By Joelle Piercy, LSW, MSS, MLSP Safe+Sound Somerset Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) asks us not only to name the harm caused by sexual violence, but to reflect on the cultural conditions that allow...
Topic: Warning Signs
Women’s History Month Through the Choices, Boundaries, and Consent Lens: How the Fight for Women’s Freedom Creates a Freer World for Everyone
By Joelle Piercy, LSW, MSS, MLSP Safe+Sound Somerset Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Women’s History Month invites us to honor the women who have shaped our world and expanded our understanding of safety, dignity, and freedom — in our...
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: What Teens Are Really Asking Us
By Joelle Piercy, LSW, MSS, MLSP Safe+Sound Somerset Director of Outreach and Community Engagement Every February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) calls us to look at how young people experience relationships and how we can help keep them safe. At Safe+Sound Somerset, prevention is daily practice rooted in listening...
Understanding Human Trafficking and How We Can Prevent It
by Victor M. Peralta, Jr An Urgent, Shared Responsibility With more than 20 years of experience working alongside New York City law enforcement agencies, I’ve conducted human trafficking outreach that led to meaningful, lasting impact - helping victims and survivors...
Ask Ava, Ep. 269: “When is jealousy abusive?”
You have a right to spend time with your friends and have hobbies or activities that are important to you outside of your relationship. Join us for the last part of our series looking at non-physical forms of abuse, as...
Ask Ava, Ep. 268: “What does verbal abuse look like in an abusive relationship?”
Verbal abuse can be scary and have lasting impacts. Hear from special guest Jessica Fernandez about how to recognize verbal abuse in this third installment of our series looking at different types of abuse. If you or someone you know...
Ask Ava, Ep. 267: “How can you recognize gaslighting?”
Gaslighting is when someone uses manipulation and lies to purposely make you question your reality and your experiences. In the second installment of a 4-part Ask Ava series exploring different types of abuse, special guest Jessica Fernandez talks about how...
Ask Ava, Ep. 266: “What is financial abuse?”
Today we're launching a new 4-part Ask Ava series highlighting different types of abuse besides physical violence. In this episode, special guest Jessica Fernandez talks about the warning signs of financial abuse - when someone gains power and control over...
Ask Ava, Ep. 265: “How can teens protect themselves against dating abuse when they start dating?”
Before dating, it can be helpful to identify your goals for relationship and feel confident in your right to make your own choices, set boundaries, and give or deny consent. Along with learning the red flags of abusive relationships, these...
Ask Ava Ep 264 “How to set boundaries without being mean?”
Setting boundaries is a form of self-love; creating safety for YOU is not mean to someone else. Special guest Jessica Fernandez joins us to talk about how setting boundaries can be an act of healing and empowerment! If you or...
