Trauma can affect so much more than just the memories of what happened. It changes how safe you feel, how you see yourself, and how you trust your own choices, thoughts and abilities.  After trauma, people notice that their confidence is different. Second guessing yourself, simple tasks become overwhelming, more fearful, and struggling to trust […]

Domestic violence affects much more than just physical safety. It affects parenting, housing, emotional wellbeing, finances, and long term stability.  In British Columbia, community resources can help people during the many difficult stages, whether they are wanting to leave, living with the abuse, or rebuilding after leaving.  Safety Planning SupportSafety planning helps prepare you for

If someone is experiencing domestic violence, knowing what to do or where to start can feel very overwhelming. Most people aren’t sure who to call, what kind of support exists for them, or if they need to be ready to leave before reaching out.  In British Columbia, there are many community resources available to help

Across Canada, conversations around gender based violence are putting their focus on how public systems and laws respond to survivors. Proposed legal reforms around family violence, survivor protection, and coercive control show growing awareness that abuse isn’t always physical and generally involves cycles of manipulation, fear, control, and intimidation.  For many survivors, the legal system

Mother’s Day is often viewed as a happy day, but there are a lot of women who are healing from or currently living with abuse. Mother’s Day can come with stress, fear, sadness, or emotional exhaustion instead of happiness.  Some mothers might be protecting their children from dangers at home, navigating co parenting with an

Safety planning is not just about leaving. A plan can also help you while you are still in the relationship, thinking about leaving, or if you have already left.  More Ways to Build a Safety Plan  Plan Your Safest Exit: Think about how you can leave quickly if needed. Know the exits, doors, transportation options,

If you are preparing or leaving an abusive situation, it can be one of the most dangerous times for someone experiencing domestic violence. A personalized and realistic safety plan can help reduce the risk and or be prepared for moments of danger. The plan doesn’t need to be perfect, even small steps can help you

Taking a break from your career can happen due to many reasons. Maybe due to parenting, caregiving, personal healing, health challenges, education, relocation, or simply needing time to reset.  Returning to work after a break can be exciting but can also bring uncertainty. You might wonder or feel like you have fallen behind or if

One of the most asked questions people ask after hearing about abuse is, “Why didn’t she leave?” It can be simple from the outside to leave but for many women, it is not simple at all. Leaving an abusive relationship can be a long, complicated, and painful process followed by survival, fear, hope and many

Guilt quietly follows many women throughout their everyday lives. It can show up when you take time for yourself, say no, when you choose rest over productivity, or when you make a decision others don’t agree with. Many women since day one are taught to be peacekeepers, put others first or to be caregivers, which