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Since it was nationally recognized in 2001, April has marked Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), sparking month-long campaigns to increase awareness, prevention, and support for sexual assault survivors. This post will explore the roots of sexual violence awareness movement, HAVEN’s history, and how we can all do our part to advocate for a future without violence.
April is Financial Literacy Month in the United States, making this an especially relevant time to discuss the impact of economic and financial abuse on survivors of domestic abuse. Financial abuse is a tactic used by a perpetrator to control and prevent a survivor’s access to money and other financial resources, which limits their independence and increases their dependence on the abuser. Like other forms of abuse, it can take many forms and often begins subtly and progresses over time. This post is aimed at identifying signs of financial abuse, examining its impact, and giving resources on ways to get help.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. has experienced physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner. Rates of emotional and psychological abuse are far higher than physical violence for youth (Offenhauer & Buchalter, 2011). Considering these statistics, understanding the difference between a healthy, unhealthy, or abusive relationship is important-- whether you’re a young person in a relationship, concerned about a friend’s relationship, or you’re a parent or caregiver wanting to support your child as they navigate dating relationships. This post will discuss those differences, the prevalence of abuse, and how to get involved if your friend, student, or child may be experiencing abuse and control from a partner.
This post will explain the common myths and misconceptions about human trafficking, common signs to look out for, and local organizations survivors can reach out to for help.
Domestic Abuse, Self-Care, and the Holidays Holidays can be a joyful time, but for many, it brings a great deal of stress. This time of year, we often focus much…
Elderly, people in nursing homes, and people with disabilities all need support and services aimed to protect them and their right to self-determination. APP – Adult Protective Program is a program run by BEAS (Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services) which works to ensure the safety of vulnerable adults by providing protection from abuse and exploitation. Reporting to APP or BEAS is similar to DCYF in that they have their own toll-free line. However, unlike DCYF it is not staffed 24/7. You can contact BEAS from 8:00 to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday at (800) 949-0470 or (603) 271-7014. If the person you are concerned about lives in a residential facility or nursing home you can call the Long Term Care Ombudsman at (800) 442-5640 or (603) 271-4375. Your report can be anonymous and it will not fall under your responsibility to investigate any further. For information on services for people with vision or hearing loss call 1-800-351-1888 x 8352 for accessibility services. If you need support, you can set up an appointment with a HAVEN advocate and make the report together. Call 603-994-SAFE[7233] to speak with a HAVEN advocate about your concerns.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month:History and Ways to Show Support Domestic violence pervades all cultures, religions, gender and sexual identities, and countries across the world. Previous HAVEN blog posts have addressed…
Emotional Support Animals for Survivors Emotional Support Animals or ESAs have been critical in supporting people who have survived trauma and individuals experiencing mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety in…
Recreation & Self Care for Survivors Experiencing trauma (such as sexual assault or domestic abuse) may have lasting effects that interfere with survivors’ daily lives. Although many different mental practices can…
There is no “correct” way to respond to having been violated, exploited or abused, as the experience is so deeply personal.