By: Arezoo Roa, Sr. Prevention & Strategic Partnerships Director
Summer is supposed to be a time of joy sunshine, laughter, family barbecues, and long days filled with possibility. But for many survivors of relationship violence, summer can feel very different. It can be a season of heightened tension, increased isolation, and invisible struggles that others may not see.
Imagine a mother trying to keep her children safe while school is out and routines are disrupted. Imagine someone who wants to enjoy a walk in the park but feels watched, controlled, or afraid. While others are planning vacations, some are quietly planning how to stay safe.
This is the reality for many survivors. And it’s why we need to talk about it.
During the summer months, the risks for survivors can increase. Children are home from school, which can add stress and reduce privacy. Support systems like teachers, coworkers, or counselors may be less available. And for those who are financially dependent on their partner, the costs of summer activities, transportation, or even sunscreen can feel out of reach.
But knowledge is power. And with awareness comes the ability to plan, protect, and heal.
Let’s start with safety. Survivors often become experts in reading the room, anticipating danger, and protecting those they love. But even the strongest among us need support. That’s why safety planning is so important.
Think about identifying safe exits in your home. Create a code word with your children or a trusted friend something simple that signals, “I need help.” Keep important documents and an emergency bag in a place only you know. And if you’ve left an abusive relationship, consider changing your routines, updating locks, and letting trusted people know how they can support you.
These steps aren’t just precautions they’re acts of courage.
And while summer can bring challenges, it can also offer moments of healing. Maybe it’s a quiet morning walk. Maybe it’s joining a support group or attending a community event where you feel seen and safe. Maybe it’s simply allowing yourself to rest, to breathe, and to believe that better days are ahead.
You are not alone. There are people who care. There are resources available. And there is a community ready to stand with you.
As we soak in the warmth of summer, let’s also extend warmth to those who may be silently struggling. Survivors deserve safety. They deserve dignity. They deserve joy not just in the future, but right now.
At Human Options, we offer a 24/7 hotline where victims and survivors can speak with an empathetic, caring advocate who can help navigate available resources and validate their experience. Additionally, our walk-in centers are in 8 different community-based locations throughout the county. For more information call our hotline at 877-854-3594 or visit humanoptions.org.
You are not alone, help is available- no matter the season.
