Breaking your lease: What a survivor of domestic violence should know
The correlation between domestic violence and homelessness has continued to be studied due to the undeniable data that correlates the two. Because of the nature of domestic violence, victims are often subject to leave home due to safety concerns, leading them to seek shelter or a temporary living space. Often, this means victims have to…
Read MoreGuest Blog: Do you really want a Proverbs 31 wife?
This is a guest blog written originally for and by Thy Black Man. You can view the original version here. Have you ever heard the expression “a Proverbs 31 wife”? A list of model attributes for wives to display, Proverbs 31 evokes many and varied feelings in men and women alike. Unfortunately, some men can start to feel that their…
Read MoreWhat is an advocate?
Through my work at Genesis Women’s Shelter, I have found that working as an advocate in a domestic violence shelter is not just a job – it’s a calling. In social services, advocates seek to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are supported in exploring choices and options. We do this by defending and…
Read MoreBeauty is a Light in the Heart
Beauty is Not in the Face; Beauty is a Light in the Heart Alissa,* a client at Genesis, was thrilled to be starting a new job as an accountant. After several months of being previously unemployed, she was financially struggling. To try to appear as presentable and professional as possible, Alissa had been using old, expired makeup. But thanks to…
Read MoreDomestic Violence in the LGBTQ Community
Intimidation by use of coercion/threats, emotional abuse, financial abuse and physical violence are all tactics that abusive individuals use on their partners regardless if the abuser is in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship. Domestic violence does not distinguish between sexuality; however, members of the LGBTQ community often face additional hurdles that do not exist in…
Read MoreThe Intake Process: What it Looks Like & What to Expect
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…
Read MoreFacebook Birthday Fundraisers
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.…
Read MorePost-Separation Power and Control
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…
Read MoreGUEST BLOG: Intersection of Domestic Violence and Homelessness
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…
Read MoreThe reality of gaslighting
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,…
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