Category: Uncategorized

We get it: school is out, kids are home, it’s hot outside, and more people in a tight living space can be a recipe for disaster, or at least more stress. Summer is often a challenging time for survivors of domestic violence. When others are celebrating the season, survivors are left feeling the additional responsibilities of managing childcare and work while also trying to keep the peace at home. 

To help ease the stress just a bit, here are some tips for entertaining your kids (and yourself) this summer:

1. Outdoor movies. There are many free movie series throughout the city, like Movies Under the Stars, which offers movie screenings at many city parks through the end of July.  Movies in the Square offers screenings on Tuesdays in Domino Park in Williamsburg, and SummerStarz shows screenings on Fridays until mid-August in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

2. Governors Island. This island is full of adventure and beauty, and is easy to get to by ferry from lower Manhattan or Brooklyn. The Yard is an adventure in itself – a playground that lets kids ages 5-19 create their own playspace by building, climbing, painting, zip lining and whatever else they can imagine. Caregivers can just sit back and enjoy the time! 

3. Get creative. Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City offers events like story times, musical performances and workshops and offers a full calendar of events each day. There’s something for every type of kid (and adult!) to enjoy all summer. 

4. Soccer fans in the house? There are many places to watch the World Cup games for free with other fans. Popular city spots are transformed into event venues for the big games and can be a high-energy place to watch.

5. Get wet! There’s nothing more appealing during a heat wave than taking a dip! Luckily, NYC offers many free pools throughout the city that are accessible to all city residents. The Gottesman Pool at Harlem Meer is the newest addition to the list, and offers a huge oasis for the northern end of the park. One of the coolest pools in town (in our opinion!) is The Floating Pool Lady – a floating barge that docks at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx. Smaller, kid-friendly pools like the wading pool at the Asser Levy Playground and the Mini Pool at Tompkins Square Park in the East Village are also an option for younger children. No matter where you live, there’s a pool near you!

If all else fails, check out this very cool website from the Mayor’s office which offers personalized suggestions for what to do on any given day of the week. 

We know the summer can be a difficult season to bear, and we’re here to help you navigate the challenges this weather can bring. Reach out to info@women4womenbk.org if you need support. 

Abusive relationships are more common than we might think. According to the CDC, 1 out of every 3 women has experienced some form of abuse. Because these relationships can be so damaging to victims, supporting them in a way that empowers them and builds trust can help provide the stability they deserve. Here are ways to show up as the best friend you can be when someone you love is experiencing abuse. 

1. Start with empathy

It’s easy to assume that someone in an abusive relationship can leave when they want, but that is not always the case. There are many reasons why someone may need to stay in a relationship, such as financial dependence, fear for safety, or lack of social support. Listening with empathy can be the most effective antidote for someone experiencing abuse. Just affirming that your friend is not alone and that you believe them sends a powerful message.

2. Stay in touch

Many victims of abuse feel isolated. One of the best ways to combat this disempowering feeling is to stay in touch. Calling or texting a friend in need to let them know you are available for a quick chat, a walk, a cup of coffee, or a night out can offer them a way out, and making sure they know you are there can make all the difference. 

3. Empower, empower, empower

Abuse is almost always about power and control. Abusers strip their partners of autonomy and leave them powerless to make their own choices or control their own life. As a friend, you can counter this feeling of powerlessness by allowing your friend to make decisions within your friendship, such as when and where to meet, or what to talk about. Trying to impose your own need to “save” your friend may do more harm than good and make them feel more disempowered. 

4. Ask questions

Remember to truly listen when you can. Asking open-ended questions can help your friend process what they’re going through. Questions such as “How did that make you feel?” or “What did you do next?” can help someone make sense of what steps they want to take next. 

5. Trust the power of friendship

Offering consistent, ongoing support is the very best way to help a friend in an abusive relationship. Just knowing that you’re there no matter what can make all the difference for someone who may feel alone, isolated and afraid. Remember that even as a friend, you need support, too! Being there for someone experiencing abuse can be draining and scary. You are not alone – we are here to help. If you need support for yourself (or your friend!), reach out to info@women4womenbk.org. 

Source: NPR, National Domestic Violence Hotline

If you have an Emergency Housing Voucher and recently received a notice indicating that NYCHA will no longer be providing subsidy payments for your rent, you are not alone. Thousands of families are affected by this huge change. Losing assistance for your rent can make you feel overwhelmed, frustrated and filled with uncertainty. We understand, and we are here to help. 

