As odd as it may sound to an outsider, domestic and sexual violence can be hard to detect. It may include:

• Verbal abuse, shouting, criticism, name-calling

• Making threats of any kind, throwing/breaking objects, using physical size/stature to intimidate

• Any kind of physical violence

• Isolating you from others, monitoring your whereabouts

• Pressuring or forcing you to be sexual when you do not want to

Even with all of these examples (and there are certainly many more), many people can still find it very difficult to determine if their relationship is truly “bad enough” to be considered abusive, or if their sexual experience “counts” as an assault or rape. Many come to realize that their situation is unsafe but don’t know what to do next.

If you have experienced domestic or sexual violence, please know that you aren’t alone. Therapy can support you in finding your own answers to these questions. In sessions we can:

• Assess the current danger level of your situation and continue to safety plan as needed

• If desired, explore next steps such as leaving the relationship, reporting the assault, telling loved ones, etc.

• Address the impact of these traumatic experiences

• Explore the person you are and the life you want to have beyond your experiences of violence

Regardless of where you are in your process, I am honored to accompany you along the way. Please reach out to learn more about how therapy can be of support.