“WILL YOU BE THERE
WHEN I NEED YOU?”

WHY WE ALL NEED TO BE #INAGAINSTDA

Domestic Abuse can take many different forms and so can the solutions. At the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence we have listened to survivors from all walks of life, from all over the state, and nearly 100% told us that community norms of shame, stigma and judgment made it very difficult for them to reach out for support.

Everyone has a part to play in ending the stigma around domestic abuse and domestic violence.

Survivors told us that they felt judged for the decisions that they made in all directions. Some were told that they were foolish for dealing with abuse for so long, while others were told that they should have stayed longer, and tried harder to make the relationship work. More broadly, survivors reported that they felt judged for being victims, for being poor, and for being perceived as a bad parent. Survivors told us that these experiences of judgment made them feel helpless, angry, isolated and even responsible for their own experiences of abuse.

Looking at solutions differently

The solutions prescribed for survivors often begin with ending the relationship, then relying on shelter programs and law enforcement for support and safety. For some survivors, these solutions may not be realistic or desirable.

Some survivors may choose to end the relationship, some may not;

Some survivors will seek interventions from law enforcement, but many will not;

Some survivors will seek support from domestic violence programs, but in the past many have not believed that the services offered were right for them.

Domestic violence agencies are working to recenter services and support in survivor-defined needs to ensure that our programs are accessible, relevant and helpful. Services are flexible to meet survivors where they are, and to support them over time, as they assess their relationship, make decisions about their safety, and heal from experiences of abuse.