The Emergency Housing Voucher program was created as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and was expected to provide assistance through September 2030. Established in response to the Covid pandemic, EHVs were awarded to families and individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or fleeing domestic and gender-based violence and helped subsidize a portion of rent based on their income. Unfortunately, federal funding has run out and all EHV participants will lose their EHV assistance by the end of 2026. 

If you would like to receive an offer for an alternative subsidized housing option from NYCHA, you must complete a NYCHA public housing application on the Self-Service Portal. EHV participants must be current on their annual recertification, must allow inspectors to conduct Housing Quality Standard inspections, and must respond to NYCHA communication about their voucher or household as soon as possible. 

Women4Women has created a Resource Guide to help you navigate next steps. If you need support, feel free to reach out to us: info@women4womenbk.org. Keep your chin up, know that you are not alone, and that you can find solutions by staying informed and brainstorming with your social worker and advocates!

It’s tax season and we all know what that means: scrambling to get our documents in order and trying to find a moment to focus, only to realize that you need help. If you are struggling to find the time and energy to file your taxes by yourself, you are not alone. As survivors, it can be difficult to make space for these tasks that feel really big. But not to worry, you may be able to find help from your local library. The local library is more than just a place for books – it offers a wide range of free services to help navigate everyday life.

Curious to find out what else your library can do? Here are 10 resources worth checking out:

1. Income Tax Help

The New York Public Library collaborates with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the IRS and can help you prepare and file your tax return electronically free of charge. To learn more, check out the requirements to receive help.

2. Child Story Time

All the New York City Public Library branches offer numerous storytimes throughout the day most days of the week. Find events for infants, toddlers, and school-aged children throughout the city. 

3. English Language Classes

The New York, Brooklyn, and Queens branches of the library all offer free English classes. You can register to join an 8-week class or join a casual conversation to build your skills.

4. Immigration Services

Support for immigrants is available across all library branches and includes events and workshops on job support, language courses, multilingual business help, and multilingual books and resources. 

5. Social Work Walk-in Hours

Many branches of the library offer social work walk-in hours to help you navigate the city’s toughest systems. Social workers are available to help you with housing, food, employment, health insurance, and mental health services. 

6. Technology Classes 

The library is also a great place to boost your tech skills. Classes such as computer basics, ask-a-tech, and open lab hours answer your questions and help connect you with the support you need.

7. Book Discussions 

If you’re looking to meet new people in your neighborhood, look no further than your local library! Book discussions are a great way to connect with new people and share in a discussion. 

8. Career Coaching and Job Support

Get help with your resume and your job search and learn new job interviewing skills at your local library. Many branches offer resume writing workshops and assistance navigating your job search.

9. Citizenship Preparation

If you’re working on your citizenship application, the library is a great place to get extra support. Your local library offers free test prep classes and workshops on the application process. 

10. Financial Literacy Classes

For many survivors of domestic violence, becoming financially independent is a work-in-progress. Many library branches offer a number of financial literacy classes that provide training on the basics all the way to investing in financial markets. 

No matter what you’re looking for, your local library probably has a class for that! There are so many resources available to you throughout the city, and your library is here to support you. If you need help finding the branch that offers what you need, or any extra help, you can reach out to info@women4womenbk.org.

We all know that healthy relationships are built on trust, kindness and mutual respect. But sometimes the lines between affection and control can become blurry, and we can get swept up into a toxic relationship without our permission. If you have been questioning how healthy your relationship truly is, it may be time to evaluate and look for possible red flags. It is important to remember that every relationship is different, but there are a few concerning behaviors that perpetrators of domestic violence share:

