By LaKisha Watson, MS, LCDCI, Manager of AllOne Therapy
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is a time to raise our collective voice for those who have endured abuse, whether physical, emotional, verbal, financial, or psychological. It’s a time to honor the survivors who have made it out, to grieve for those who didn’t, and to offer support to those still finding their way.
Domestic violence isn’t always visible. It doesn’t always come with bruises or broken bones. Sometimes, it’s a slow erosion of confidence, identity, and safety. It can look like:
- Being isolated from friends or family
- Constant criticism or belittling
- Financial control or threats
- Manipulation masked as “love”
- Walking on eggshells in your own home
And because abuse thrives in silence, so many suffer alone.
It’s Not Your Fault
One of the hardest truths about domestic violence is how deeply it affects self-worth. Survivors often carry shame, guilt, and fear. They often wonder if it was their fault, if they stayed too long, if they’ll ever feel safe again.
Let me say this clearly: It was not your fault.
Abuse is a choice made by the abuser. Survivors are never to blame for someone else’s harmful behavior.
The Mental Health Impact
Domestic violence doesn’t end when someone leaves the relationship. Survivors may live with:
- PTSD and hypervigilance
- Anxiety and depression
- Nightmares or sleep issues
- Difficulty trusting others
- Shame around asking for help
You may find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop, questioning your decisions, or struggling to believe in your own voice again. Healing is not linear. But it is possible.
There Is Hope
You deserve to feel safe—in your body, your home, your relationships, your mind. And that healing may look different for everyone. For some, it means processing trauma in therapy. For others, it’s rebuilding routines, rediscovering self-love, or finding a support group of people who understand.
You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you left years ago or are quietly planning your next step, there are resources available, confidential, judgment-free, and made for you.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.
You are not weak for seeking help. You are courageous to survive and for choosing yourself, even when it feels terrifying.
At AllOne Therapy, we offer trauma-informed, survivor-centered care for individuals healing from abuse and control. Your story matters, and you deserve support tailored to your healing.
To learn more, we invite you to explore our services or book a session.