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.
In 1976, a coalition of San Francisco women—many of whom had experienced domestic violence first hand—recognized the dire lack of resources available to survivors. At the time, emergency shelters for women fleeing abuse were virtually nonexistent, and the legal, medical, and political systems largely ignored the issue. Women who left abusive partners faced the terrifying reality of homelessness, financial insecurity, and, often, further violence.
If you don’t personally know someone who has been trafficked, the concept may seem distant, unrelatable, and ‘in the shadows’ – that is, “something that happens in other parts of the world, but surely NOT in our own backyard.” The truth is, Human Trafficking occurs right under our noses.
The holidays are generally revered as a joyous time. While often filled with celebration and togetherness, the holidays can also amplify feelings of loneliness for those who lack a supportive network.
It is hard to imagine that a survivor of trafficking or domestic violence may have endured abuse at the hands of a loved one, like a family member of intimate partner -- but we know that the people closest to us can manipulate bonds created by love and belonging to exert force, control, and manipulate. The intersections between domestic violence and human trafficking run deep, and it is necessary to recognize the ways these forms of violence are linked to ensure survivors are given the appropriate tools to heal, and to create a world free from complex patterns of abuse.
“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.
