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"Safety isn't one-size-fits-all—because people aren't one-size-fits-all." Creating safer communities isn't something survivors do alone. It's something all of us help build. Neighbors who check in. Healthcare providers who listen. Faith communities that welcome. Employers who show understanding. Friends who notice when something seems wrong. Organizations committed to serving people with care and compassion. Each of these plays an important role. Sometimes helping is as pract

"Safety isn't one-size-fits-all—because people aren't one-size-fits-all." If you've ever looked up safety planning online, you've probably found a checklist. Pack a bag. Gather important papers. Memorize phone numbers. Those suggestions can certainly be helpful—but no checklist can account for every person's life. At Branches, safety planning begins with a much simpler question: "What would help you feel safer?" Every survivor's circumstances are different. For some, safety p

"Safety isn't one-size-fits-all—because people aren't one-size-fits-all." Every July, Disability Pride Month offers an opportunity to recognize the many ways people contribute to our communities and to celebrate the idea that every person deserves to live with dignity, independence, and respect. At Branches, we believe something that should be true for everyone: Every person deserves to feel safe. Safety shouldn't depend on how someone communicates, how they move through the

Have you ever jumped when your phone buzzed unexpectedly? Forgotten why you walked into a room? Felt exhausted after a day when nothing "major" happened? For survivors of domestic violence, these experiences can sometimes be more than everyday stress. They can be signs that the brain and body are still responding to trauma long after the danger has passed. The good news? These reactions are common, understandable, and healing is possible. What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress D

When people think about domestic violence and elder abuse, they often imagine two separate issues. In reality, they share many important similarities. Both involve patterns of power and control. Both frequently occur within relationships where trust already exists. Both can involve emotional abuse, financial exploitation, intimidation, isolation, neglect, and physical harm. In fact, many of the dynamics that characterize domestic violence can continue or reappear later in lif

A phone call. A visit from a neighbor. A conversation after church. A shared meal. These simple moments may seem small, but they can play a powerful role in protecting older adults from abuse. One of the most common themes in elder abuse prevention is connection. Social isolation can increase vulnerability to abuse while also making it harder for others to recognize when something is wrong. Abuse often thrives in silence. When older adults become disconnected from family, fri

So what exactly is elder abuse? Elder abuse occurs when an older adult is harmed, neglected, exploited, or controlled by another person.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Relationships today look different than they did even a decade ago — especially for teens. Smartphones, texting, and social media are a big part of how young people connect, express affection, and navigate their relationships. But technology can be used for care , connection , and community — or it can become a tool for control, harassment, and digital abuse. That’s why digital safety is a crucial piece of healthy relationship education t

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – February 10 Today, our team at Branches is wearing orange in honor of Wear Orange Day , a nationwide initiative during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. You’ll see us sharing a collage of our staff dressed in orange as a visible reminder that everyone deserves safe, respectful, and healthy relationships—especially our teens. Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize. According to love is respect , 1 in 3 U.S. teens

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month , a time to raise awareness about how abuse can show up in young people’s relationships. While teens may not live together or share finances like adults, they still experience domestic violence — and the impact can be just as serious and lasting. Teen dating violence happens when one person uses power and control to harm, intimidate, or manipulate their partner. It can occur in any type of relationship and affects teens of all

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about stalking and the lasting impact it has on survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. One of the greatest — and least known — safety tools available is the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP). What Is the Address Confidentiality Program? The Address Confidentiality Program is a state-run safety program that helps survivors keep their physical address private. I

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is proud to announce that one of its own will be honored with a statewide advocacy award from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence at their annual ceremony on Thursday, October 23rd. Branches’ Director of Development, Sara Blevins O’Toole, is the 2025 recipient of the Diane Reese Advocacy Award in recognition of her tireless effort in her eight years of working with survivors of domestic violence. Her unparalleled commitment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2025 CONTACT : Sara Blevins O’Toole Director of Development 304.529.2382 Blevins@branchesdvs.org FOR...

“I grew up in a small town thinking I understood what domestic violence was and what it looked like—but if you volunteer at Branches and...

When people think about domestic violence, they often imagine physical bruises and broken bones. But some of the deepest wounds left...

At Branches, healing doesn’t just happen inside the walls of our shelters—it also happens under open skies, hands in the soil, surrounded...

If you’re thinking about calling our 24/7 confidential hotline, you may be feeling anxious or unsure about what to expect. We want you to...

At Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, we are committed to breaking down barriers for survivors seeking justice. That’s why we are proud...

At Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in preventing abuse —and that’s...

At Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, we know that a warm meal is more than just food—it’s comfort, kindness, and a reminder that...