"Let's change the narrative"
Effective Mainstream Crisis Tools
These tools have been invaluable to me as a victim-survivor AND as a support to Black women victim-survivors. Yes, they're mainstream tools Beautiful, but they have proven knowledgeable and effective.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (from 'Get Help' Button)*
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24/7 crisis tool that I found to be useful in many different ways. They are NOT a mandatory reporter, they will NOT call the police. Here are a few, but feel free to inquire about others that may come to mind:
-
Identifying abuse types from your specific experience. I found great comfort in spewing my seeming nonsense and having a trained professional validate that experience. I was relieved as they unraveled my confusion and gave me direction by putting a name to my torture.
-
Talking to someone who shows compassion. As I began to climb out of DV, I encountered many challenges - some of those were my circle not understanding the methods I had to use to keep myself and children safe. Being able to pick up the phone and talk with a human really helped keep me grounded.
-
Finding other DV resources you may not know of. I mentioned changing challenges in my journey. Sometimes I would call them and tell them what was happening and they would tell me the phone number, hours, usage, etc., for something to assist me with that challenged that I didn't know existed. They have the up-to-date information for DV resources for every state in the country!
-
Safety planning guidance. 75% of DV-related murders happen when the victim is leaving or is already separated from the abuser. The most dangerous time frame is within the first 18 months of the separation.
I found them to be very adept in looking at your specific situation: whether you're married, have kids or not, own the home/apartment or not, have biological kids with the abuser, are working, share a vehicle, etc., and be able to help brainstorm on the best ways to maintain your safety in your specific circumstance.
​
​
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV)
ICADV is the state organization that oversees, trains, and funds the state's certified DV agencies. We have specific checkpoint people in this organization that have been respectful with Black women, helpful, and follow through with connecting us to resources during the time when we are fleeing the active violence and after. You can call them directly or you can email us providing your safe email address and at least first name for us to connect you to our contact.