It's important to show your friend you believe them and support their decisions with care and concern, not with judgement. Join us as special guest Jessica Fernandez shares how her friends helped her through a difficult time. To speak with...
Topic: Boundaries
Ask Ava, Ep. 262: “How can I tell my current partner about my past sexual assault?”
You deserve to be believed and to not be blamed for the sexual assault. Let your partner know how you need them to listen and support you, and give them space for their own reaction as well. Safe+Sound Somerset is...
Ask Ava, Ep. 260: “What are the impacts of teen dating violence?”
Experiencing teen dating violence can have devasting impacts on individuals and whole communities. Join us as we talk about some of the effects of teen dating violence AND flip the script to talk about the positive impacts of healthy, safe...
Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 Advocacy Toolkit
CVFSA Advocacy Toolkit Summary The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 (CVFSA) (H.R.909/S.1892) will help stave off devastating Victims of Crime Act cuts and give sexual assault and domestic violence programs the resources they need to stay open....
Ask Ava, Ep. 259: “What are some red flags of abuse besides physical violence?”
Red flag behaviors are actions that someone else uses to take away or violate your right to make your own decisions, set boundaries, and give consent. Special guest Jessica Fernandez joins Ask Ava to share some of her personal experiences...
Celebrating Pride Month Is An Act of Prevention: Ending Violence Requires Us to Challenge All Forms of Oppression
Joelle Piercy, LSW, MSS, MLSP (she/her/hers) | Safe+Sound Somerset Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Pride Month is a celebration of identity, visibility, and hard-won progress. At Safe+Sound Somerset, we also use it as a time to reflect on what it will truly take to create a world free from...
National Taskforce to End Sexual Violence – Day of Action (June 5th) Overview
Ask Ava, Ep. 258: “I’m experiencing emotional abuse…how can I get others to take me seriously?”
You deserve to feel safe. Emotional abuse violates our right to make our own choices, set boundaries and give consent. Center your feelings when you communicate with others, and let them know how they can support you. If you or...
Ask Ava, Ep. 257: “Do victims share a responsibility for their assault because of the clothes they wear or the situations they put themselves in?”
NO! Assault only happens because the assaulter chooses to commit the assault. This question is an example of victim-blaming and makes it harder for survivors to get the support they need. We believe survivors! Learn more on today’s episode of...
Mental Health and Domestic + Sexual Violence
The Connection Between Mental Health and Survivor Services May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting the importance of mental well-being. At Safe+Sound Somerset, we understand that mental health is...
