Unfortunately, child abuse and domestic violence often exist in the same space. In this blog, we hear from Kimberly Harrison, Executive Director of Mercer County Family Crisis Center, about the intersection of domestic violence and child abuse, and how integrating care and services can benefit survivors of all ages as well as communities. April … Continue reading "Child Abuse Prevention Month: A Look at the Intersectionality of Child Advocacy and Domestic Violence"|
The intersectionality of sexual violence and domestic violence is undeniable. In this blog, we hear from an advocate working in the sexual violence space about why Sexual Assault Awareness Month is so vital to the work of making our communities safer for everyone. April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time when … Continue reading "Supporting Survivors, Educating Communities: Sexual Assault Awareness Month"|
From grassroots endeavors in someone’s church basement to direct services provided in multi-million-dollar buildings, the movement to end domestic violence has seen momentous growth in the last century. Countless women fought for our right to be here—in these seats, in this cushy office chair I write from now—and influential women speak out every day against … Continue reading "How Women are Centered in the Movement to End Violence"|
I joined the movement to end domestic violence just two years ago. With a background in nonprofit management and as a consultant in the for-profit sector, one of the things about this movement that stood out to me the most was the collaborative culture and lack of competitiveness. Refreshing! And while it’s not without conflict … Continue reading "The Non-Competitive Nature of the DV Movement & Unity for the Future"|
Conflict is a natural part of any relationship and professional and workplace relationships are no exception. How we handle conflict and how we talk about it matters. In this blog, we explore how to initiate difficult conversations and keep lines of communication open with our colleagues and peers, even when it is most challenging. … Continue reading "Initiating Difficult Conversations About Conflict"|
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and communities all over Illinois are hosting a variety of events to honor those that have lost their lives and to highlight efforts taking place to assist survivors and their dependents. What often gets missed in these events are acknowledgements of what is required after the emergency situation is … Continue reading "Safe and Affordable Housing is Key for Survivors"|
At least once a month, I find myself lost in a daydream of what my life would be like if I won the lottery. Every time, the daydream starts the same; I would pay off all of my debt, my family’s debt, and my partner’s family’s debt. Next, I would set money into a high … Continue reading "For Survivors, Flexible Dollars and Cents Make Sense"|
I’m going to tell you a true story. In my freshman year of college, I really made an effort to attend events. One fall evening I attended a football game with a couple of friends. Sitting on those uncomfortable bleachers and chit chatting about anything and everything, two of us waited for my other friend, … Continue reading "Staying Safe on Campus: The Importance of Gossip & Friendship"|
I love to watch true-crime documentaries and YouTube videos! If a new cult documentary is released, I cannot be pulled away from my couch. They always tend to fascinate me because of the psychology behind the person or people choosing harm, the person choosing to abuse their power, and the people who are harmed in … Continue reading "Baby Reindeer: Netflix Phenomenon or All Too Common?"|
Restless nights, I have toiled repeatedly regarding a subject this month. What could be significant and important enough for that draws individuals, that inspires, that heals? According to the “Today Show,” May has over 150 holidays and observances. Maybe the focus should be Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, Mental Health Awareness, Brain Injury Awareness. Honestly, Mother’s Day is the first topic that came to mind, followed by the number of tragic deaths victims of intim...| www.ilcadv.org
Gaslighting is a curious term in that it originated in popular culture, retreated to the world of psychology, and then returned to the popular zeitgeist in full force. Gaslighting exploded onto the pop culture scene in the mid-2010s. It is talked about in Tik-Toks, the focus of many memes, and countless articles have discussed what it is and what it isn’t. The American Dialect Society named gaslight the “most useful” new word of 2016, and it was named Merriam Webster’s word of the yea...| www.ilcadv.org
