "Why don't you just leave?" places blame on the victim and undermines the difficult, complicated nature of leaving abuse. To help address this, we've adapted Sarah M. Buel’s “Fifty Obstacles to Leaving, a.k.a., Why Abuse Victims Stay.” This week we're making ... Read More »

50 Obstacles to Leaving: 21-30

[social_share/]“Why don’t you just leave the relationship?” According to Sarah Buel: "This question has been fueled by those who believe that remaining with a batterer indicates stupidity, masochism, or codependence. Far from being accurate, such labels prove dangerous to victims because they tend to absolve batterers of responsibility for their crimes." There are many different reasons that a victim may stay in an abusive relationship. This week to ... Read More »

50 Obstacles to Leaving: 11-20

[social_share/]Can you imagine the frustration of a victim being asked, "Why don't you just leave?" While leaving seems like a quick and easy fix to escape abuse, we know that leaving an abusive partner is a complicated, difficult challenge and often the most dangerous time in a relationship. Victims have many reasons for staying. This week we're giving you 50, adapted from Sarah M. Buel’s “Fifty Obstacles ... Read More »

50 Obstacles to Leaving: 1-10

[social_share/] “It would take me yet another year of planning, forgiving, calling, reaching for help, before I could leave.” —Sarah Buel Leaving is not easy. On average, it takes a victim seven times to leave before staying away for good. Exiting the relationship is most unsafe time for a victim. As the abuser senses that they’re losing power, they will often act in dangerous ways to regain ... Read More »

Shared Voices PT 2: Your Stories of Life After Abuse

Yesterday we shared some survivor’s stories that we were fortunate enough to have received from our inspirational Facebook community. These stories expressed the patience and hope needed to rebuild your life after abuse, and we heard from survivors in all different stages of healing. Some shared their feelings on whether or not they'd want another relationship. Many spoke about how important it is to spend time ... Read More »

Shared Voices: Your Stories of Life After Abuse

Those who have left an abusive relationship many times come face to face with new challenges and a complicated healing and recovery process. Last month we explored this topic of life after abuse and asked our Facebook community to share their own experiences finding happiness with a new partner. The responses were powerful and enlightening. We heard from survivors in all stages of recovery. Many shared ... Read More »