In The Community
Plan a Nostalgia Day
six assorted-color dicePhoto by Robert Coelho on UnsplashWhen was the last time you revisited your feel-good childhood favorites? Add a “nostalgia day” to your menu and it can be a go-to self-care option. Use your nostalgia day to watch an old cartoon, whip out that dusty board game, or hunt down your favorite childhood snack (or a close alternative if they don’t exist anymore). Revisiting happy memories isn’t just fun—it’s scientifically proven to boost your mood and reduce stress.
Try Forest Bathing (Without the Bugs)
a woman standing on a wooden walkway next to a lakePhoto by Anastasiya Badun on UnsplashHear us out: forest bathing is not about taking an actual bath in the woods. It’s about immersing yourself in nature to reset your mind. Find a local park, take a slow, mindful walk, and soak in the sounds, smells, and colors of the outdoors. Not a fan of bugs? Bring nature inside with a little houseplant refresh—repotting or pruning your greenery can work wonders for your mood.
Write Yourself a Love Letter
white ceramic mug on white ceramic saucerPhoto by Sixteen Miles Out on UnsplashYes, this might sound cheesy, but it’s a powerful exercise. Sit down and write a heartfelt letter to yourself, celebrating your strengths, resilience, and all the things you’re proud of in the last year or few months. Seal it in an envelope and save it for a day when you need a little pick-me-up. Think of it as a future pep talk from someone who really gets you. Another thing you could do with pen and paper is, you guessed it, journaling. Putting your thoughts, feelings, worries, dreams, fears, etc., on paper is a great way to process them and you’ll feel lighter when you put the pen down.
Play with Fire (Safely)
macro shot photography of two votive candlesPhoto by Joanna Kosinska on UnsplashHave you ever tried candle-making or a mini bonfire ritual? Both are oddly therapeutic. Candle-making lets you get hands-on with creativity, and lighting your own creation can feel super satisfying. Plus, it’s not difficult and the materials are cheap. If you prefer a bonfire, grab a safe fire pit, write down your stresses on little scraps of paper, and toss them into the flames. Watching your worries burn away? Chef’s kiss. Just make sure to keep it mindful and safe!
Create a Comfort Box
a wooden box filled with yarn and a ball of yarnPhoto by Anya Chernik on UnsplashA comfort box is like a mini time capsule of joy you can turn to when you’re feeling down. Fill it with small things that make you happy—think Polaroids, a playlist of your favorite songs, a tiny plushie, a letter from someone you love, or small gifts you’ve received from people you love. Keep it handy for days when you need an instant emotional boost.
Have a Dance Party for One
woman in white tank top and blue denim shortsPhoto by Cleyton Ewerton on UnsplashPicture this: your favorite playlist blasting, zero judgment, and full permission to dance like no one’s watching (because they aren’t). Whether it’s a two-minute solo bop in your kitchen or an hour-long throwback jam session, dancing gets your endorphins flowing. Bonus points if you dress up and give a performance to an invisible crowd—because why not?
Explore a Random Skill
woman smiling holding glass mug sitting beside table with MacBookPhoto by Paige Cody on UnsplashLearn something completely out of left field. Want to know how to juggle? Build a birdhouse? Draw mandalas? Speak Klingon or High Valyrian? You don’t need to master it—just enjoy the process. Sites like YouTube or Skillshare make it easy to dip your toes into quirky hobbies, and focusing on something new can make your brain feel good.
Design Your Ideal Slow Morning
A person is holding a cup of tea and reading a bookPhoto by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashImagine your dream morning: no alarms, no rushing, just pure ease. Maybe it’s sipping tea while reading a book, doodling on a sketchpad, or just lying in bed listening to a podcast. Pick a day to design your perfect slow morning and really stick to it. Starting your day intentionally can set a calm tone that lingers all day long and it can also be an effective way to reset.
Your self-care menu doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it’s your chance to get creative and focus on what truly lights you up. So go ahead, mix things up, and make your menu something that sparks joy every time you reach for it. You’ve earned it.
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The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Photo by Ömer Haktan Bulut on UnsplashWhen you’re not sure where to start, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be a lifeline. This hotline provides 24/7 confidential support and resources for survivors. You can reach them at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or visit their online chat. Whether you need immediate assistance or advice on your options, trained advocates are available to help with everything from safety planning to finding local shelters. This is often a crucial first step for those looking to get help and thinking about getting out.
Shelters and Safe Houses
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
If you’re in immediate danger or need temporary refuge, local domestic violence shelters and safe houses offer a secure environment for survivors and their children. Beyond shelter, these organizations often provide comprehensive support services, including counseling, legal advocacy, and resources for finding long-term housing. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can connect you with shelters nearby, or you can visit WomensLaw.org for more information. These facilities are often in undisclosed locations to protect residents, ensuring a safe space where survivors can begin rebuilding their lives.
Legal Assistance and Protection Orders
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on UnsplashNavigating the legal system can be daunting, but there are resources to help you secure legal protection from an abuser. Protection orders, also known as restraining orders, can legally prevent an abuser from contacting or approaching you. Many states offer free or low-cost legal aid to assist with filing these orders, as well as other legal matters like custody or divorce. WomensLaw.org is an excellent resource for understanding your rights and the steps needed to obtain a protection order.
