Lost and Found Corner

Healing June 2025 6 min read

You Didn't Lose Yourself — You Were Hidden for Safety

There is a particular grief that comes with leaving an abusive relationship — not just the grief of the relationship itself, but the mourning of who you used to be. Many survivors describe feeling like a stranger in their own skin, wondering where the confident, joyful person they once were has gone. But here is the truth we want you to hold: you were never lost. You were hidden. A part of you tucked itself away to survive, and that was wisdom, not weakness.

Reclaiming yourself is not about going back — it is about moving forward into a version of you that has been forged by fire and is stronger for it. In this post, we explore what the research says about identity after trauma, and the small, everyday practices that help survivors find their way home to themselves.

Safety May 2025 4 min read

What a Safety Plan Actually Looks Like — and Why You Need One

A safety plan is not an admission of defeat — it is an act of radical self-love. Whether you are still in the relationship, planning to leave, or have already left, having a personalized safety plan can be the difference between danger and protection. We walk you through the key elements of a safety plan, how to create one even if you have limited resources, and how our advocates can help you build yours today.

Awareness April 2025 5 min read

The Invisible Bruises: Understanding Emotional and Psychological Abuse

When people think of domestic violence, they often picture physical harm. But the wounds that cut deepest are often the ones no one can see. Emotional abuse — constant criticism, gaslighting, humiliation, and control — can be just as devastating as physical violence, and in many ways harder to recognize and name. We break down the patterns, the impact on the brain and body, and why "but it wasn't physical" is never a reason to minimize your experience.

Community March 2025 3 min read

How to Support a Friend You Think May Be in an Abusive Relationship

You notice the signs — the flinching, the excuses, the way she dims herself when he is around. You want to help, but you are afraid of saying the wrong thing. This guide is for friends, family members, and coworkers who care and want to show up without pushing someone further away. The most powerful thing you can offer is not advice — it is presence, patience, and an open door.

✦ Also in the Corner

Explore Our Weekly Series

Two ongoing series — updated every week — to support your healing journey.

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Survivor Stories & Poetry

Real stories and original poems from survivors — a new voice every week. Stories of leaving, healing, rebuilding, and rising.

Read This Week's Story →

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Self-Care & Mindfulness

Weekly reminders, breathing exercises, grounding techniques, affirmations, and journal prompts for the healing journey.

This Week's Practices →

Healing February 2025 7 min read

Reclaiming Joy: Small Acts of Healing That Actually Work

Healing from trauma is not linear, and it does not always look like dramatic breakthroughs. Sometimes it looks like making your favorite meal, taking a walk alone without asking permission, or laughing at something silly without feeling guilty. We asked survivors in our community to share the small, everyday moments that marked their turning points — and their answers will move you, inspire you, and remind you that healing is already happening.