Advocacy in Action
TTD has been providing lifesaving services and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and abuse since 1977. Below is collection of stories that we would like to share with our supporters and community. This collection is comprised of real moments and highlights the dedication our team has to our mission to end domestic violence. We invite you to take a moment to reflect on the impact our advocates have in the lives of survivors.
Providing Stability
“I’ve seen families put in the absolute most work. It’s humbling to meet people at their most vulnerable and see how they want to thrive. Our job at shelter is to meet people in crisis and help them stabilize.”
As Shelter and Facilities Manager, Megan is the glue that keeps our shelter in working order, and it is no small task. At any time, up to 20 resident survivors will be seeking refuge at our shelter after fleeing abuse; all have different physical and emotional needs. From grocery shopping, to laundry, and checking the batteries in the smoke detector, Megan accommodates survivors and their needs while staying at shelter. Creating physical stability for people fleeing violence is central to Megan’s advocacy. We can’t fix what has led survivors to seek safety with us, but we can provide a period of dependability, space to recover, and room to map out their next step.
Leaning into Creativity
“Housing is so precarious, especially for survivors with many barriers to safety. Advocates always explore every option. I know we can do it, but I don’t know how yet. Emphasis on Yet.”
Creative problem solving is a core skill for any advocate, and Sara, TTD’s Transitional Housing Advocate, practices it daily. When leaving an abusive partner is part of a survivor’s safety plan, starting over does not always mean a clean start. People who abuse will try to maintain control over survivors through intentionally wrecking their credit scores, draining accounts, damaging property, or sabotaging their plans. Navigating the housing market is challenging; additional hardships can make finding an apartment almost impossible. This does not deter Sara. She makes connections with local landlords, searches rental listings, helps survivors gather necessary documents, and whatever else it takes to help find their own place in which survivors can start writing their next chapter.
Rising to the Challenge
“Gaps in those systems don’t discourage me. Seeing the places where we can improve our advocacy makes me want to work harder to fix it! I take those moments as opportunities to challenge the systems.”
In the 25 years Jen has worked at TTD, she’s seen firsthand how gaps in the systems affect survivors; and she’s one of the many advocates who persists in closing them. Sustained efforts led by advocates have resulted in changes to state policy and law. The progress advocates have championed can also be seen in our collaborative relationships with law enforcement, civil court and criminal legal systems. When we see places where survivors are navigating alone, we search for ways to make those places less isolated and daunting. TTD strives to improve the collective response to abuse and violence; whether any individual survivor works directly with TTD or not, our goal is to impact systems so that survivors are treated with compassion and dignity across the community.
Striving for Dignity
“I had a lot of false beliefs about incarceration; I discovered my role is to create space for survivors to feel empowered. Sometimes that means offering a craft activity or talking with them about their kids.”
In her work facilitating support groups at Cumberland County’s Jail, Elena, TTD’s Community Educator, has learned what it means to provide advocacy for those surviving during times of mental and physical isolation. Survivors who are incarcerated live in a world of control and confinement, an environment that can be reminiscent of living under the control of an abusive partner. Through TTD’s ongoing relationship with the prison system, for one hour every week we gather in a private room, where survivors can support each other, share their experiences, and lessen the isolation from both abuse and incarceration. TTD treats all survivors like the members of the community they are, listening to their full and rich lives, hearing their experiences, and helping them heal; free from judgement or a constructed agenda.
Understanding
“You can work with someone for months and they might face an unexpected challenge like a substance use relapse. I understand that they are trying. Every single person I work with is trying their best.”
Meghan’s advocacy may vary in strategy, but never in consistency of effort. As a TTD Community-Based Advocate, Meghan primarily works with populations that are typically referred to as transient: survivors who are unhoused, trafficked, incarcerated, and/or use substances. Her day is spent connecting people with community resources, providing bags of basic needs, and safety planning with folks to reach their next milestone. That might be finding a roof for the night or their next meal, entering a recovery program, transitioning out of incarceration, or even applying to school. Meghan, and all TTD advocates, serve survivors of abuse and violence no matter their current living situation or the personal challenges they face.
If you would like to contribute to our mission to end domestic violence, click here to take action to support survivors.
Need help? Call our free and confidential 24-hour helpline: 1.800.537.6066