Domestic Violence Archives - Healthy Minds Philly®

Stuck on Repeat: Understanding Trauma Bonds

When people talk about feeling “stuck” in a relationship they know is hurting them, they are often describing what many now call a trauma bond. What is a trauma bond? A trauma bond is an intense attachment in a relationship where there are cycles of harm and then repair. Instead of getting better over time, the relationship becomes a loop of conflict, apologies, and promises that rarely last. It can feel like being stuck on repeat: fighting, crying, saying sorry, promising it will change, and then ending up right back [...]

Janine Monico2026-02-18T15:00:08-05:00February 18th, 2026|Dating & Relationships, Domestic Violence, Trauma|

Technology and Teen Dating Abuse: Do’s and Don’ts

Learning about healthy relationships happens at every age, but often accelerates in teen years. For many teens, technology features heavily in first crushes and relationships. For Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month this February, take a few minutes to learn some do’s and don’ts of how to support safe, healthy relationships in-person and online. Do’s and Don’ts of Increasing Online Safety and Privacy Since most teens have a smartphone or spend large amounts of their time online, technology naturally becomes a large part of how they interact with friends and romantic partners. [...]

Janine Monico2023-02-13T14:50:00-05:00February 17th, 2023|Awareness, Domestic Violence, Family & Youth|

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: What is Gaslighting?

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is an annual opportunity to highlight information and resources about domestic violence. Unfortunately, domestic violence continues to be a common experience. And it’s more difficult for survivors to get help when abusive dynamics are unknown or taboo to talk about. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one person to maintain power and control over another person in an intimate or family relationship. Physical violence may be one of these behaviors, but abusive behaviors can also include financial, sexual, or emotional [...]

Janine Monico2022-10-17T11:00:55-04:00October 17th, 2022|Domestic Violence|

Domestic Violence: Healing the Psychological Wounds

You notice that a friend winces when they make a normal movement. Or you see bruises more than a few times and hear excuses that just don’t ring true: “I fell down the steps” or “I bumped into something.” These are some of the visible signs of domestic violence. Just as damaging, but harder to detect, is the psychological harm. About every 20 seconds in the United States, women, children, and men suffer the effects of domestic violence – both physical and emotional. Physical violence often starts with emotional abuse, [...]

Janine Monico2022-10-17T10:53:33-04:00October 10th, 2022|Domestic Violence|