It’s the Most Stressful Time of the Year
by Teresia Smith
This time of year, you can feel the excitement building. Parties, special services, concerts, dinners, decorating, cooking ….spending time with those dear to us. However, especially if you are a survivor of a traumatic event, sometimes the holiday season often brings a couple of unwelcome guests — stress and depression.
Holiday Tips from a Survivor
by Teresia Smith
Several years ago, I shared this story. Many will be celebrating various holidays soon so I felt this was a good time to share again. The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for adult domestic violence or sexual assault survivors, especially those who now have children. Everything’s supposed to be happy and rosy, with plenty of family and togetherness — but what if your family has caused you pain? Read on as one survivor shares a portion of his story and his tips from nomore.org for getting through the season.
10 Warning Signs of Gaslighting
by Rebecca Hieronymi
Gaslighting is when a person uses various actions and behaviors to manipulate the victim into questioning everything they feel, believe, and think. Essentially eroding their sanity until they’re at the gas lighters mercy. The goal of the abuser: control. Here are 10 signs it’s not you, it might be gaslighting.
How to Avoid Victim Blaming
by Christina Hays
No one should ever blame a victim for what they have experienced. No person starts a relationship or goes on a date thinking that the person with them will ever intentionally hurt them. If they thought this, they would never go out with them again. CSNA has been educating the public regarding victim blaming and ways to avoid it for years, but victims are still being held accountable for what is being done to them. Our community needs to support and believe survivors.
Societal Influences
by Teresia Smith
Have you ever wondered how it’s so easy to get involved in an abusive relationship and not realize it’s unhealthy and stay? We tend to ask questions such as, “Can’t they see the red flags” and “Why don’t they know this is not okay?” and, “Why don’t they just leave?”