Lotus Counseling & Psychological Services

04/08/2026

Badgering, begging, perstering, or bartering, whatever word you want to use, it's coercion. "Yes" is not actually a "yes" if it follows an initial "no" or any kind of convincing.

Far too often, we see people respond to SA by coercion by blaming the survivor, telling them they're at fault for "giving in." It is just one of the many convoluted ways people try to argue that survivors are at fault, when the truth is plain and simple.

As individuals, we need to respond to sexual violence in a way that emulates how we think things should be, not how they have always been or "just are." Instead of telling survivors to not "give in," we need to teach people that coercion is not consent.

04/06/2026

April is National Fair Housing Month, commemorating the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This Act prohibits discrimination in renting, buying, or financing homes.

Many states and territories have housing laws that specifically protect victims and survivors of domestic violence. This can include things like:

✔️ Being able to break a lease without a penalty
✔️ Requiring your landlord to change the locks
✔️ Preventing a landlord from treating you differently because you're a victim

Learn more: https://buff.ly/uOkG3fe



[Image description: A phone displaying part of a page on WomensLaw.org reading: "Legal Information: General. Housing Laws. Many states have housing laws to help protect people who are victims of domestic violence. For example, if you are being abused, you may be able to break your lease and move without having to pay a penalty. Some laws also say that your landlord has to allow you to change the locks to keep the abuser out. Other laws..." Above, pink and gray text reads: "Housing Laws. Free Legal Information for Victims of Abuse."]

04/06/2026

You don't ever have to answer this question.

04/05/2026

04/04/2026

03/30/2026

03/29/2026

💔 Survivors of domestic violence often face unique challenges when navigating separation. Here are some aspects of post-separation abuse that can arise:

1️⃣ **Continued Manipulation**: Abusers may use emotional manipulation to maintain control over their victims, even after separation.

2️⃣ **Harassment**: Many survivors experience ongoing harassment through calls, texts, or social media, making it difficult to move on.

3️⃣ **Legal Battles**: Survivors may find themselves entangled in lengthy legal disputes over custody or property, which can be used as a form of abuse.

4️⃣ **Financial Control**: Abusers might exploit financial resources, leaving survivors struggling to support themselves and their families.

5️⃣ **Isolation**: Even after separation, abusers may attempt to isolate survivors from friends and family to regain power.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these challenges, know that you are not alone. Support is available. 💪💜

03/24/2026

03/23/2026

Abusers often exploit the court system, particularly in child custody cases. They can present themselves as calm and collected, while the victims, who are traumatized, may appear emotionally distressed. This manipulation can have devastating effects on the outcomes of such cases, as judges and decision-makers may unconsciously favor the abuser's façade over the victim's genuine emotional state.

It's crucial to recognize these dynamics and support those who are affected. We must create a safe space for survivors to share their stories and experiences, reminding them that they are not alone in this fight. Providing resources, advocacy, and understanding can empower survivors to reclaim their voices.

Let's raise awareness about this issue and stand by survivors! 💪💜

03/21/2026

03/20/2026

It’s Brain Injury Awareness Month. Let’s talk about the connection between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, or TBI.

An abusive partner may use physical violence, including strangulation and inflicting direct trauma to a partner’s head, as a tactic of abuse.

⚠️ It’s important to know that strangulation is a strong indicator that a survivor is in IMMEDIATE DANGER of being killed by their partner.

Some traumatic brain injury warning signs to look out for in an abusive relationship are:

🚨 A headache that gets worse, or won’t go away
🚨 Persistent vomiting/nausea
🚨 Trouble with memory, concentration or thinking
🚨 Slurred speech
🚨 Convulsions or seizures

If you are experiencing any or all of these warning signs, get medical care ASAP.

And whenever you’re ready, call your local domestic violence hotline to make a plan to leave your partner safely. That number here in Philly is 1-866-723-3014. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline to be connected to local resources for survivors at 1-800-799-7233.

[Image description: A picture with a black and white photo of a brain with a red radiating circle in front of a purple background filled with neural cells. Highlighted teal words underneath read: “Traumatic brain injuries can be deadly for survivors of abuse.”]

03/11/2026