The Source for Survivors

The Source for Survivors We offer survivors & community supports a framework & tools for hope & healing in the aftermath of domestic violence.

Your abuser may have intentionally isolated you from others. You can rebuild a safe, supportive social support network a...
06/18/2026

Your abuser may have intentionally isolated you from others. You can rebuild a safe, supportive social support network as you move along your healing journey.

"For survivors of interpersonal violence, self-care can feel complicated. When much of your energy has been spent naviga...
06/16/2026

"For survivors of interpersonal violence, self-care can feel complicated. When much of your energy has been spent navigating safety, healing, or meeting the needs of others, prioritizing your own wellness may feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Yet caring for yourself is an important part of recovery and long-term well-being." ~ Erica Campbell, Guest Blogger

Today, we're sharing the latest Pathway for Survivors blog post, which covers a holistic look at self-care for survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse.

Visit https://www.sourceforsurvivors.info/survivorsblog/wellness-self-care-for-survivors to read the entire post, which includes the Wellness Wheel as a framework for self-care practices in different areas of our lives.

Isolation is a common experience for many survivors of abusive relationships. During the relationship, abuse might creat...
06/16/2026

Isolation is a common experience for many survivors of abusive relationships. During the relationship, abuse might create distance from friends, family, and sources of support. Many abusers actually use isolation as an intentional tactic to gain and maintain power and control over their partners. This can happen gradually and may leave survivors feeling disconnected from others.

Even after the relationship has ended, feelings of isolation can continue. Survivors may find themselves pulling away from others, worrying about being judged, or feeling like no one fully understands their experiences.

Rebuilding connections can take time, but supportive people, communities, and resources are out there. Finding a supportive community can be a valuable, important part of the healing journey for many survivors, and it’s worth taking the time to build the right support network to be connected with along the way.

Take your time rebuilding trust in yourself and in others.
06/11/2026

Take your time rebuilding trust in yourself and in others.

The next possible aspect of the healing journey that we’re looking at in this “You Are Not Alone” series is the potentia...
06/09/2026

The next possible aspect of the healing journey that we’re looking at in this “You Are Not Alone” series is the potential for relationship challenges that survivors of abusive relationships might experience.

Because intimate partner violence occurs in the context of what should ideally be a safe, supportive, and close relationships, it’s understandable when experiences of abuse impact how survivors may approach relationships of all kinds. Survivors may notice lingering fears of closeness, difficulty trusting others, or uncertainty about your own instincts and choices.

Relationship challenges can be especially understandable in the context of future romantic relationships. Some survivors choose to take time away from dating, while others may find themselves questioning patterns or feeling misunderstood by new partners.

Other types of relationships can be impacted as well, such as friendships, family relationships, and community-based relationships, such as those at work or in a faith community. This can especially be true for survivors who feel abandoned or hurt if they don’t receive the support they expected during or after the abusive relationship. Sometimes, the healing journey means rebuilding a new network of social support, which can take some time.

It is okay to move at your own pace as you rebuild trust in yourself and others. Know that you are not alone, and supportive, healthy relationships are still possible.

You are not to blame for the abuse you experienced. Abusers are always 100% accountable for their own abusive behaviors....
06/04/2026

You are not to blame for the abuse you experienced. Abusers are always 100% accountable for their own abusive behaviors.

New Series: You Are Not Alone (Understanding Survivors’ Experiences)Survivors of abusive relationships often face experi...
06/02/2026

New Series: You Are Not Alone (Understanding Survivors’ Experiences)

Survivors of abusive relationships often face experiences that are confusing and, at times, difficult to talk about. Today, we’re kicking off a new series in which, over the next several weeks, we will explore several common yet often under-recognized aspects of survivors’ experiences.

Of course, every survivor’s journey is unique, so keep in mind these will be examples of just some of the possible abuse-related experiences that might occur. If you’re a survivor or a supporter of a survivor, be mindful of the wide variation of experiences that can arise during and after abusive relationships, and consider what does and does not resonate with your individual experiences.

Today, we’re starting with a focus on one of these experiences, victim-blaming, which can come from others, from society, and even from internalized feelings of self-blame. Victim-blaming shifts responsibility away from the person who caused harm and places it onto survivors, which can add to feelings of shame, confusion, and isolation.

Remember: Victims and survivors are not to blame for the abuse they experienced. Abusers are always 100% accountable for their own abusive behaviors.

Let’s continue to support ourselves, one another, and our communities until there is an end to victim-blaming and greater accountability being placed on abusers for the harm they inflict on others.

Healthy Relationships as a Survivor of an Abusive Relationship: Series ConclusionAbusive relationships can shape how you...
05/28/2026

Healthy Relationships as a Survivor of an Abusive Relationship: Series Conclusion

Abusive relationships can shape how you think, feel, and respond in other relationships. You may notice that your experiences in the abusive relationship have impacted your trust in others, your expectations, or how you connect with others. Even if this is the case, safe and healthy relationships are still possible for you.

As you move forward, it can be helpful to reflect on what healthy relationships mean to you and what qualities matter most. You may also continue to build skills and awareness that support stronger, more positive connections. Understanding how past experiences have impacted you can help you make more intentional choices in your relationships going forward.

Focusing your time and energy on relationships that feel respectful, supportive, and safe can be a powerful part of healing. This also includes the relationship you have with yourself. As you continue to grow, you can bring greater clarity, intention, and care into the connections you choose to build and maintain.

Bringing Your Best Self to Your RelationshipsAs you move forward in your healing journey, you may begin to notice ways y...
05/26/2026

Bringing Your Best Self to Your Relationships

As you move forward in your healing journey, you may begin to notice ways your experiences have shaped how you show up in relationships. While abusive relationships can take a significant toll, the growth and insight you gain along your healing journey can also support you in building healthier, more intentional connections.

Understanding what you have been through can help you recognize your needs, values, and limits more clearly. Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries can protect your well-being and create space for more respectful interactions. Taking time to process difficult emotions can help you respond thoughtfully rather than react in ways that do not align with who you want to be.

Practicing self-care and continuing to build your relationship skills can also strengthen your ability to connect with others in meaningful ways. Each step you take toward healing supports your ability to show up with greater clarity, confidence, and care.

Bringing your best self to your relationships is not about being perfect. It is about being intentional, growing over time, and creating connections that reflect your values and support your well-being.

Making New (Healthy) Friendships in AdulthoodBuilding friendships in adulthood can feel very different from childhood. L...
05/21/2026

Making New (Healthy) Friendships in Adulthood

Building friendships in adulthood can feel very different from childhood. Life is often busier, and trust may take more time to develop, especially after experiences of abuse. Even so, meaningful and supportive friendships are still possible and can play an important role in your healing journey.

Take a moment to reflect on your current friendships. Do they feel supportive and fulfilling? You may feel content with a small circle, or you may find yourself wanting to build new connections. Wherever you are, your preferences are valid.

If you are open to expanding your friendships, consider where you might meet people who share your interests or values. This could be through classes, community groups, volunteering, faith communities, or other activities you enjoy. Small steps, like starting a conversation or reconnecting with someone you trust, can gradually lead to deeper connections.

Healthy friendships are built over time. By approaching new relationships with patience, intention, and awareness of your needs, you can create connections that feel safe, supportive, and meaningful.

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