What is an “intake appointment?” If you have ever called Genesis Women’s Shelter or another counseling agency to request services, you may have heard that you need an intake appointment. Put simply, an intake is therapist lingo meaning an initial appointment to gather basic information about you and your background while you learn more about…

In the age of social media and crowdfunding, it’s easier than ever to support causes close to your heart! Facebook has created Facebook Birthdays, a convenient and simple platform for its users to set up fundraisers and invite friends and family to make a charitable contribution in lieu of (or in addition to!) birthday presents.…

You finally separate or get a divorce from your abuser and you think it’s all over, but then…. For many survivors of domestic violence, the feeling of relief after separating or divorcing an abusive partner doesn’t last long. After separation, the abuser often starts to escalate as a result of having less control over his…

This is a guest blog written originally for and by Denton County Friends of the Family. You can view the original version here. The intersection of homelessness and domestic violence is the connection of two extraordinarily serious social issues facing communities. Survivors fleeing abusive relationships often must leave their homes, with no other available housing…

Domestic violence. What’s the most salient image that comes to mind when reading those words? The image tends to be that of a woman with a black eye and bruises on her body, however, what we know about domestic violence is that it encompasses a pattern of behaviors that aim to control the victim’s emotions,…

This month at Genesis, we are concentrating on educating our community about sexual violence in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The National Sexual Violence Resource Center created SAAM in 2001 and coordinates a national campaign every year. This year’s focuses on consent as a healthy, normal and necessary part of everyday interactions. We…

UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN VIOLENCE TOWARDS ANIMALS AND VIOLENCE TOWARDS PEOPLE This guest blog was written originally for the SPCA of Texas by Marlo Clingman. It is part of a series; Part I can be found here. Part II can be found here. Part III can be found here. WARNING: In this series of posts, the SPCA of Texas addresses some…

It’s easy to look at the epidemic of domestic violence and feel overwhelmed. Its prevalence is daunting, and you might find yourself thinking, “What difference can I make? I’m just one person.” You’re right – you’re one person. But you’re not just one person. Maybe you’re one employee at a corporation with a philanthropic mission.…

When it comes to philanthropy, corporations give in various ways. But does your company think outside of the box? RSM US LLP, the top accounting firm focused on the middle market, got creative during an employee-driven campaign to raise funds for Genesis – turning out over $30,000 from employees in just months. RSM is passionate…

When a woman contacts Genesis for therapy, she is seeking healing from the abuse she has suffered. Domestic violence is a type of trauma that can include lasting consequences. Common effects of domestic violence include sleep disturbance (difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, nightmares), change in appetite, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress (flashbacks, irritability, fear, shame,…