Rita Lavender’s official last day at Younity was Friday. But when coverage was needed at the Safe House over the weekend, Rita stepped in. Because that’s who she is. After more than four decades of extraordinary dedication, Rita Lavender is retiring from Younity’s Emergency Services team — though her instinct to make sure survivors and […]
How trauma-informed counseling and coordinated support helped one mother rebuild safely When Sage first connected with Younity, she did not describe herself as someone experiencing abuse. She described herself as overwhelmed — frustrated, upset, exhausted. She had been married for nearly two decades. She was raising three children. She was navigating health challenges, financial strain, […]
Teen dating violence rarely begins with a bruise. More often, it starts quietly; a relationship that feels intense, consuming, even romantic at first. A partner who wants constant contact. Who expects passwords “to build trust,” or needs to know where you are at all times through location sharing and social media. Over time, what once […]
Strangulation is increasingly showing up in teen and young adult dating relationships, and the rise is deeply concerning. Often referred to by teens as “choking,” the behavior is frequently framed online and in popular media as normal, consensual, or even desirable. Some teens and young adults believe it creates a feeling of euphoria or heightened […]
For Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we’re reflecting on what we’re hearing directly from teens in our schools and what it means for prevention. According to Grace Flagler, Younity’s Prevention & Community Educator, today’s teens often know more than adults assume. “They can define abuse. They can identify red flags,” Grace shared during a recent […]
As part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we’re highlighting teens who are helping lead real conversations about dating, respect, and boundaries in their schools. Jackie Fuller, a junior at Lawrence High School, serves as one of Younity’s Peer Educators. We asked Jackie to share her perspective on what healthy relationships look like, what red […]
