Some of the most dangerous moments in a survivor’s life happen right after they decide to leave.
Dear Colleague,
Leaving is often the most life threatening decision a survivor can make.
Studies show that women are 70 times more likely to be killed in the weeks after leaving than at any other time in the relationship. This is not a statistic most people know. But for survivors, it is a lived reality that shapes every choice.
Survivors are dying. Those who stay are not failing to act. They are choosing to stay alive.
When we understand this, we stop seeing hesitation as weakness and start honoring it as wisdom. Survivors know their abusers better than anyone else. They are constantly assessing danger in ways that are invisible to others. Take their concerns seriously.
Every survivor deserves a safe and supported exit. Safety is crucial.
Pressuring someone to leave without a personalized plan, and buy in, can increase risk. What they need is space, validation, presence, autonomy, and practical tools that build toward readiness. Our job is to walk beside them, not pull them ahead.
A great resource to get started with understanding abuse is free. Download it here: Red Flags of Abuse Freebie. It is an educational way to explore abuse. It can be powerful and validating to see these experiences in writing.
With appreciation for all you do,
P.S. The work you do is so important! The safety risks are real. And the timing is still on the survivor’s pace, not our own. Seek out support when you are feeling worried and burdened with these risks and weights. Sign up for our free monthly peer support group for those working with DV survivors. It meets the second Monday of each month. www.catrinalpcs.com/providers
#supportsurvivors #traumainformedcare #safetyplanning #domesticviolenceawareness