VAWnet News Blog

This TAQ explores the stigma around trauma despite its commonality, and centers dignity and humanity as the pathway to changing this narrative for both advocates and survivors.

For Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project is building on the theme Heal, Hold & Center, first launched in 2023. This theme is all about building connection to foster healing and racial justice for survivors. As beloved ancestor bell hooks reminds us, “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”

This TA Question explores how spiritual health is connected to preventing gender-based violence, offering models of faith-based leadership for social change through love and introducing the role of spiritual activism in our work.

Abortion is essential health care. In this TAQ, Ondine Quinn, Senior Director of Programs at Provide, Inc., discusses who are the most impacted by abortion bans and restrictions and how people are being criminalized for abortions. A definition of Self-Managed Abortion (SMA) is provided, shedding light on why abortion access matter for survivors of gender-based violence. The author also offers recommendations for advocates working with people who choose self-managed abortion.

Listening to the accounts of survivors and advocates can be a powerful way for all of us to stand with others in their pain and healing, struggles and triumphs. In this TAQ, Patty Branco, Director of Training and Technical Assistance, discusses how the telling and hearing of advocates’ and survivors’ stories play a critical role in promoting cultural transformation and propelling social change.

This TA Question of the Month explores the impact of mandatory reporting on survivors of domestic violence and offers strategies for advocates navigating reporting requirements.