Author | Lightnews

womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · 14d

Mark your calendar and don your finest purple apparel with us on October 16.

A picture with the following words: “Paint Philly Purple Day is October 16. Wear purple, snap a selfie and share a supportive message to survivors on social media.”

womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · 24d

✅ Advocates
✅ Philly DV Hotline flyers and palm cards
✅ Purple balloons

We’re SO ready for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Women Against Abuse advocates smile and hold big bunches of purple balloons in Philly.

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Sep 16

The movement to recognize marital rape as a crime in the U.S. began thanks to the courage of Denise Liberta, a survivor in New York who took her case all the way to the Supreme Court.

CW for descriptions of sexual violence ➡️ damemagazine.com/2024/12/20/marital-rape-was-legal-longer-than-you-think

A picture of an article from Dame Magazine with the headline ““Marital Rape” Was Legal Longer Than You Think.”

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Aug 11

An important reminder for Romance Awareness Month! “No” is a complete sentence, and you have a right to say it at any time during a relationship (even if you’ve said “Yes” in the past).

A picture of a purple starry sky with the following affirmation: “Anything less than enthusiastic consent should be considered a "No!"“

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Aug 8

Happy National Boundaries Awareness Day!

🚦 Do you know your YES, NO or MAYBE? Boundaries aren’t about control — they’re about mutual respect and safety.

Use this chart to explore your comfort zones.

✅ What’s a YES for you?
❌ What’s a hard NO?
🤔 What depends on the moment or the context?

A Boundaries chart from Prevention Friday by Women Against Abuse. The chart has four columns, including “Scenario,” “Yes” with a green check mark emoji, “No” with a red X emoji and “Maybe” with an unsure/thinking emoji. The Yes, No and Maybe columns have blank squares so you can mark your preference next to these scenarios: “Sharing my location with a partner,” “Holding hands in public,” “Posting our relationship on social media,” “Being asked to talk when I’m upset,” “Receiving gifts as apologies,” “Being surprised with plans,” “Having someone go through my phone” and “Sexual activity when I’m tired or unsure.”

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Aug 6

👉 Fear of retraumatization while reporting or testifying

👉 The news cycle, or seeing celebrity perpetrators of abuse evade repercussions or accountability

Never shame someone for not reporting an abusive partner to law enforcement or going public. Survivors should be believed, not blamed.

3/end

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Aug 6

Many survivors do not report abuse due to:

👉 Lack of resources to pursue legal action

👉 Fear of retaliation against them, their children, their pet, their home, or their career

👉 Distrust or fear of law enforcement

2/

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Aug 6

No one ever became famous for reporting an abuser. Disclosing relationship violence is RISKY for survivors of abuse, so many do not report it to law enforcement or go public.

Why? We’re glad you asked. 🧵

A picture of a cartoon man standing in front of a trophy pedestal that is empty and covered in cobwebs. The man says: “Here’s the person who got famous for reporting their abuser…If we could find one!!!!!!”

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jul 16

Leaving may be the most DANGEROUS time in an abusive relationship. Here's why ➡️ bit.ly/waawhyleavingisdifficult

Why It's So Difficult to Leave | Women Against Abuse

bit.ly

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jul 16

Real talk: Asking a survivor of abuse “Why don’t you just leave?” isn’t just unhelpful—it’s harmful. Instead of questioning survivors, let’s start asking:

“Why does someone choose to hurt their partner—and then try to stop them from leaving?”

Let’s shift the blame where it belongs.

A meme of Fry from Futurama, with a faded version of himself screaming superimposed over his expressionless face. A white bar with text above his head reads: “Me whenever someone asks a survivor of domestic violence “Why didn’t you just leave?””

