This GivingTuesday, help break the cycle of abuse 💝

Today on GivingTuesday (December 3, 2024), WomenSV is joining the global movement of generosity. Together we can make a difference in the lives of survivors of covert abuse and coercive control, ensuring they find the knowledge, resources, and support to break free.

Covert abuse and coercive control have a devastating impact on the lives of survivors. With your help, WomenSV can continue to provide critical education, resources, and training that empowers survivors and their communities to recognize and address these subtle yet harmful forms of abuse. Help support domestic violence prevention and education by making a donation to WomenSV today.

This GivingTuesday, your donation can make a life-changing impact. Contributions from our community make it possible for us to:
💜 Connect survivors with a directory of resources and keep expanding our online database of tools and services to address coercive control
💜 Train therapists, physicians, police officers, teachers and other service providers to recognize and safely address subtle yet dangerous forms of abuse
💜 Develop educational programs such as our upcoming Executive Summary Workshops for survivors and providers

Here’s how you can join the movement:
💜 Give: Make your donation here!
💜 Engage: Subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay connected.
💜 Share: Share our posts and resources with your loved ones to help amplify our message that survivors are not alone and help is available.
💜 Spread the word: Please tell your friends and family why you believe in our work and encourage them to support us too!
💜 Continue the conversation: Talk to your loved ones about coercive control, covert abuse and other subtle forms of abuse to raise awareness. You can make a difference by letting survivors know they are not alone and there are resources that can help.

Your support makes it possible for us to empower survivors, service providers and communities with the knowledge and resources to break the cycle of abuse. We depend on community support to keep going; every contribution directly supports our efforts to advance our mission and help survivors like Laura:

"WomenSV was literally a lifesaver. Living in a world of covert deception and abusive tactics is soul squashing and WomenSV allowed me to find validation and resources while I try and be a mother in an intense dynamic. I am able to learn to find joy again, self care, and most importantly stop the cycle of violence in raising up the next generation by having peace in our home now."
-Laura*

Knowledge is power and our mission at WomenSV is to lift women up with that knowledge and power so they can find their own way to freedom. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and create a future where everyone feels safe and respected. 

Your support can change lives and bring hope to those in need. Every act of generosity counts, and every donation has a meaningful impact on our mission.

Empowering Change: WomenSV's New Focus on Education and Prevention of Subtle Domestic Abuse

Over the past 12 years, WomenSV has offered support to more than 1,400 survivors of domestic abuse. Guided by an unyielding commitment to our core mission of empowering survivors, training providers, and educating the public about covert abuse and coercive control, WomenSV has entered a new phase of evolution that holds the promise of even greater impact and community transformation. As the world changes, so too does our approach, and we are excited to share our renewed focus on education and prevention in the realm of subtle domestic abuse.

A Resolute Mission

Founded with a resolute mission to empower survivors with the tools and support they need to reclaim their lives, WomenSV has served as a beacon of hope for those navigating the tumultuous waters of covert abuse. Our journey thus far has been marked by dedication, compassion, and a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that survivors face. We have stood by survivors, walked with them through their healing, and worked tirelessly to ensure their voices are heard.

A New Chapter Unfolds

Today, we stand at the cusp of a new chapter in our organization's journey. Recognizing the evolving needs of survivors and the broader community, WomenSV is embracing education as a cornerstone for lasting change. While our commitment to empowering survivors remains steadfast, our expanded focus on education and prevention is a natural progression, driven by a desire to create a safer world for all.

Education: A Pathway to Empowerment

Education is empowerment, and this philosophy fuels our new direction. By equipping survivors, community members, and professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize, address, and prevent subtle forms of domestic abuse, we are building a stronger support system for those impacted by coercive control. We believe that informed individuals are better positioned to break free from the chains of abuse and to assist others in their journey to liberation.

Empowering Systems, Protecting Survivors

As we move forward, our focus will be on strengthening our community and provider education. Survivors often encounter a labyrinth of services, and inadvertent re-victimization can occur during this journey. By educating these systems—medical professionals, law enforcement, legal entities, and more—we ensure survivors are met with compassion, understanding, and the support they deserve. This approach amplifies our impact, safeguarding not only the survivors but also those who stand alongside them.

Adapting to the Times

While we remain based in Los Altos, our reach has expanded beyond geographic boundaries. In response to the changing landscape, WomenSV now offers all services remotely, bolstering our ability to serve survivors regardless of their location. This evolution ensures that survivors, regardless of their geographic constraints, can access the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.

Looking Ahead

Our evolution is an ongoing journey, and we are excited to share more about our educational initiatives, provider trainings, and community outreach in the near future. You are warmly invited to stay connected with us on social media, so please click here for a list of all our links!

In the spirit of growth, empowerment, and unity, all of us at WomenSV offer deep gratitude for all of your support in making this transformation possible. Together, we can continue to reshape the narrative around domestic abuse, cultivate awareness, and empower change that resonates for generations to come.

Ruth Darlene Patrick, Founder of WomenSV on Myths and Facts About Domestic Violence: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Ruth Darlene Patrick, Founder of WomenSV explains myths and facts about domestic violence, debunking common misconceptions. Read the full article in the link below.

Ruth Darlene Patrick, Founder of WomenSV, on Key Imperatives for Serving Communities in Crisis

When working with communities and people in crisis, the stakes are high, especially when abuse is involved. For organizations serving those escaping and healing from abusive relationships, it is imperative that a commitment to integrity, care, and accountability be central to the way the nonprofit engages with the community and its clients.
Read more from Ruth Darlene Patrick, Founder of WomenSV, on Key Imperatives for Serving Communities in Crisis in this new article.