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 [...]

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, [...]

If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 866-723-3014 (24/7/365). Call 911 in an emergency. Domestic violence supports are more important than ever. Because of COVID-19, home is more than home. Home is work, school, daycare, and more – all in one place. For domestic violence survivors, this isolation can be more than boring; it may be harmful. Isolation from friends and family is a common tactic used by abusive partners. They may also control cell phone usage, track internet searches, and listen in to phone calls. That is why safe and [...]