Author: Samantha Saenz

Author

Samantha Saenz

As the Marla’s Place Bilingual Resource Advocate at the Hays Caldwell Women's Center, Sam provides culturally responsive support in English and Spanish, helping survivors of domestic violence navigate new beginnings in a safe and empowering environment. Sam offers crisis support and individualized advocacy to families in our transitional housing program, supervises university interns, coordinates programming, and collaborates with community partners to expand resources for the families we serve. When she is not working, Sam enjoys making playlists, dancing, walking local trails, going to concerts, and trying new experiences that bring connection and joy into everyday life.

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Pressure Isn’t Love: Recognizing Coercive Control in Relationships

by Samantha Saenz February 24, 2026 0

In preparation for writing this article, I asked a couple of people outside of this line of work to 'describe what dating violence or an abusive relationship looks like'. The... Read more.

About StoptheHurt

StopTheHurt is an educational resource for all people as they seek to develop positive relationships with peers, partners, family, and themselves. We believe all relationships should be based on mutual respect and equality. Our hope is to create conversations around consent, healthy relationships, peaceful communication, and self-compassion. Together we can #StopTheHurt

Author: Samantha Saenz

Author

Pressure Isn’t Love: Recognizing Coercive Control in Relationships

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