
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
1 FOLLOWERS
Check-in monthly for updates on DVSN programs, services, & events. Plus, information & commentary about domestic violence issues, news, and related subjects. Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) works in collaboration with communities to end domestic violence. We strive to empower and educate all peoples in ways that respect their dignity and choices while promoting their safety.
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
1M ago
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
2M ago
Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) has always had strong connections with local police departments. In fact, DVSN was started with seed money from a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant through the Concord Police Department. Acton PD quickly joined Concord, with 10 neighboring police departments (PDs) and Hanscom Air Force Base signing on in the following years, growing the coalition into the 13 communities DVSN serves most directly today. DVSN’s relationship with police departments is fairly unique among domestic violence organizations. Our law enforcement partners send DVSN refer ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
3M ago
Animal abuse and human abuse are connected in several different ways. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. households have at least one pet and almost all see their pet as a family member. (Conversation, AWI) Protecting their companion animals is a strong desire for pet-owning abuse victims and can, unfortunately, be used against them by their abusers. Pets are also often an important factor that victims of domestic violence have to consider when planning for their safety and thinking about leaving an abuser. This post will explore the link between animal cruelty and domestic violence and dis ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
4M ago
On September 18, 2024, Bill H.4744, “An Act to Prevent Abuse and Exploitation”, went into effect in Massachusetts. This act updates and expands legal language about abuse. It also addresses new technology and its use in abusive behavior and sexual harassment. For domestic violence victims, survivors, and advocates, H.4744 makes enormous strides toward a more complete legal definition of abuse with its inclusion of coercive control as a form of domestic violence. This post will delve into the details and intricacies of this new legislation, as well as further discussing its importance and pot ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
5M ago
Domestic violence is often seen as a gendered issue. Women have been subjugated by men throughout history, and men have used violence and coercive control to maintain power over them. To this day, the majority of abuse victims are women and perpetrators men. This is not exclusively the case, however. People of any gender can be victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. Male-identifying victims face some universal and some unique challenges when it comes to reporting abuse and/or seeking support. This post will address male victims, explore distinct obstacles they may experience, and pro ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
6M ago
When a survivor of domestic violence is able to safely leave their abuser, there can be a feeling of great relief, that the horrible ordeal they have been experiencing is finally over. Unfortunately, that is often not the case. Even after victims are no longer living with their abusers, in any sort of relationship with their abusers, or even in contact with their abusers, there are ways that perpetrators can continue or escalate trying to control, manipulate, and exert power over survivors. After separation from an abusive partner, up to 90% of women report continued harassment, stalking, or ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
7M ago
While working on last month’s blog post on elder abuse, a topic came up that gave DVSN staff pause. Researching further, we found that, as an agency, we fundamentally disagree with how this topic is represented by some very prominent sources, including DVSN’s home state of Massachusetts. Because of this, we decided to detour slightly from our usual blog post style and follow up on last month’s post with an editorial on self-neglect. Removed from last month’s elder abuse post in order to address it directly, we’d like to delve into the topic of self-neglect and why DVSN cannot get behind clas ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
8M ago
Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or age. Certain populations, however, face unique forms of abuse and barriers to support. One such population is older adults, one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States. While the elder population has been steadily increasing for decades, it spiked dramatically in the 2010s as baby boomers began to turn 65. As of 2020 there were 55.8 million adults, 16.8% of the population, aged 65 and over in the United States. (US Census) By 2040, that number is expected to climb to 80 million, c ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
9M ago
Last month, part one of DVSN’s blog series “Concerning Children” focused on the horrors of child abuse, when a minor is directly abused or neglected. This month’s continuation will delve more deeply into the related issue of childhood domestic violence. As differentiated in the previous post, childhood domestic violence (CDV) refers to situations where minors are not directly abused or neglected but are exposed to domestic violence in the home. Though it may seem like the lesser of the two evils, CDV can still be deeply traumatizing and have profound impacts that lead to lifelong consequence ..read more
Domestic Violence Services Network Blog
10M ago
Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of ethnicity, economic status, gender, or age, resulting in multiple forms of harm. Abuse against children who are still developing and learning, however, can have deeper and more dire consequences that impact victims for the rest of their lives. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a good time to learn more about this issue, its effects, and ways to help. This post is the first of a two-part series concerning children and will focus on child abuse.
Child Abuse vs. Childhood Domestic Violence
The Mayo Clinic defines child abuse as “any intentional ha ..read more