By Marla R. Johnson and Melissa G. Rodriguez According to the National Survey on Drug Use, over half the people in the United States over the age of 12 have consumed alcohol in the last month.1 We all know that it’s common to share a drink with friends, but what do you do when […]
February is Dating Violence Awareness Month
Everyone deserves a healthy relationship • Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence — almost triple the national average. • Nearly half (43%) of dating college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors. • Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications […]
What it’s really like to have to leave your home to be safe
The following article is the final part of a four-week series published in local newspapers, focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. Part three focused on the unseen forms of violence: mental and emotional abuse. At HCWC we often are asked this very question: “What’s it really like to have to stay at the shelter?” […]
When Domestic Violence Doesn’t Leave Marks
The following article is part three of a four-week series published in local newspapers for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. In part two we talked about domestic violence in LGBTQ relationships. The series focuses on raising awareness about domestic violence and its effects. In 2014, America got a sneak peek into what domestic violence […]
Bystander Intervention
Have you ever seen that show, “What Would You Do?” in which people witness strangers doing questionable things? Those witnessing the seemingly odd, offensive or illegal behavior either ignore it or become involved to alter the situation. The people who take action are called active bystanders. A bystander is anyone who witnesses a situation. Some […]
You’re invited to HCWC’S 2015 Annual Meeting
Please join us on Tuesday, November 10 at 6 pm for a special presentation Trauma and the Brain Understanding our response to danger Presented by Whitney Bliss, LPC Sexual Assault Counselor, HCWC Have you ever been driving and experienced a near-collision, only to experience the rush of adrenaline, shaking hands or tears once you’re […]
My Parents Fostered Child Abuse
My mother, the youngest in the family, lost her mother at age six. Her Swedish, old-world-style father both spoiled and dominated my mother. This hard-working, intelligent, multi-talented woman never outgrew her extraordinary need for approval. Her inability to employ independent reasoning would make her vulnerable to a controlling husband. Trigger warning – language about violence […]
YOU are Advocates for Change
Former HCWC Clients Thank YOU for Your Support This is a survivor story as told by a former client. Trigger warning – language about violence and abuse can be upsetting to some readers. Angel’s difficult journey began when she was only six years old. For the next few years, her older cousin tormented her by […]
Media literacy
You can be manlier, more beautiful/sexier, healthier, a better parent/partner, wealthier, have more fun, and be more successful, if only you buy this product You probably hear and see hundreds of media images each day! Anytime you watch television or a movie, listen to music, read a book, magazine, or newspaper, browse the internet, play […]
“Non-Report” Law Gives Victims Time to Decide
Before 2009, victims of sexual assault had to report the crime in order to receive an evidence-collecting forensic examination. And if the victim chose not to prosecute, she was stuck with the examination bill. But the so-called “Non-Report” law effective June 9, 2009 changed all that. Now if a victim of sexual assault asks for […]