This resource hub is designed to empower survivors and their allies with practical tools and knowledge for safety and healing.
Whether you’re seeking immediate support or looking to better understand the dynamics of abuse, these resources are here to help you advocate for yourself and others with confidence and clarity.
If you think you are in an abusive relationship, need emergency shelter because of your violent partner or have been sexually assaulted, you can call EPEC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our hotline is completely confidential. You do not have to give your name to the operator if you don’t want to.
Developing a safety plan is crucial for anyone contemplating leaving an abusive partner. This plan assists survivors in outlining strategies to ensure their own safety, as well as the safety of their children and pets, whether they need to temporarily escape during an incident of violence or are preparing to leave their abuser permanently.
Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. If you are in a domestic violence situation, preparing to leave can be overwhelming and even dangerous. Creating a safety plan and preparing in advance can help protect you and your loved ones.
Important documents like ID, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and any legal papers (such as restraining orders or custody documents) should be gathered if it’s safe to do so. Pack essentials like medications, keys, some cash or a prepaid card, a phone and charger, and a few changes of clothes for you and your children. Safety comes first—only collect these items if you can do so without putting yourself in greater danger.
Leaving a domestic violence situation is a courageous and critical step toward safety and freedom. It can feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Whether you have already left or are considering leaving, there are important steps you can take to protect yourself, heal, and begin building a future free from violence.
If you are a victim of interpersonal violence in West Virginia, you may be eligible to apply for a protective order to help stop the abuser from having any further contact with you.
This printable journal template was created as a resource or survivors to use at their own pace in their healing journey, with daily journal logs, 30 days of daily writing prompts, affirmations, goal setting activities, and more. Download the PDF and print to use!
Grooming is a manipulative process that abusers use to gain access to a child, build trust, and break down boundaries to prepare them for abuse. It can happen in person or online, and often occurs gradually, making it difficult to recognize until harm has occurred. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent it.
Online sexual abuse refers to any form of sexual exploitation or harassment that occurs through digital platforms, such as social media, websites, messaging apps, or online games. It includes behaviors such as: online grooming, sexual harassment, child sexual exploitation, non-consentual intimate images, and sexual extortion.
Sex trafficking is a serious crime that involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation or prostitution. Victims can be adults or minors, and they may come from any background, culture, or geographic location. This form of human trafficking is a violation of human rights and is a global issue that requires collective action to combat.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted behavior that causes a person to feel frightened, harassed, or threatened. It can involve physical actions, such as following or showing up uninvited, or non-physical actions, such as sending unwanted messages or monitoring someone’s activities online. Stalking behavior is often intrusive, persistent, and can escalate over time, leading to severe emotional, psychological, and physical consequences for the victim.
Consent is a fundamental aspect of healthy relationships and personal boundaries. It means agreeing to something willingly, without pressure, manipulation, or fear. In all areas of life—whether it’s in friendships, family relationships, or romantic partnerships—consent ensures that everyone’s boundaries are respected and that interactions are safe, respectful, and mutually understood.
Secondary survivors are individuals who are affected by the trauma experienced by someone they care about. Secondary survivors often find themselves dealing with emotional and psychological responses to the trauma their loved ones have endured, and they may also experience challenges in offering support without overwhelming themselves.
Sexual assault is an uncomfortable topic to address, but educating children about personal boundaries, consent, and respect helps them to develop healthy relationships and understand the importance of speaking out if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.