[youtube= "I was spit on" and "she stalked me" are not statements one typically expects or wants to hear from teenagers discussing their dating life. However, this video demonstrates the dark reality of dating abuse amongst teenagers and its many forms beyond physical abuse. Teen dating violence can be physical, but it often includes threats, harassing text messaging, insults, isolation from family and friends, sexual abuse, name-calling, emotional abuse and controlling a partner’s behavior and appearance. Further, it can happen to anyone, at any age, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, level of education or economic background. This public service announcement (PSA) won the Let Your Heart Rule PSA contest hosted by Break the Cycle and Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine®. Thank you Lehman High School in Bronx, N.Y. and all the other entrants for taking action against teen dating violence through their imaginative, impactful videos! Check out the winning video above, especially if you [...]

A few weeks ago, I was having a discussion on the dynamics of abuse with a survivor.  Mid-conversation,she stopped me and asked,“Are you sure you’ve never been abused?”  “Well,no,I mean…” I stammered.  “No,it’s not whether or not I’ve been abused,but the fact that I’m a woman.  I think many women are able to deeply understand the injustices in abusive relationships because we’ve experienced smaller tastes of the same injustice on some level in our own relationships.”  What an “Aha!” moment that was for both of us and one that led to a fruitful discussion. You see,the thing about patriarchy (broadly defined as control by men of a disproportionately large share of power) is that it does play a role in many women’s lives and relationships.  For instance, many women are in relationships with men who, while they would deny such an accusation, are undoubtedly taking steps to control their partner.  [...]

It’s unimaginable that human beings perpetrate violence against each other. What’s even more unfathomable is when the abuse is committed by someone whom supposedly “loves you.” But unfortunately, it’s not uncommon. One in four women will experience domestic violence. When those acts of violence and emotional abuse don’t keep the abused partner in line, the batterer turns to another tactic of control and manipulation – torturing, mutilating and killing their partner’s pets. Batterers often abuse the pets of their partners as a means to control.  In fact, studies have found that 50 percent of domestic violence survivors with pets stayed in an abusive relationship because they feared leaving them behind. The link between intimate partner violence and animal abuse is unavoidable. Most safe house programs including PADV are prohibited by state regulations from accepting pets, unless they are service animals. Survivors need someplace to take their pets for safe keeping while [...]

In February 2010, Congress introduced an incredible piece of legislation called the International Violence Against Women Act. As an important addition to the domestic Violence Against Women Act of 1994, this bill will increase the United States’ accountability in advocating for women’s safety world-wide. Perhaps the most important aspect of the legislation is the following: “The bill addresses, for the first time, violence against women and girls through all relevant US foreign policy efforts, including its international assistance programs,” Shahid and Sharma wrote. “It would also make the issue a diplomatic priority for the first time, asking the United States to respond within three months to horrific acts of violence against women and girls committed during conflict and war.” Read the full article here. While the bill is in an excellent position to get passed, it is not there yet. To find out more about the International Violence Against Women [...]