Everyone is faced with stressful or tough times in their lives, do you have a plan for coping with stress?​

Domestic violence does not discriminate. Abuse can occur in any type of relationship, but the domestic violence awareness movement rarely focuses on LGBTQ+ relationships. Everyone deserves to have a safe relationship! 
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Power and Control
Domestic or dating violence occurs when one person exerts power and control over their partner through a variety of abusive tactics. Every survivor's experience in an abusive relationship is different, but survivors can experience specific tactics unique to the LGBTQ+ community. To learn more about the LGBT Power and Control Wheel, go to ​https://www.safehousecenter.org/power-and-control-in-lgbt-relationships/

Domestic violence is more than just physical violence. Domestic violence occurs when one person uses behaviors and tactics to gain power over their partner. Many abusive partners manipulate, control and sabotage their partner's money and finances to gain power and control. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact without consent. Exact legal definitions of consent my vary by location and circumstance but general concept is always the same- giving permission for something to happen. While consent is an essential part of sexual contact, consent is also part of our everyday reactions. Consent is about respecting other people's boundaries. By practicing consent in everyday situations, you are showing respect for them and respecting their right to make decisions for themselves.
 

In 2022, The Domestic Violence Shelter provided services and support to over 200 people. Many people who seek assistance from our agency are in need of basic day to day necessities such as food, clothing, hygiene products and household essentials. The Shelter knows that it's not enough just to provide a safe space to stay- we also want survivors and their children to have the security of knowing all their needs will be met. 

There are multiple ways for our community to support the survivors who work with our agency. Financial contributions can support the services we provide to survivors and their children every day. Donation of items help ensure we can provide all the essential items needed for day to day living. Volunteering your time supports our agency in the work we offer our community.

What is Digital Abuse?
​Digital abuse is the use of technology and the Internet to bully, harass, stalk, intimidate, or control a partner. This behavior is often a form of verbal or emotional abuse conducted online.  Digital abuse is also referred to as technology abuse, or technology facilitated abuse. Digital abuse can happen in the context of any relationship and might continue after someone leaves their partner.

Financial abuse is a tactic of abuse where an abuser uses finances to maintain power and control over their partner. Financial abuse often begins subtly and progresses over time.