1. Excessive jealousy: Your partner insists on knowing where you are at all times, or tells you that you’re not spending enough time with them. They also don’t support your accomplishments or achievements because they may be envious or threatened by your success.
2. Controlling behavior: Your partner decides who you see, what you can wear, or how you spend your money. They also may take your money or deny you access to it and isolate you from your friends or family.
3. Unrealistic expectations: Your partner may expect you to meet unreasonable standards and fill their every need. They threaten self-harm if you decide to leave them, or expect you to pay for all the bills with no support. 
4. Isolation: Your partner criticizes your close friends and family members and attributes relationship problems to your interactions with them. Your partner may require their permission to perform daily tasks, like going to the store or going out with friends.
5. Blaming others: Your partner blames others for their own problems or failures. They may claim someone is ‘out to get them’ all the time, and blame you for relationship issues.
6. Hypersensitivity: Your partner reacts with rage to comments that others would not find offensive. They may be constantly resentful and angry at you.
7. Cruelty to animals or children: Your partner may be intentionally mean to animals or children. They may withhold food as punishment, or confine a child or animal to a small space. They may be physically and verbally aggressive.
8. Sexual coercion: Your partner pressures you to do things you’re not comfortable doing or proceeds with sexual acts without your consent. Your partner may make you feel guilty for not wanting to have sex with them.
9. Verbal abuse: Your partner yells, calls you names, mocks you or threatens you, or belittles you through sarcastic comments, especially about insecurities you have expressed to them.
10. Demeaning comments and bullying: Your partner says sexist remarks towards women, belittles women or attempts to silence them. They may act like a bully or talk about bullying others they are angry with in an attempt to ‘get even’ with them.

Noticing these red flags can be the first step towards making changes in your life. If you are in a relationship and experiencing many of these behaviors from your partner, you can seek help and begin to heal. Remember, you are not alone. Reach out to Women4Women for assistance in planning your next steps.

Source: mysistersplacedc.org

New York can be a difficult place to build a sustainable life, especially if you don’t have the income you need to cover your basic needs. If you find that you are struggling financially month-to-month, you are not alone. We live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, and it’s only getting more difficult to make ends meet. Here are some benefits you can claim to make everyday life in NYC a bit easier. 

1. Discounted OMNY cards

In 2025, the Fair Fares program was expanded to include even more New Yorkers with an income threshold of 145% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Fair Fares application is entirely online via ACCESS HRA, and provides a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares. As an OMNY card user, you will never pay more than $17 a week for transportation. This program is designed for working people between the ages of 18-64. See if you qualify for Fair Fares by checking these requirements:

1. You are between the ages of 18-64.
2. You live in one of the five boroughs of NYC.
3. You don’t already have another discount card, such as a Senior or Disability card.

**If you are receiving cash assistance or SNAP benefits, you automatically qualify for Fair Fares! Fair Fares is available to ALL New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. For more information on how to qualify, click here.

2.  IDNYC

IDNYC is a free identification card for all New Yorkers ages 10 and up, regardless of immigration status. It provides various discounts and benefits for anyone who has difficulty obtaining a government-issued photo ID. Your IDNYC card can be used as your public library card, to access your own and your child’s immunization records and to open a bank account. And it is now very easy to get! See here for more on how to obtain an IDNYC card, and here for a list of benefits the card offers. 

3. Discounted Amazon Prime access

If you receive SNAP, cash assistance, SSI or a number of other government benefits, you may be eligible for 50% off an Amazon Prime membership. To see if you qualify, check out the list of qualifying benefits here and apply.

Making the most of available resources—both personal and community-based—can help reduce financial stress in a high-cost city. Women4Women is here to help. 

The holiday season can be a joyful time of celebration, but for survivors of domestic violence, this season can be a time of isolation and sadness. Statistics show that domestic abuse can increase during this time of year. With school and work breaks, abusive partners are more likely to be at home, leaving little time or space to seek safety.  Stress from holiday shopping, concerns about finances, holiday visitation schedules, and one too many parties with drugs or alcohol make it an incredibly risky and tenuous time for survivors to navigate. 

Sometimes the world around us just does not match how we feel inside, increasing our sense of loneliness. If you are struggling this holiday season, know that you are not alone. There are steps you can take to reduce your feelings of isolation and despair, and get you connected to those who understand and can help. 

Here are a few tips for planning ahead this holiday season:

1. Schedule an extra therapy session or reach out to a friend who understands. It can help to plan ahead for what may be a difficult few weeks. Disruptions to routines and continual reminders of celebrations can be overwhelming, so be sure to carve out space and time to discuss your thoughts and feelings. Being aware of how these external triggers make you feel will help empower you to avoid certain situations.
2. Identify a few healthy coping skills. There is so much temptation to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms to avoid painful memories or experiences. Identifying which coping skills you can tap into when you need them before you need them will help you fill your arsenal and empower you with tools that work.
3. Practice self care! Do not be afraid to say no to invitations or offers to gather if they make you feel uncomfortable or more alone. Take care of yourself first and schedule time to nourish yourself and your needs. 
4. Connect with others. This time of year may make you feel alone, but you are one part of a village of survivors. Find a support group through a local social services organization or reach out to friends who understand what you are going through. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and can help you if you need them at a moment’s notice. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse and you need help, call Safe Horizon at 1-800-621-4673 to be connected to an advocate. If you need help connecting with others in your community or want to learn more about how Women4Women can help, reach out to us at info@women4womenbk.org. Just remember, you are never alone.