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Reposted

womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jun 2

Propaganda we’re not falling for in 2025:

🚫 Men don’t experience domestic violence
🚫 Survivors who don’t disclose abuse are lying
🚫 Domestic violence only happens to straight people
🚫 Emotional abuse isn’t as bad as physical abuse
🚫 People who stay with an abusive partner deserve blame

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jul 11

Kissing Day was Sunday, but every day is a good day for a kiss…and every kiss should begin with consent. When it comes to consent, the #PreventionFriday crew thinks ENTHUSIASTIC CONSENT is the gold standard.

Here's what it looks like, courtesy of RAINN.

A picture for Women Against Abuse’s weekly Prevention Friday, featuring two teens making a “blow a kiss” gesture, and the words “Kissing requires consent!*” “*Anything less than enthusiastic consent should be considered a “No!””

A second picture of a series for Women Against Abuse’s weekly Prevention Friday, featuring a smaller picture of the teens making air kisses with text that reads: “Enthusiastic consent looks like: [point] Explicitly agreeing to an activity, saying/communicating “Yes!” or “I’m open to trying this!” [point] Giving positive feedback when you’re comfortable with an activity. [point] Confirming reciprocal interest before initiating any physical touch. (“Can I hug you?”)”

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jun 30

Survivors of abuse in Philly - find free counseling resources in our neighborhood here 👉 bit.ly/waacounselingresource

womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jun 30

A PSA for PTSD Awareness Month. The symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can last years or even a lifetime for survivors of intimate partner violence. Take your time, and be kind to yourself!

A picture of a purple-tinted sunrise with the words: Healing after abuse is a process. You have the right to heal at your own pace.

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jun 30

A PSA for PTSD Awareness Month. The symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can last years or even a lifetime for survivors of intimate partner violence. Take your time, and be kind to yourself!

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jun 11

If you see a victim-blaming comment here on Bluesky, shift the narrative by sharing your local domestic violence hotline number so more users will see that instead. Here in Philly, that number is 1-866-723-3014.

A meme of the MS Word paperclip assistant. In a speech bubble, the paperclip asks: “Looks like you’re about to leave a comment that blames someone for the abuse they experienced. How about NOT doing that?”

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jun 6

A #PrideMonth / #PreventionFriday FYI: Did you know polyamorous relationships can experience unique challenges when it comes to power and control? Just like monogamous relationships, consent, communication and boundaries are key!

Here are the Red Flags AND Green Flags to look for in your polycule!

The first of three pictures for Women Against Abuse’s weekly Prevention Friday, featuring three people in a polyamorous relationship smiling and embracing. Underneath them are the words: “Polyamory ≠ abuse. Control ≠ love.” The Prevention Friday neon sign along the left-hand side features an Inclusive Pride Flag in the shape of a heart in place of the “v” in “Prevention.”

The second of three pictures for Women Against Abuse’s Prevention Friday post about polyamory. The polyamorous triad is now smiling and embracing while their backs are turned to us, and standing next to the following text: “Red Flags to Look Out for in Polyamorous Relationships:

(Red flag emoji) Isolation: Your partner does not let you spend time with other people outside of your polycule.

(Red flag emoji) Forced Hierarchy: Your partner insists on having veto power over your other partners, but you don’t get a say in theirs.

(Red flag emoji) Lack of Autonomy: Your partner refuses to respect your boundaries because “that’s not how polyamory works.”

The third and final picture for Women Against Abuse’s Prevention Friday post about polyamory. This picture features the polyamorous triad, seated and being affectionate toward one another, next to the following text: “Green Flags to Celebrate in Polyamorous Relationships:

(Green check mark emoji) Open conversations: Talking openly about feelings without punishment or judgment.

(Green check mark emoji) Respect for Agreements: When an agreement needs to change, it’s renegotiated with everyone’s consent—not unilaterally broken or rewritten.

(Green check mark emoji) Shared Decision-Making: You’re not caught off-guard by a new partner or dynamic shift—changes are talked about ahead of time, and everyone’s feelings are considered.”