Counseling and Mental Health Support
Surviving domestic violence can leave lasting emotional scars, making mental health care a crucial part of recovery. Many shelters provide free or low-cost counseling, while community health centers also offer therapy services on a sliding scale. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an amazing resource, offering peer support groups and mental health resources tailored to survivors. Accessing mental health support can be a powerful step toward healing as it helps survivors process trauma, manage anxiety, and rebuild their sense of self.
Support Groups and Peer Counseling
One of the most empowering resources for survivors is connecting with others who understand. Support groups and peer counseling services allow survivors to share their stories, listen to others, and gain a sense of community. Many local shelters and advocacy centers run in-person support groups facilitated by trained professionals. For those who can’t attend in person, online communities like WomenSV provide virtual support spaces for survivors. These support systems offer a compassionate environment where survivors can feel less alone and find solidarity in their journey to recovery.
Specialized Hotlines for Different Communities
Domestic violence affects people from all backgrounds, and some communities face unique challenges. Specialized hotlines offer culturally sensitive and specific resources tailored to these needs.
The StrongHearts Native Helpline provides support specifically for Native American and Alaska Native survivors at 1-844-762-8483, and you can learn more at strongheartshelpline.org.
Additionally, the Deaf Hotline by ADWAS serves Deaf survivors of domestic violence, reachable through videophone at 1-855-812-1001 or adwas.org. These specialized services ensure that all survivors receive support that resonates with their individual experiences.Long-Term Housing Assistance
Beyond immediate shelter, finding long-term housing is a vital step for survivors aiming to rebuild their lives. Programs such as Section 8 Housing Vouchers offer financial assistance for safe and affordable housing. Nonprofit organizations like Safe Horizon also provide housing support to help survivors transition into permanent residences.
Resources for Latina Survivors
Photo by Jennifer Marquez on UnsplashFor Latina survivors, there are culturally specific organizations that provide tailored support. Esperanza United, formerly known as Casa de Esperanza, mobilizes Latine communities to end gender-based violence and offers a 24-hour bilingual crisis line in Minnesota (651-772-1611). Latina SafeHouse in Denver provides bilingual counseling, self-sufficiency programs, and advocacy services for survivors and their families. In Chicago, Mujeres Latinas en Acción offers crisis hotlines, legal advocacy, and counseling. These and other available resources ensure that Latina survivors have access to services that understand and respect their cultural needs.
You Are Not Alone
Photo by Dan Meyers on UnsplashDomestic violence is a painful and challenging experience, but support is within reach. These organizations and services are here to provide safety, empowerment, and a path forward. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, remember that you don’t have to face this journey alone. Reaching out is a brave first step, and help is available every step of the way.
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It’s More Common Than You Think
Photo by Jacek Dylag on UnsplashAccording to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 3 women worldwide (30%) have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner. This staggering statistic reveals just how widespread this issue is, affecting women from all backgrounds and regions. These numbers show that violence against women isn’t something that happens in isolation; it’s a global epidemic that requires active anti-violence work and education.
Intimate Male Partner Violence Is the Most Prevalent Form
Photo by Soheil Jalili on UnsplashMost violence against women is committed by an intimate partner, with the partner nearly always being a man. Nearly 27% of women aged 15-49 who have been in a relationship report experiencing physical or sexual violence from their partner. This type of violence is often hidden, making it harder for women to seek help.
Violence Has Severe Health Consequences
Photo by Anthony Tran on UnsplashThe effects of violence go way beyond physical harm. Women who experience violence are at increased risk for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Violence also impacts sexual and reproductive health, contributing to unintended pregnancies, STIs (including HIV), and pregnancy complications. This is why access to healthcare and support can make a big difference in recovery.
Violence Can Lead to Fatal Outcomes
Photo by Daniel Tseng on UnsplashIn some cases, violence against women escalates to murder. Globally, as many as 38% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners. This statistic highlights the dangerous reality that some women face daily, especially if they can’t leave their abusive situation.
Certain Factors Increase Risk for Both Perpetration and Victimization
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on UnsplashFactors such as lower education levels, harmful use of alcohol, witnessing family violence, firearms in the home, and gender norms that favor men all increase the likelihood of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. These factors don’t cause violence but contribute to environments where violence is more likely to occur.
Gender Inequality Is a Root Cause
Photo by Tim Mossholder on UnsplashAt its core, violence against women is driven by gender inequality and discriminatory social norms. Societies that privilege men over women create conditions where violence is more acceptable, and women’s safety is compromised. This is why promoting gender equality and challenging harmful norms are essential for lasting change and reducing violence.
The Social and Economic Costs Are Enormous
Photo by SEO Galaxy on UnsplashViolence affects women’s ability to work, participate in community activities, and care for themselves and their families. The economic impact includes lost wages, healthcare costs, and reduced productivity, which can have ripple effects throughout society. The cost of violence isn’t just carried by victims—it also affects entire families, communities, and economies, making it everyone’s issue to solve.
Prevention Is Possible
Photo by Joel Muniz on UnsplashViolence against women can be prevented. Initiatives such as WHO and UN Women’s RESPECT framework outline strategies for preventing violence, including empowering women, promoting healthy relationships, and transforming harmful social norms. This framework encourages interventions at every level, from individuals and families to entire communities. This includes an increased focus on educating young boys and breaking down data to use more accountable forms of language. For example, instead of saying 376,038 women were victims of rape or sexual assault in 2023, it’s important to underscore that over 300,000 men raped women in 2023.
Violence against women isn’t inevitable—it’s preventable. By understanding the facts and taking action, we can help create a world where women feel safe, respected, and supported.
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