Ethics isn’t just a set of rules. It’s a commitment to protecting those most at risk. Dear Colleague, When working with survivors of domestic violence, our ethical responsibilities extend far beyond informed consent and HIPAA compliance. We are safeguarding lives. The risk of harm for survivors is very real, especially when they are considering or […]
Survivor Safety Is Ethical Care Read More »
Understanding Empathy Overload and Its Effects Caring deeply is not the problem. Carrying it all alone might be. Dear Colleague, You listen to trauma stories every day. You hold space for grief, fear, rage, and despair. You try to be present, steady, and safe. And some days, that gets harder. That heaviness you feel? It
Understanding Empathy Overload: Signs and Solutions Read More »
Feeling like you’re “too much” is often the scar left by someone who made you feel like not enough or too needy. Your needs are valid, too. Dear Survivor, I can’t tell you how many survivors I’ve met who shrink themselves before they even speak. They hesitate to share their feelings, fearing they’ll overwhelm or
Dear Survivor: You Are Not Too Much Read More »
Every survivor needs a foundation of safety before healing can begin. Dear Colleague, Survivors often walk into our offices carrying invisible alarms that never turn off. Safety is not just physical. It includes emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial dimensions that are frequently overlooked. As providers, we are not only asked to recognize danger. We are
Every Survivor Deserves to Feel Safe. Here’s Where We Start Read More »
Some days, helping survivors will confront parts of you that you have not healed yet. Dear Colleague, Helping survivors often surfaces your own unprocessed wounds. Even the most seasoned provider can feel caught off guard by an emotional reaction. These reactions may come from past personal trauma, grief, or even early professional burnout. No one
The Thing Nobody Tells You About Helping Survivors Read More »