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · Jun 2

Propaganda we’re not falling for in 2025:

🚫 Men don’t experience domestic violence
🚫 Survivors who don’t disclose abuse are lying
🚫 Domestic violence only happens to straight people
🚫 Emotional abuse isn’t as bad as physical abuse
🚫 People who stay with an abusive partner deserve blame

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 30

2/ The Philadelphia Pride Flag became a symbol of intersectionality, a core value in our work to prevent intimate partner violence. True prevention is about creating inclusive, safe spaces where ALL identities are respected, protected and celebrated.

#PreventionFriday

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 30

In 2017, Philadelphia made history by unveiling a redesigned version of the rainbow pride flag, adding black & brown stripes to:

🌈 acknowledge the racial inequity that exists within LGBTQ+ spaces
🌈 center Black & Brown queer voices that are often erased
🌈 affirm that racial justice IS queer justice

An image for Prevention Friday by Women Against Abuse, featuring a hand waving the Philadelphia Pride Flag in front of a purple-tinted background of Philadelphia City Hall, as seen from Broad Street.

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 27

In Pennsylvania, eviction notices stay on your record FOREVER. A new law would seal eviction records after 7 years, giving many survivors of abuse who had to flee violent homes more access to better housing options.

Tell PA lawmakers to support HB 1095 👉 bit.ly/findyourlegislatorwaa

#WAATakeAction

A Policy Tuesday picture from Women Against Abuse, featuring a young anti-abuse advocate sitting on a floor next to a megaphone and handmade protest signs. In her hand is a sign that reads, “Do your part.” Next to her is text that reads: “Policy Tuesday,” “Tell lawmakers in Pennsylvania to support HB 1095, which would seal eviction histories for survivors of abuse who had to flee unsafe homes!”

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 23

Healthy relationships are based on trust, respect, safety and freedom — not control, fear or guilt.

If the T.E.M.P.S. are appearing in your relationship, contact your local domestic violence hotline (in Philly, it’s 1-866-723-3014). Everyone deserves love that feels safe.

#PreventionFriday

womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 23

Let’s talk about the types of abuse that can show up in relationships:

💔Technological: device monitoring, password access
💔Emotional: constant criticism, gaslighting
💔Money: control over your finances & ability to work
💔Physical: hitting, threats of assault
💔Sexual: coercion, non-consensual touch

A Prevention Friday image by Women Against Abuse, featuring a thermometer and the following text: Is your relationship abusive? Check the T.E.M.P.S.! T - TECHNOLOGICAL ABUSE, E - EMOTIONAL/MENTAL/VERBAL ABUSE, M - MONEY/FINANCIAL ABUSE, P - PHYSICAL ABUSE, and S - SEXUAL ABUSE

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 23

Let’s talk about the types of abuse that can show up in relationships:

💔Technological: device monitoring, password access
💔Emotional: constant criticism, gaslighting
💔Money: control over your finances & ability to work
💔Physical: hitting, threats of assault
💔Sexual: coercion, non-consensual touch

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 19

A little louder for the people in the back.

A statement on a rain-covered window with blurry lights: Emotional abuse is abuse.

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 16

A #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay PSA. Share to spread awareness and unite in solidarity with survivors with disabilities!

A Prevention Friday picture by Women Against Abuse, featuring a woman with Achondroplasia using a wheelchair while her partner looks at her lovingly as they stand behind her, holding the handles of her wheelchair. Next to the couple is the following text: “A Global Accessibility Awareness Day PSA: Access is safety.” (“is” appears in italics), “Consent includes access.” (“includes” appears in italics), “Love is not control.” “is not” appears in italics).

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womenagainstabuse.bsky.social @womenagainstabuse.bsky.social · May 12

A question for survivors everywhere during #MentalHealthMonth - what self-care strategies have helped you the most on your healing journey after surviving relationship abuse? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#DomesticViolence #feedback

A picture of a question from Women Against Abuse on a purple gradient background - What self-care strategies have helped you the most on your healing journey after surviving relationship abuse?

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