Moving Forward
by Teresia Smith
In 2023, we still live in a country where according to RAINN, one in nine girls and one in twenty boys will be sexually assaulted before they turn eighteen.
Profile of an Abuser
by Rebecca Hieronymi
Many survivors of intimate partner violence often find themselves looking back and wondering how they could have missed the red flags that signal a romantic partner is potentially controlling, jealous or violent. No one ever plans to venture out into the dating world and choose an abusive partner, and abusers don’t typically begin a relationship being violent and controlling.
Importance of Your Support System
by Teresia Smith
When we think of building a good life, the first thing that comes to mind is the other people involved. The people we surround ourselves with are the biggest influencers of our behavior, attitudes and outcomes. Who you choose to be around can set the course of your life. What they think, say and do becomes what you think, say and do.
Secondary victims
by Teresia Smith
At Crisis Services of North Alabama, we talk a lot about people who have experienced traumatic events such as sexual assault and domestic violence, as we should, because they need our attention. Today, I want to ask, what about the secondary victims — the friends, family, and loved ones — of the survivor? What can we do to help them as they cope with the difficulties of trying to help their loved one cope with a painful event?
Can you ever be happy again after traumatic life events?
Is it possible to be happy again after experiencing trauma? How do you heal from traumatic life events? You start to wonder if it’s even possible or where to start. You wonder if you’ll ever be happy again. Most people are not strangers to trauma.