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 »
Sometimes silence feels more threatening than chaos. Dear Survivor, One woman I worked with described how anxious she felt in her first healthy relationship. There were no raised voices, no sudden mood swings, no punishments for speaking her mind. On the outside, everything looked calm. But inside, she was panicked. Her body could not relax,
The Hidden Fear of Peace After Abuse Read More »
Healing after abuse happens in micro-moves. These small shifts deserve to be seen and supported. Dear Colleague, In trauma therapy, it’s common to witness a client return to the same relationship, cancel sessions, or describe ongoing patterns that seem unchanged. It can feel discouraging, even like progress isn’t happening. But healing after abuse doesn’t always
Healing After Abuse: Why Micro-Moves Matter for Survivors 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 »
Sometimes the systems we create for safety end up reinforcing control. Dear Colleague, We are taught to protect survivors, but protection can look a lot like power. When we take over a survivor’s safety plan, we may unintentionally mirror the dynamics they are trying to escape. Safety built on control, even benevolent control, can feel
What If Everything We Know About Survivor Safety Is Wrong Read More »