General

I Rise

You might batter me to pieces, I don’t care,
With threats, whispers, you can’t make fun of my size.
You might trip me up,
But like phoenix’s I rise.

Just like tears and death at graves,
With the pride and power of the cerulean tides,
Just like hopes launching high,
Still I rise.

Did you want to see me shatter?
Breaking before your very eyes?
Hunched soldiers like broken soldiers?
From your dirty lies?

Fixing my life- mending and crashing,
Like fixed glass,
I rise
Putting my broken life back together,
Still trying,
I rise
Im a brick wall, avoiding from there sighs,
I’m titanium, my strength defines lies.

Packing up from days and days
Of insecurity and rage,
I rise
Entering a new world that blossoms around me,
I rise.
From my mother who grew me,
I bear the light,
I am the truth, the youth, the power of my fight.
I rise.
I rise.
I rise.

Written by a 10-year-old boy whose mother was subjected to severe domestic violence and sexual abuse by their father. He also physically abused the children.

 

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is about power and control. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Abuse is not always physical and often begins with behaviors that may seem small or controlling before escalating over time.

Some common warning signs include:

·         Constant criticism, insults, or humiliation.

·         Controlling who you see, where you go, or what you do.

·         Monitoring your phone, social media accounts, emails, or location.

·         Extreme jealousy or possessiveness.

·         Isolating you from family, friends, or support systems.

·         Threatening to harm you, loved ones, pets, or themselves to gain control.

·         Blaming you for their abusive behavior.

·         Pressuring or forcing you into sexual activity.

·         Controlling finances or preventing you from working or accessing money.

·         Destroying personal property or punching walls during arguments.

·         Making you feel afraid to express your thoughts or opinions.

·         Frequently apologizing after abusive incidents and promising to change, only for the behavior to continue.

·         Using children to manipulate or control you.

·         Stalking behaviors, including repeated unwanted calls, texts, gifts, or showing up unexpectedly.

You May Be Experiencing Abuse If You:

·         Feel afraid of your partner or former partner.

·         Change your behavior to avoid making them angry.

·         Feel isolated from the people who care about you.

·         Feel like you must ask permission to make everyday decisions.

·         Are constantly walking on eggshells.

·         Feel controlled, trapped, or unable to leave safely.

Domestic violence can include physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, and technological abuse. Every person’s experience is different, and abuse does not have to leave visible injuries to be real.

If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone you love, know that help is available. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported.

 

Haven of the Dan River Region Hotline 434-483-5482 or 434-554-0605

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-6564673 or online chat at https://hotline.rainn.org/online

Technology & Communication Safety Tips.

• Assume that your phone, computer, r online accounts could be monitored.
• Use a safe device (Library, work, or trusted friend) when searching for help or making a safety plan.
• Change passwords for important accounts. Enable two-factor authentication when possible.
• check they privacy settings on social media.
• Turn off location sharing on everything (phone, apps, photos, and any other devices)
• Check to see who has access to shared accounts, cloud storage, calendars, or phone plans.
• Be cautious about smart home devices, they may be used to monitor you.
• clear your browser history only if it is safe to do so.
• Save all threating texts, emails, voicemails, and social media messages for evidence. Store in a safe location.
• Let friends, family, and coworkers know if it is safe to leave voicemails r text messages.

If you are in danger, call 911 or your local domestic violence program.

Haven of the Dan River Region Hotline: 434-483-5482 or 434-554-0605

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 or online chat at https://hotline.rainn.org/online

 

 

Trust Your Instincts.

• Trust your gut feeling, if something feels off or uncomfortable remove yourself from the situation.
• Seek help if needed.
• consider carrying personal safety items (pepper spray, whistles, alarms)

Know Your Limits.

• Be cautious with alcohol and substances, they can impair your judgement and make you more vulnerable.
• Keep an eye on your drinks.

Emergency Planning

• identify safe exits from your home (windows,elevators,or stairwells)
• Discuss your situation with a neighbor, friend or family and establish a code word to signal for help.
• know your local shelters, hotlines, and legal resources to access support quickly.
• Create a personalized safety plan to outline steps for leaving safely and maintaining security.

Support and Resources

•  National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224
•   National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-6564673 or online chat at https://hotline.rainn.org/online
• Haven of the Dan River Region hotline 434-483-5482 or 434-554-0605

Our internet and Hotline number is currently down. If help is needed, please call 434-554-0605.

The Staff at Haven of the Dan River Region

Domestic and sexual Violence Safety Tips for Summer

As summer brings vacations, outdoor activities, and changes in routine, its important to keep safety a priority. Keep emergency resources accessible during summer activities.

1.      Stay Aware and Connected

·         Be Aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas.

·         Avoid isolation; stay with a group or in a well-populated area.

·          Keep your phone charged and with you at all times. Share your location with someone you trust.

·         Check in regularly with a trusted individual.

 

2.Home Safety

·         Avoid areas where weapons may be accessible (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, or workshops) during conflicts.

·         Lock up firearms and other potential weapons if possible.

·         Keep a packed bag with essentials like clothes, money, important documents, and keys in case you need to leave quickly.

·         Change locks on doors and discuss safety plans with children

·         Keep your Order of Protection with you and provide copies to trusted people.

 

Support and Resources

·         National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224

·         National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 or online chat at https://hotline.rainn.org/online

·         Haven of the Dan River Region Hotline: 434-483-5482, office:434-554-0605

 

Haven of the Dan River Region Staff

We are committed to providing safe, supportive, and empowering services to survivors. Your feedback helps us improve our programs and better serve our community. If you feel comfortable doing so, we invite you to complete our confidential survey. Participation is completely voluntary, and your responses will remain anonymous.

Link to Community Survey: https://rdcg.questionpro.com/havencommunitysurvey

Thank You for helping us grow and improve.