FEATURED ARTICLE
Outspoken Episode 8: Digital Relationships: Growing Up on the Internet – Part 1
How has digital communication changed our relationships? From MySpace to TikTok, Gemma, Kiara, Megan, and Nathan discuss the evolution of digital communication and how we relate to each other.
Recent Articles
Abuse In A Digital World
In an increasingly digital world where technology helps us connect, technology can also be a means of control. Though digital abuse is more common amongst youth and young adults, digital abuse can happen at any age and at any stage in a relationship. Thehotline.org defines digital abuse as “the use of technology and the internet to bully, harass, stalk, [...]
Recognizing Yellow and Red Flags in Relationships
At the beginning of a new relationship, it is not always easy or clear to tell if it has the potential to become an abusive relationship, especially in the very early stages. Relationship abuse and warning signs do not always show up right away. Many abusive people appear like ideal partners in the early stages of a relationship. Possessive and controlling behaviors tend [...]
Pets In Pain: The Link Between Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse
Domestic violence and animal cruelty can intersect with one another. There is a great concern when it comes to domestic violence and the person causing the abuse not only for the adult victim but as well for their children and their animals. For the purpose of this article, we will keep it to adults and animals and in particular women escaping abuse. Most often, [...]
The Unseen Effects of Domestic Violence
Imagine for a moment that you had to leave your home overnight and completely start over. Imagine now that you can only take what you can fit in your car. Imagine you don’t have a car. Can someone drive you? Imagine having to pack your children’s clothing into a single bag that is already spilling over. Do they have their backpacks for school? Can they [...]
Recognizing Abusive Behaviors
Domestic abuse varies dramatically in relationships, but the constant components are rooted in one person asserting power and control over the other. Domestic Violence comes in various forms including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse; being able to recognize the patterns of control is paramount in knowing if you are in an abusive relationship. via GIPHY Physical [...]
Sex Education: It’s About More Than Just Sex
Sex education tends to be one of the most awkward parts of school health classes. Learning about STIs and pregnancy prevention, often through abstinence, is important to keeping youth safe and informed but it is also just the tip of the iceberg of things parents and schools could be teaching to youth to help them on their journey to adulthood. Providing youth with [...]
BOOK READING: My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes
HCWC Children's Counselor Heidi Reddin reads aloud the children's book My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes, by Pro Familia. This book discusses body safety and the importance of body autonomy for children. Buy on Amazon
Prevention is Possible!
Sexual assault and child abuse are not just “big city” problems. We must acknowledge that these issues happen in our community more often than we would like to think. Therefore, we should focus on preventing sexual assault and child abuse before it happens. Changing social norms, teaching skills, empowering youth, and creating safe environments can help reduce violence in our communities.We all have a [...]
Supporting Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual Assault
It can feel overwhelming when someone tells you that they have been sexually assaulted. You want to respond appropriately and show your support. Finding the right words may seem impossible and like nothing is enough. This is a normal feeling. This shows that you care. The response to someone who has disclosed their trauma is critical in their healing process. The most important thing is that they can feel supported with your better understanding of what is an appropriate and healthy response. Listen and Believe: Without Judgment [...]
Outspoken Episode 4 is Here!
Outspoken Episode 4: Breaking Down Consent Gemma, Kiara, Megan, and Nathan break down consent while discussing headlines featuring Marilyn Manson, T.I. and Tiny, David Dobrick’s Vlog Squad, and others. CW: This episode includes conversations about sexual assault and relationship abuse. Check it Out!
Normalizing “The Talk”
Whenever someone says “We’re having The Talk” people think of the awkward conversation that every parent has with their teen about safe sex. However, there is another “Talk” that needs to happen. The Talk we are looking at today is for younger children and toddlers. Your initial reaction may be that children of that age are too young to have the Talk, but [...]
Interrupting the Cycle of Child Abuse
April is both Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month. The following article is the first article of a four-week series focusing on raising awareness about sexual assault and child abuse. 2 in 5 women and 1 in 5 men will experience a form of sexual abuse/assault in their lifetime. Last year roughly 42,717 children in Texas experienced child abuse including [...]