WHERE WOMEN FIND HEALING AND EMPOWERMENT AFTER ABUSE

Identifying a "safe" person to confide in about abuse is crucial for your emotional safety

and healing process. This means finding someone who will listen supportively, respect

your privacy, and not put you at further risk. 

Consider the following:

1. Trained Professionals bound by confidentiality and experienced in supporting

survivors. This includes therapists, counselors or support groups that specialize

in abuse recovery.

• Domestic violence hotline provides anonymous, confidential support available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 or via text/chat.
•  Local domestic violence programs or shelters can connect you with advocates.

2. When looking for a friend or family member to trust, look for the following

characteristics: Are they consistent in their behavior? Empathetic, you feel connected to them, are non-judgmental, supportive, honest, reliable, and respectful of your boundaries. Trust your instincts and avoid people who gossip, are dismissive, and unauthentic.

3. It’s ok to limit who you tell and what you tell. If you are uncomfortable sharing your whole story, start with one thing you are comfortable with. If you're a client of Arise!, our support groups can be a great starting point for connecting with others who understand. 

Healing takes time, and prioritizing your safety is a strength, not a weakness. If you need immediate help, reach out to a hotline right away.

If you suspect a loved one is being abused, it's a serious situation. Taking steps to

help shows care and concern. Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological,

financial, spiritual, or sexual, and it's never the victim's fault. 

Here are some recommendations to follow:

1. Assess for Immediate Danger

If you believe your loved one is in imminent physical harm—such as witnessing an

assault or hearing threats—call emergency 911 right away. However, if there's no immediate threat, respect their autonomy. Calling police without their input can sometimes escalate risks or undermine trust. In cases where you're unsure, contact a hotline first for guidance on next steps.

2. Recognize Signs of Abuse

Look for patterns like unexplained injuries, withdrawal from social activities, fear or

anxiety around their partner, isolation from friends/family, low self-esteem, or controlling

behaviors from the partner. Not all abuse leaves visible marks. Emotional tactics like

humiliation, threats, or coercion are common red flags. If they haven't disclosed anything, observe without assuming, and avoid jumping to conclusions.

3. Approach Them Thoughtfully

Choose a safe, private time and place away from the suspected abuser to express your

concerns. Start gently: "I've noticed some changes, and I'm worried about you. I'm here

if you want to talk." Listen actively without interrupting and believe what they share—validation can be empowering. Avoid pressuring them to leave or make decisions; they may not be ready.

4. Offer Practical Support

• - Reassure them that the abuse isn't their fault and they're not alone.
• - Help connect them to resources, like creating a safety plan (e.g., identifying safe exits,
• emergency contacts, or packing essentials).
• - Provide options without overwhelming: Offer a ride to a shelter, help with childcare, or
• assist in finding counseling or support groups.

5. What Not to Do

• - Don't confront the abuser directly, as this could endanger you or your loved one and escalate the situation.
• - Avoid judgmental questions like "Why don't you just leave"—leaving is often complex
• and dangerous.
• - Don't share their story without permission, even with good intentions.
• - Steer clear of ultimatums. Support their pace.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Supporting someone in abuse can be emotionally draining. Seek your own support

through hotlines or counseling if needed—it's okay to set boundaries to protect your

well-being. Remember, you can't "fix" the situation alone. But your support can make a difference. If things worsen, get professional help.

Mission: 

Build a community of women who have experienced abusive and toxic relationships to support, educate, and inspire each other to make choices that enable healing.

We do this through weekly support groups, educational classes about abuse and healing, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and Soul Care.

Vision:

Empowering women to ARISE from toxic relationships, embrace their true identity and fulfill their purpose. 

Your donations make a difference! In order to continue offering accessible support groups and ministry services, funds are needed. Consider hosting a Fundraiser Tea Party! Invite friends you know would be interested in learning about the mission of Arise! and what we do. Connect with Donita to coordinate. 

At the bottom of this page, you can:

- Make a donation 

- Sign up for our mailing list for information about upcoming events, fundraisers, and more