By Jessica Lewis | VP Of Development
Thank you so much for your kind support of loveisrespect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. So far in 2018 you have helped answer more than 32,000 calls, chats and texts from people across the country.
The impact if your support is critical to the young people and others who contact loveisrespect each and every day, some for the very first time. We're pleased to share a recent story with you from the lines.
"I spoke to Valerie*, a survivor in her early 20s who was being abused by her partner physically, digitally, economically, emotionally, and sexually; her partner specifically engaging in reproductive coercion--pressuring her to stop taking her birth control. Valerie was homeless and her partner said she could live with him if she wanted to, which is an offer she accepted. After she moved in, she was financially reliant on him, which is something that he turned back on her as a form of emotional abuse, and controlled her access to money when she was able to get an income as a form of financial abuse. Valerie worried that she was the abusive partner, as during one of their fights, she slapped him after he was verbally abusing her. He then escalated the violence, strangling her, and later threatening suicide. Despite the abuse, and the fear she was having for herself, she worried for his safety, and wanted to help and protect him.
"I explained the dynamics of abuse and the myth of mutual abuse. Valerie was unsure whether she wanted to leave him or not, which I validated, and I also provided local resources she could turn to for support should she want to leave. Together, we planned for her safety in staying, and explored people she could turn to for support, self-care options, and other ways to focus on her wellness. As we wrapped up our conversation, Valerie said, "'Thank you. Very much. I’ll never be able to say how much.'"
Thank you for being a hero to young people like Valerie. Your support helps her and thousands more get the resources and support they so desperately need - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can't do this work without YOU!
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