By Mary Kate Andris, YWCA South Hampton Roads President and CEO April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – an opportunity to create community action to end this societal scourge. Nationally, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, according to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). On average, 68 percent of… Continue Reading Ending sexual assault: It’s up to you
By Mary Kate Andris, YWCA South Hampton Roads President and CEO The #MeToo movement undoubtedly raised awareness of sexual harassment, assault and abuse. Beyond the headlines and heroism, however, remains a sad reality – too many women in Hampton Roads still live in fear, faced with years of emotional and physical scars. While #MeToo outed… Continue Reading Beyond #MeToo: Time for our community to step up
How to Recognize Signs of Abuse Recognizing an abusive relationship can be difficult; especially when you are involved with an abusive partner. Abuse can look very different from one relationship to the next, but it’s likely to leave you feeling the same way. When you are in an abusive relationship, you may feel scared or… Continue Reading How to Recognize Signs of Abuse
Understanding the Cycle of Domestic Abuse The cycle of abuse describes the pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship. Though the pattern may be slightly different for each couple, the cycle of domestic abuse remains roughly the same whether the abuser is a significant other, parent, family member or friend. This cycle can play out… Continue Reading Understanding the Cycle of Domestic Abuse