Can you imagine staying with your abuser because it’s the only way you can protect your children? Sleeping with your purse under your pillow to prevent your few valuables and ID from being destroyed? Hiding your clothes in your children’s closet because your abuser cuts them up and then lies about it?
People experiencing domestic abuse are forced to make these impossible choices every day. Secrecy and isolation are an abuser’s best weapon, allowing them to slowly chip away at their victim’s support system – ultimately leaving them overwhelmed and isolated. Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t easy; typically, it takes a victim seven attempts to leave before staying away for good. Exiting the relationship is often the most dangerous time for a victim: as the abuser senses they are losing power, they often behave in dangerous ways as they try to regain control.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) has worked with hundreds of abuse survivors through our Project SARAH (Stop Abusive Relationships At Home) domestic violence program. Our SARAH Supports domestic violence group offers a safe, professionally facilitated space where participants can share their experiences and learn new coping skills. Over the course of ten sessions, members will learn about building their self-esteem, empowerment, mindfulness, healthy boundaries, assertive communication, and cognitive distortions. They will also learn about other domestic violence resources within the community.
The fall / winter session of SARAH Supports will begin on Tuesday evening, November 19 on Zoom. To protect everyone’s safety and privacy, group participants must not be living with their abusers. Participation is free but advance registration is required.
