Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can have lasting effects on survivors. The healing process for survivors of sexual assault can be a long and difficult journey, but it is possible with the right support and resources. Although the impact of sexual assault...
DOVE Center Blog
The Aftermath of Sexual Assault & How DOVE Can Help
Experiencing a sexual assault is traumatic and overwhelming. You may not know how to process what’s happened or know how to seek appropriate care. If you have experienced sexual assault, please know that you don’t have to go through the process of healing alone....
“1 in 6:” Society needs to start believing male survivors
“Dude, she was hot!” “You’re so lucky that she banged you!” “We all know you enjoyed it.” “Men can’t be raped.” The above are all common phrases a male hears after disclosing he’s been raped or sexually assaulted. In society’s mind, sexual assault and rape only...
Domestic abuse doesn’t happen only in heterosexual relationships
Many people have a specific image when they hear the words “domestic violence.” This image usually consists of an abusive husband and battered wife and often doesn’t acknowledge the other ways domestic violence presents itself, especially in LGBTQ+ relationships. ...
Staying Safe: Don’t leave safety on the back burner when dating online
Introduction to “Staying Safe'' Series: Every single person deserves the right to safety and to be free of harm. We, at DOVE Center, believe full heartedly that eradicating domestic abuse and sexual violence starts with holding perpetrators acc\ountable and that...
Season of gratitude: Here’s what some DOVE staff are grateful for
The winter holiday time is often referred to as the season of gratitude. For many people, the end of the year is a time to pay-it-forward and give to others as an expression of gratitude. Recently at DOVE Center, many of our staff members wrote reflections about what...
Staying Safe: The first few months of college are exciting but surprisingly dangerous times
Introduction to “Staying Safe'' Series: Every single person deserves the right to safety and to be free of harm. We, at DOVE Center, believe full heartedly that eradicating domestic abuse and sexual violence starts with holding perpetrators accountable and that...
Bystander Intervention: What would you do if you heard a blood curdling scream?
Scenario: Linda entered her subdivision after her morning walk when, all of a sudden, she heard a woman screaming at the top of her lungs. Her shrieks were blood curdling, and Linda stopped abruptly, frozen in her tracks. She wondered if what she heard was real...
Family Violence: Don’t forget about our furry loved ones
Planning to leave an abusive relationship or violent situation can be frightening. Not only do survivors of domestic violence worry about themselves and their children, they worry about the safety of their four-legged family members. “What shelter would take me, my...
Sexual Assault Awareness Month: We can all be a part of the solution
Sexual violence permeates our culture. From violent rape scenes shown on popular TV shows, movies and other media, to near-daily reports of sexual assaults happening on college campuses. From sexist dress codes and common slang that reinforce rape culture to famous...
Understanding dating violence & what we can do about it
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, where young people across the country join in a national effort to raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence. In the U.S., 1 in 3 teens will experience dating violence before they become adults, according...
Stalking Awareness Month: Tips to use technology safely
In a world where stalking is common — according to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center — learning technology safety can be a vital tool during frightening situations. During their lifetime, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 17 men will experience stalking,...