Source: nnedv.org

Domestic abuse can look different in every situation, but there are some red flags that can help you identify when something is not right. Recognizing when a relationship feels bad is the first step to ending abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these warning signs, it is important to speak up and get help.

Physical violence can include hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, throwing things, restraint, or using a weapon. This violence can come from your partner, spouse, or someone you live with. Physical violence can cause emotional trauma which makes it harder for us to respond and recover.

Emotional abuse includes behavior intended to control, manipulate, threaten or force another person to do something they don’t want to do. Emotional abuse can cause significant trauma and over time, survivors of emotional abuse may experience low self-worth. Even if this abuse does not become physical, emotional abuse is abuse. 

Some warning signs to look for if you think your relationship may be abusive:

• Verbal abuse and criticism: shouting, mocking, accusing, name-calling and/or threatening.
• Pressuring: sulking, threatening to withhold money, taking away your phone or car, taking the children away, threatening to report you to the police or ICE, threatening or attempting self-harm, withholding or pressuring you to use drugs or other substances, and lying to your friends and family about you. 
• Disrespect: putting you down in front of other people, not listening when you talk, interrupting your telephone calls, taking money from you without asking and refusing to help with childcare or housework.
• Breaking trust: lying, withholding information from you, having other relationships, and breaking promises.
• Isolation: monitoring or blocking your phone calls, e-mails and social media accounts, telling you where you can and cannot go, preventing you from seeing friends and relatives, and shutting you in the home.
• Harassment: following you, checking up on you, giving you no privacy, repeatedly checking to see who has called you, and accompanying you everywhere you go.
• Threats: using physical tacitics to intimidate you, shouting at you, destroying your possessions, breaking things, threatening to kill or harm you and the children, threatening to kill or harm family pets, and threats of suicide.
• Denial: saying the abuse doesn’t happen, saying you caused the abuse, saying they can’t control their anger, entering a cycle of asking for forgiveness and then committing abuse again.

If you think you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there are steps you can take immediately: 

1. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) and speak to an advocate who can talk through your options and help you safety plan. 
2. Visit a Family Justice Center and meet with an advocate in-person who can help you right then and there.
3. Connect with social service organizations who can support you and help you plan for next steps. 

No matter where you are in NYC, you can find help. 

Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and complex, and we are here to help. If you need assistance deciding what to do or where to go for help, reach out to us at info@women4womenbk.org. You are not alone.

Sources: Women’s Aid; Safe Horizon

In addition to legal protections, an order of protection can offer peace of mind. An order of protection can be issued by the court to prevent someone from injuring, threatening or harassing you, your family or any of the individuals the court agrees to list in the order. It is used most commonly against people who commit domestic violence. 

Orders of protection can help keep you safe if you are being abused. They can order someone to:

• Stay away from you and your family;
• Have no contact with you;
• Move out of your home;
• Follow custody orders;
• Pay child support; and or
• Surrender guns.

Can anyone file an order of protection?

You can seek an order of protection in Family Court if you:

• Are legally married or divorced from the abuser;
• Are related by blood to the abuser;
• Have a child in common with the abuser;
• Are or have been in an intimate relationship with the abuser; and/or
• You and the abuser are members of the same household.

How long does an order of protection last?

Generally, an order of protection lasts two years. The duration can be extended to five years if the abuser violates the order and the court chooses to extend the time period of the order of protection. 

How do I obtain an order of protection?

To obtain an order of protection, you can go to Family Court and file a petition. If your case is in Criminal Court, an order of protection can be issued no matter what your relationship to the individual that harmed you is. The District Attorney’s office will request an order of protection from the court for you.

If your order of protection is violated, it is important you call 911 and report any contact with the abuser to the police. You can also go to your local precinct and report the incident. 

If you need help with an order of protection, Women4Women can assist you. To learn more about our programs, check us out here and get in touch if you need any support. 

Sources: New York State Unified Court System, The Legal Aid Society and Manhattan DA’s office.

Disclaier

Disclaimer: The information in this article has been prepared by Women4Women for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information in this article without retaining professional legal counsel.