Safety Planning with Immigrant Survivors
Written by Between Friends’ Community and Professional Training Manager Safety planning is an important process for all survivors of domestic violence (DV). Whether a person is planning to leave an abusive relationship, or they are planning to stay in the relationship but would like to explore ways to enhance their safety within their relationship, Between […]
Holiday Gift Card Drive 2024
Help brighten the lives of Between Friends’ clients this holiday season and spread some holiday cheer by donating to our Holiday Hope Gift Card Drive. By supporting our Holiday Gift Card Drive, you help Between Friends’ clients create holiday magic for their families, as well as purchase needed items like food, winter clothing, and toiletries. […]
Talking with kids about healthy relationships
Written by Between Friends’ Community and Professional Training Manager Talking with the young people and children in your life about healthy relationships, dating, sex, boundaries, consent, and their bodies can be intimidating and can feel uncomfortable or even controversial. Many of us fear that if we mention sex, we might encourage them to experiment and […]
Safe Homes Act
Have you heard of the Safe Homes Act? It is an Illinois Law that helps survivors stay safe where they live. If you or someone who you live with is experiencing domestic violence and you fear that you are not safe where you live, you can end your lease early or have your locks changed […]
VESSA: Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act
Have you heard of VESSA? Most people have not heard of this law, but it provides important on-the-job safety protections for survivors of domestic or sexual violence. VESSA stands for “Victim Economic Security and Safety Act”. It is an Illinois law passed in 2003 and amended and strengthened over the years. So, what does VESSA […]
What is Court Advocacy?
At Between Friends, our programs focus on survivors’ needs, empowerment, and self-determination. As part of the healing process, our goal is to provide information and support to clients so that they can make their own choices for themselves and their families in order to keep themselves safe. We regularly tell clients that they know their […]
The Neurobiology of Trauma
May is Trauma Awareness Month! In our work with survivors and community members, we have learned the significance of understanding what happens in our brains and bodies when we experience something traumatic. We have witnessed how understanding this process can clear pathways for survivors to heal and deepen their self-compassion. We have also witnessed how […]
Child Abuse Awareness Month
Did you know that April is Child Abuse Awareness Month? This is a time to reflect on how harm in our relationships may directly and indirectly impact our kids. It is no surprise that domestic violence does impact them in many profound ways. There is a lot of information establishing the connection between child abuse […]