Sovereign: Honoring Bodily Autonomy, Exploring Healing Through Art
Art has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and bring communities together. For Charlotte artist Meredith Connelly, art is also a tool for healing, advocacy, and transformation. A multidisciplinary artist known for her large-scale installations that explore the interplay of light, science, and technology, Meredith is also a survivor. Her lived experience fuels her passion for creating spaces where survivors feel seen, heard, and empowered. Her latest curated exhibit, Soverei ... Read moreHow To Create Effective Safety Plans
For survivors of abuse, deciding to prioritize safety is a brave and life-changing step. However, it can also bring an overwhelming wave of questions and emotions: Where do I go? How can I protect myself? What about my children? A safety plan is the bridge between fear and freedom, offering survivors a clear path forward in moments of crisis and beyond. At the heart of this process is Jasmine Hensley, Director of the Greater Charlotte Hope Line at Safe Alliance. Jasmine and her team ... Read moreWords Matter: “Victim” or “Survivor”
Domestic violence and sexual assault experiences can be difficult for individuals to feel comfortable speaking about with others. When referring to the individual who experienced these traumatic events, it is important to refer to them in an appropriate way. Many well-meaning community members are uncertain whether the term "victim" or "survivor" is best. A victim is typically used to refer to someone who has recently been abused or experienced domestic or sexual violence. Whereas ... Read moreThe Silent Struggle: Why Men Often Don’t Report Abuse
One in 10 men in the U.S. has experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner and suffered some form of related impact. The Centers for Disease Control confirms what so many quietly endure. But the reality of male victims of domestic violence remains deeply buried beneath societal expectations and gender stereotypes. Traditionally, intimate partner violence is portrayed as a woman's issue, with men cast as perpetrators. This stigma leads ... Read moreSexual Assault Awareness Month: Highlighting Prevalence and Resources
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to acknowledge the prevalence of sexual violence, honor survivors, and work towards creating safer communities. How prevalent is Sexual Violence? More than 1 in 2 (53%) of women and nearly 1 in 3 (29%) of men experience sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetime. Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. It's estimated that 433,648 Americans ages 12 and older were sexually assaulted or raped each yea ... Read moreIn an emergency please dial 911
Call the Greater Charlotte Hope Line 24/7 for info on parenting, domestic violence and sexual assault 980.771.4673.
