Breaking the Silence: Debunking Domestic Violence Misconceptions and Upholding Hope through Heal, Hold & Center

At PREVAIL, we’re dedicated to shattering the false narratives around domestic violence, empowering survivors, and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding. Our approach is rooted in Heal, Hold & Center, prioritizing each survivor’s voice, safety, and dignity.

Setting the Record Straight

• Strangulation is life-threatening: Even if no marks are visible, it can cause brain damage, stroke, or death. Seek medical attention right away if you’ve experienced strangulation.
• It’s strangulation, not choking: Strangulation means pressure on the neck cutting off air or blood flow. Choking usually means something is stuck in the airway. Strangulation is strongly linked to lethality.
• Emotional abuse is real: Constant criticism, gaslighting, or controlling behavior is abuse. It damages self-esteem and is often a warning sign of escalating violence.
• Violence is complex: Race, culture, immigration status, and language all affect how survivors experience abuse and access help. No two stories are the same.

Heal, Hold & Center in Action

• Heal: Our trauma-informed approach recognizes the complexity of survivor trauma. Healing begins with safe, confidential access to resources, medical care, and mental health supports that respect culture and language.
• Hold: Safety planning is an ongoing practice. We help survivors hold steady by coordinating shelter access, legal advocacy, crisis lines, and trusted networks.
• Center: The survivor’s voice is primary. Our team emphasizes consent, autonomy, and empowerment, offering options rather than directives.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The silhouettes displayed throughout our community represent women, children, and men from San Joaquin County who were murdered in acts of domestic violence from 1994 to today.

As you reflect on these silhouettes, we ask you to remember the many people still being hurt and families still in danger. May we honor their memory and let their stories inspire action toward a safe, peaceful world.

In the past 12 months, PREVAIL has:

• Served survivors of domestic violence
• Assisted with temporary restraining orders
• Housed families in our domestic violence shelters
• Responded to countless calls to our crisis lines

How to Take Action

• If you’re in immediate danger: Call 911.
• For confidential help: Call PREVAIL’s 24/7 Helpline at (209) 465-4878 or visit WeShallPrevail.org.
• For providers: Screen for strangulation and emotional abuse—both are urgent safety concerns.
• For communities: Talk openly about abuse. Teach families and schools how to recognize warning signs and where to get help.

A Message of Solidarity

At PREVAIL, Heal, Hold & Center means every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and choice. By debunking myths and spreading accurate information, we can turn fear into action and vulnerability into strength.

Your call for help matters — and healing is possible.

📞 24/7 Helpline: (209) 465-4878
🌐 WeShallPREVAIL.org