By Christina M. Jones, Esq.   The holidays can be a challenging time, especially for survivors of sexual assault who may feel anxious about encountering their abuser.   Sexual violence often comes from someone familiar, not a stranger. Research indicates that 90% of survivors know the person who harmed them. For many, the holiday season presents the […]

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By Diana Griffin, Attorney Advisor, National Legal Center on Children and Domestic Violence In November, following Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we continue the conversation by focusing on children’s safety in custody cases involving family violence. Access to representation helps survivors advocate for their own and their children’s safety. Yet, in 80–90% of family cases, at […]

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Seek to understand Tribal Sovereignty By Cindene Pezzell, Esq., Director of the National Defense Center for Criminalized Survivors At first glance, two devastating consequences of the colonization of the Americas appear contradictory:  But how can this be true? How can Indigenous women dramatically overrepresent both crime victims and so-called “criminals?”  Because criminalization and gender-based violence […]

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By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas This 3-part Survivor Story Series by Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas explores the complex reasons why survivors may stay in abusive relationships and what eventually gives them the strength to leave. The series aims to unveil the invisible barriers—emotional, financial, and psychological—that trap survivors, offering personal insights that challenge […]

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Why We Stayed Series  (Some identifying information such as names, dates, and locations have been redacted to protect the identities of survivors telling their stories.)  By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas  Deciding to leave an abusive relationship is a painful journey marked by deep internal conflict. For many survivors, the choice is not just about […]

Read More… from Part 3: Why We Left: The Breaking Point & Finding the Strength to Finally Leave

Why We Stayed Series  (Some identifying information such as names, dates, and locations have been redacted to protect the identities of survivors telling their stories.)  By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas  Patrice and Veronica share their experiences to shed light on the complexities of gender-based violence (GBV). Telling their stories is a healing process that […]

Read More… from Part 2: Why We Stayed: The Struggle with Hope, Identity and Courage

Why We Stayed Series  (Some identifying information such as names, dates, and locations have been redacted to protect the identities of survivors telling their stories.)  By Patrice Tillery and Veronica Thomas  “If he was so abusive, then why did she stay?”  Often, when people hear about someone in an abusive situation or relationship, they ask, […]

Read More… from Part 1: Why We Stayed: Unveiling the Invisible Barriers to Escaping Abuse 

“Things Survivors Wish You Knew” is a heartfelt and empowering series, rooted in the voices of survivors of gender-based violence. This collection shares stories and insights to help build understanding and offer meaningful support for those navigating abusive situations. From practical advice to emotional support, this series explores key messages survivors wish their loved ones […]

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