Equality between men and women has come a long way since its inception. From the right to vote to the tightening of the wage gap, women have made great strides in securing equal treatment under the law. But there is still so much work to be done, particularly in the area of relationship violence.
Here at Human Options, we help survivors of relationship violence reclaim a life free of fear. We go out of our way to create a safe place for victims and survivors of relationship violence and empower them on their journey of healing. We invite everyone to play a role in this struggle, not just those who are directly affected.
Over the last several years, we have worked tirelessly to shift the tide on the traditional view of violence. Specifically, we are working to expand the understanding of who may be at risk and how to get help when they see the signs, even if they are not themselves victims.
Our efforts are making a difference, with the help of supporters like you.
We are seeing more people speaking up, stepping in and offering help and resources. This expands how people get help and access care. It also indicates that more people are recognizing the signs of relationship violence and are willing to take action. That’s really encouraging.
However, we still have a long way to go. Far too many people suffer from the devastating effects of relationship violence alone. Or they remain in an unhealthy relationship far longer than they need to.There’s a variety of reasons why someone might stay in an unhealthy relationship, including the inability to access resources, fear for safety or not even recognizing the relationship they are in is toxic or abusive.
Too many people miss the signs of abuse, because it’s not always clear what green flags to look for and what is healthy. The truth is, relationship violence can happen anywhere and in any community, including in the workplace or within LGBTQ+ couples. The struggle continues, and we all have a part to play in ending relationship violence.
If you want to help, start by having conversations with your friends and loved ones about the signs of abuse and what they can do to get help. And don’t worry if you don’t know what to look for. We are here to help. Visit us at www.humanoptions.org to find resources and get involved.
Additionally, if you or someone you care about is suffering from relationship violence, they are not alone. You can reach our 24-hour toll free support line at (877) 854-3594. We have trained professionals here to help.
