Netflix’s second season of Worst Ex Ever is difficult to watch—not because the violence is shocking, but because it is familiar.

The first episode, which chronicles the case of Wade Wilson, the so-called “Deadpool Killer,” exposes something advocates and survivors have always known: many perpetrators do not begin with murder. They begin with coercion, strangulation, sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence. And too often, they are allowed to continue escalating because systems fail to respond.

Leaving an abusive partner is already an incredibly difficult decision many survivors make, and when children are involved, it becomes exponentially more complicated. According to a report carried out by the U.S. Department of Justice, “[thirty to sixty percent] of perpetrators of domestic violence also abuse children in the household.”

La Casa de las Madres (Home of the Mothers) has come a long way from the small grassroots organization it was when it was founded in 1976. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we reflect on who we are, the challenges we have faced, and how—through it all—we have remained committed to our mission: supporting survivors and their families with comprehensive services and shelter, working toward a future free from violence. 

In recognition of Women's History Month, we want to honor the legacy of the Battered Women's Movement. Historically, Domestic Violence has been categorized as a form of gender-based violence due to the disproportionate number of survivors who identify as Women. That said, it would be remiss not to acknowledge that anyone can be a survivor of relationship violence, regardless of gender, age, background, etc. 

As we enter the month of February, we want to recognize it as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) between teens is often overlooked. However, as we honor survivors and recognize their resilience, we’d also like to highlight the prevalence of this issue.

While most people look forward to big sporting events for the love of the game, the energy, and the celebration, there is another side to these large-scale events that often goes unnoticed. For survivors of domestic violence and for individuals experiencing human trafficking, this time can be especially difficult.

According to American Addiction Centers:

• In 2016, alcohol caused approximately 90,000 domestic violence deaths worldwide.

• Alcohol or drug use is involved in 40-60% of domestic abuse situations.

• More than half of individuals who abuse their elder parents (age 60 or older) are dependent on alcohol or drugs . . .

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to warmth, family gatherings, and celebration. But for countless survivors of domestic violence, this time of year brings heightened fear and instability.

The reality is that domestic violence often escalates during the holidays.

In many Latino communities, the value placed on family is deep-rooted. Because of this, separating from a partner, even in an abusive situation, can feel like betrayal or failure. Family members often romanticize stories of men who relentlessly pursued women until they “made them theirs.”.

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.