Safe Exit
Jaya Drohan
The Long-Lasting Effects of Academic Abuse

As we approach a new school year, we want to highlight this egregious type of abuse and its long-lasting effects on a survivor’s future. Academic Abuse manifests as a form of coercive control that both teens and adults are vulnerable to experiencing.

The Long-Lasting Effects of Academic Abuse
Lusero Arias
A Survivor's Right To Self-Care

Self-care, often misconstrued as a luxury, takes on a profound significance for survivors of domestic violence. It becomes a transformative act of survival, resistance, and healing. In the face of chronic stress, trauma, and isolation, survivors often find little space for their own needs. However, self-care in this context becomes revolutionary, a means to reclaim control over one’s body, boundaries, time, and voice, instilling a sense of empowerment and hope. 

A Survivor's Right To Self-Care
Jaya Drohan
Honoring Immigrant Heritage Month

Immigrant survivors, like anyone, may experience a variety of forms of intimate partner violence: such as physical, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, threats, and coercion. However, they also face unique and compounding risks. Language barriers, lack of culturally responsive services, and unfamiliarity with U.S. legal systems make it harder to seek help. Survivors may worry they won’t be believed because they don’t speak English fluently. They may fear that leaving an abusive partner will mean losing their children, their housing, or their chance at staying in the country. Many do not know their rights, and even in moments of extreme danger, feel they must choose between silence and exposure

Honoring Immigrant Heritage Month
Jaya Drohan
Shining a Light on the Impact of Domestic ...

Mental health challenges go far beyond routine stress, and this is particularly true for survivors of domestic violence (DV). Did you know that 20% of DV survivors develop mental health conditions as a result of their trauma? In this context, Mental Health Awareness Month offers an opportunity to understand how DV impacts mental health.

Shining a Light on the Impact of Domestic Violence on Mental Health
Lusero Arias
Empowerment Model: What is it and How it works

When we talk about helping domestic violence survivors, it’s easy to think first about shelters, police reports, or court systems. And while those are important, they’re only part of the bigger picture. At La Casa de las Madres, we operate under the Empowerment Model, which shifts the focus: it’s all about giving survivors the power to reclaim their lives—in their own way and on their own terms.

Empowerment Model: What is it and How it works

Safety During the Holidays – Risks and Tips

Safety During the Holidays – Risks and Tips

“During the holidays, abuse can escalate or can intertwine with the kinds of stressors anyone may face this time of year—financial strains, family demands, travel plans, hosting duties—in ways that increase danger and instability,” explained La Casa’s Executive Director, Kathy Black. “There can also be the perception that services slow down or aren’t there for people during the holidays. At La Casa, it’s just the opposite."

Read about potential holiday triggers and tips to cope.

Back to School at La Casa’s Emergency Shelter

Back to School at La Casa’s Emergency Shelter

It’s back to school time in San Francisco! At La Casa’s emergency shelter there is a flurry of excitement in the air as our families prepare for the first day of school, seeing friends again and returning to a weekly school schedule. Returning to school or starting a new school can be a stressful time and It is important to set aside space to process these new changes and how they affect each individual differently depending on their experience.

Welcome June 2021 Domestic Violence Counselor Training Graduates!

Welcome June 2021 Domestic Violence Counselor Training Graduates!

Volunteers who generously give their time, energy, and skills in wide-ranging ways are truly at the heart of La Casa’s work, helping to ensure and sustain our free, confidential services 24/7/365. La Casa welcomes the 4 newest graduates of our Domestic Violence Counselor Training, who finished the month-long program on July 1st and are beginning to dive into involvement across our various programs!