All forms of violence are non-consensual, and at the core of both sexual and domestic violence is a violation of boundaries, rooted in an abusive person seeking to gain and maintain power over another individual. 

Social distancing and quarantine may prevent the spread of a disease, but going home to a violent relationship may not be the safest option for survivors. We’ve compiled a list of things to consider if you or a loved one is in an unsafe relationship, and are experiencing the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

At La Casa we do everything we can to be a safe haven for survivors. But we also know that many survivors rely on their friends and family for support -- healing, and the work to end domestic violence, is something that starts in our own communities. Here are 4 hard converations you might have to support survivors within your community, and how you can handle them.

Strong legislation is necessary to ensure all survivors have access to the resources and support they might need as they make the best decisions for themselves. Meet Yasmin: a former La Casa de las Madres Case Manager who is now working with the National Network to End Domestic Violence. She told us about how she’s using her experience as a fierce advocate to push for truly survivor-centered legislation.

It is necessary that we spend this October thinking about the ways we can continue to show up for survivors and support them as they navigate their way to safety and make the best decisions for themselves, their families, and communities. At La Casa, this journey begins with empowerment: providing unconditional support and letting survivors make decisions for themselves about the steps they’d like to take.