by Michael Neely | Aug 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence
For years I thought I was an anomaly (a pastor and a male survivor of a 15-year domestic violence marriage). I had no idea how much abuse was hiding in the shadows of the church and the faith community. It was always there but abuse thrives and hides in the darkness...
by Michael Neely | Aug 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence
On average, a DV survivor leaves 7 times before they leave for good. Seven times. That number used to frustrate people who didn’t understand. Now I see it differently. Each time someone leaves, they’re building courage. Testing the waters. Learning what...
by Michael Neely | Aug 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence
The silence we call “holy” might be the thing keeping us stuck. In faith communities, there’s an unspoken rule: certain struggles stay private. We smile on Sunday. We say “I’m blessed” when we’re barely holding on. We’ve...
by Beth Simpson | Jul 1, 2026 | Leaving
Part 1: Understanding Digital Risk Are you planning to leave—or have you already left—an abusive relationship? If so, it’s important to be aware that an abuser may use technology to monitor or “keep tabs” on you. Technology is a powerful resource. It can help you plan...
by Beth Simpson | Jul 1, 2026 | Leaving
Part 2: Securing Your Accounts The first and most important step, if you suspect monitoring or stalking, is to change your passwords—including banking, medical apps, and Wi-Fi access. Do this using a device the abuser has never accessed, such as: A public library...
by Beth Simpson | Jul 1, 2026 | Leaving
Part 3: Locking Down Your Devices Once your accounts are secure, it’s time to protect your devices. This step may involve some inconvenience—but it is essential. Take the following actions: Remove yourself from family plans and shared accounts Disconnect from shared:...
by Beth Simpson | Jul 1, 2026 | Leaving
Part 4: Managing Social Media and Staying Aware Take time to “cleanse” your social media presence and strengthen your privacy. Set all accounts to the highest privacy settings Block the abuser—and anyone who may share information with them Adjust settings to: Prevent...
by Jan Porter | Jun 1, 2026 | Leaving
Preparing for a Hurricane…a weather storm….or a storm in your personal life? Have you ever really thought about what you would do if a storm or hurricane came to visit? Gathering Information Sometimes the weather is not an all-out storm or hurricane, but there can be...
by Jan Porter | Jun 1, 2026 | Leaving
Preparing for a Hurricane…a weather storm….or a storm in your personal life? Gathering Information Continued … Medications and prescriptions, medical records, vitamins Phone numbers for doctors and other important professionals Lease/rental agreement, mortgage...
by Jan Porter | Jun 1, 2026 | Leaving
Preparing for a Hurricane…a weather storm….or a storm in your personal life? Have you ever really throught about what you would do if a storm or hurricane came to visit your home or a neighbor, a friend, someone you work with, a church member or a relative? Many of us...
