Let's Talk: Types of Abuse

 When most people think of domestic violence, they imagine a situation where the abusive partner causes physical injury to their intimate partner. However, physical harm is only one form of domestic violence. There are several categories of abusive behavior, each of which has its own consequences. Understanding the different types of domestic abuse can help victims understand their relationship and take steps to stay safe in the future.

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Celebrating Activists During Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th to October 15th. Started in 1968, it was designed to celebrate the cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. September 15th is a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico, Chile, and Belize which celebrate their independence on Sept. 16th, Sept. 18th, and Sept. 21st respectively.

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Red Flags & Green Flags in Relationships

If you’ve recently left an abusive relationship, you’ve already taken one of the most important steps of the process — leaving. The abuse you experienced was not your fault, and there is never a reason for abuse. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Learning how to heal and take care of yourself after an abusive relationship can help you navigate what comes next.

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Life After Abuse

If you’ve recently left an abusive relationship, you’ve already taken one of the most important steps of the process — leaving. The abuse you experienced was not your fault, and there is never a reason for abuse. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Learning how to heal and take care of yourself after an abusive relationship can help you navigate what comes next.

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The Shadow Pandemic: domestic violence reports still high 3 years after COVID-19 spike

CLEVELAND — Domestic violence experts say rates remain high three years after a pandemic spike, including in Northeast Ohio.

Melissa Graves, CEO of Journey Center for Safety and Healing, which provides counseling, shelter, and several other supports and services for domestic violence victims, said, "It has stayed there since COVID. It hasn't gone back down."

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OH Domestic Violence Network data shows at least 27 murder-suicides during one year

Data shared by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network shows there were 27 murder-suicides among the Ohio homicide cases they identified as being connected to domestic violence between July 1, 2021 and June 20, 2022.

ODVN identified a total of 73 domestic violence homicides in Ohio during the same time period, where the perpetrator killed their former or current intimate partner or spouse.

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Celebrating Activists During Pride Month

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the US. In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage, Journey Center honors AAPI activists who have impacted the gender-based violence movement.

These are just a few of the influential voices who have made history as part of the anti-violence movement. Journey Center is grateful to these, and many other, AAPI activists for leading the way.

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Celebrating Activists During Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a time to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the US. In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage, Journey Center honors AAPI activists who have impacted the gender-based violence movement.

These are just a few of the influential voices who have made history as part of the anti-violence movement. Journey Center is grateful to these, and many other, AAPI activists for leading the way.

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Celebrating Activists During Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements of Black Americans and their central role in U.S. history. In honor of Black History Month, Journey Center want honors Black activists who have impacted the gender-based violence movement.

These are just a few of the influential Black voices who have made history as part of the anti-violence movement. Journey Center is grateful to these, and many other, Black activists for leading the way.

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Court records reveal more about Brooklyn Centre quadruple homicide case

CLEVELAND — Authorities have released new information about what happened inside a Brooklyn Centre home last Friday where a man is accused of killing his father, sister and nephew.

“Domestic violence is a very under-reported crime because of the shame and the fear factor,” Grant said.

Grant says survivors may not recognize the signs early on and abusers have a way of manipulating their own behaviors.

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Ohio joins the rest of the country with 'strangulation law'

OHIO — Ohio was the only state that didn't have what’s called a “strangulation law,” according to State Senator Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood).

But Gov. Mike DeWine's signature on Senate Bill 288 changed that. 

“I really believe once this legislation goes into law, we’re going to save lives," Antonio said.

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Domestic violence agencies ramp up support efforts as the holidays put men, women and children at risk

Right now is a stressful time for many as some are dealing with financial worries and others are isolated at home with their abusers, who may even be heavily monitoring them in person and on social media.

“The holidays tend to be a disruptive time where an abuser may try to exert more power and control through abuse — financial, verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, every kind of, any kind of abuse,” said Melissa Graves, Chief Executive Officer at the Journey Center for Safety and Healing. “Over the holidays, we do tend to see an increase in alcohol consumption for some people. So, all of those things contribute to a stressful environment.”

Senate Bill 90 makes strangulation a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor, what it is now.

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Domestic violence survivors share stories, asking Ohio lawmakers to pass SB 90

MEDINA, Ohio — As Ohio lawmakers enter the lame duck session, ready to push through bills that haven’t yet passed before the general assembly ends at the end of the year, domestic violence advocates and survivors are hopeful that Senate Bill 90 will be one of them.

Senate Bill 90 makes strangulation a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor, what it is now.

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