CONVO: Supporting Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence

Erika Petty with LOTUS Legal Clinic is one of our panelists for the 2025 EmPower Luncheon. Our Advocates sat down with her to debunk the misinformation that can make it more difficult for survivors to recognize and get out of trafficking, and how survivors can move forward with healing and justice. Learn more about the EmPower Luncheon here: https://twcwaukesha.org/events/2025empower/

Navigating relationships as a teen or young adult can feel especially stressful, as this may be a time where you are likely newer to relationships. Emotions in general often feel much more intense during our teenage years as well, adding another layer of complexity to the healing journey. In fact, itcan be harder to recognize and heal from abuse as our culture often invalidates the feelings of young survivors.

As we near the end of February, it's important to continue to recognize #TeenDatingViolenceAwarenessMonth, and how ALL survivors deserve support and validation.

Many stalking and harassing behaviors are unfortunately often ignored, normalized and even celebrated on occasion by social norms. Why is that? Do you know the definition of stalking and harassment, and what protections there are for survivors to seek peace and safety? Join Aspen and Mo to learn more!

Entitlement is a characteristic that when left unchecked can lead to unhealthy and potentially abusive behavior within relationships. It is something that our Advocates talk a lot about with clients as they try to understand the root of abuse. Join Mo and Aspen as they answer community questions and discuss how survivors can begin to process and heal from entitlement culture. #DVAM2024

Coping looks different for everyone, especially in a living environment you might not be used to. In this episode, Aspen and Juno discuss tools that can help manage the stress of your living environment, and what to expect if you need to relocate into our Shelter.

Do you know what a restraining order is, and how they may help a survivor attain safety?

Join Aspen and Fio as they discuss how Advocates can help clients navigate the legal system, updated for 2024.

Please note: Advocates at The Women's Center are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. The information presented in this podcast should not be considered legal advice, does not function as a do-it-yourself tool for completing restraining orders, and is accurate per Wisconsin State Statutes and the Waukesha County Courthouse at the time of this post.

Even if you haven’t heard of FOMO before, you’ve likely felt it at some point. FOMO is an acronym that stands for “fear of missing out,” the emotions many of us experience when we feel excluded or left out. What’s behind FOMO, why and how does it happen, and how can survivors cope with these feelings?

What does healing, safety, resilience, and pride mean to you? Join Aspen and Mo as they contrast four emotional impacts that domestic and sexual violence may especially have on LGBTQ+ survivors—repression, insecurity, hesitancy, and shame—with four glimmers that survivors deserve through their healing journey.

This podcast episode features thoughts and feelings anonymously shared with The Women's Center during Milwaukee's 2023 PrideFest celebrations, read by our Advocates. June is Pride Month, where we recognize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while acknowledging the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic and sexual violence face. Every day and always, all genders and sexualities are welcome here!