One in three women and one in four men will experience intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives. For those who have lived through the trauma of an abusive or violent partner, or other violent sexual attack, they often have lasting post-traumatic reactions long after the door to that chapter has shut.

Trauma can be defined as a psychological and emotional response to an event or an experience that is deeply distressing or disturbing. Because events are viewed subjectively, this broad trauma definition is more of a guideline. Everyone processes traumatic events differently because we all face them through the lens of prior experiences in our lives.

At Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center we provide trauma responsive treatment for individuals suffering the effects of intimate partner violence or sexual violence. A good framework for trauma responsive treatment addresses the current effects of trauma, whether it occurred recently or happened a long time ago. We believe while the violence a survivor experienced is not their fault, that they have the capacity to grow through their experience. Trauma therapy is not one-size-fits-all. It must be adapted to address different symptoms. We believe empowerment and strength based approaches are key components in healing and recovery.

Central to the experience of trauma is helplessness, isolation, and the loss of power and control. The guiding principles of trauma recovery are the restoration of safety and empowerment. Recovery doesn’t necessarily mean complete freedom from post-traumatic effects, but generally it is the ability to live in the present without being overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings of the past. It is never too late to get help.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center is proud to partner with the Children’s Advocacy Center to raise awareness about this critical issue as part of the 19 Days of Activism. As community partners we strive to work together to address the issues of personal violence and family trauma to assist in rebuilding healthy families. Implementing evidence based interventions, educating our community, and erasing stigmas so that those struggling may feel comfortable coming forward to seek the help they desperately need are core to the service provisions of the DVSA Center and Children’s Advocacy Center.

ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTER

Founded in 1986, the center specializes in healing and protective services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Our mission is simple: to protect victims, prevent violence and empower survivors. To learn more or to get involved, visit dvpshelter.org.