Mothering requires labor—of the body, mind, and spirit. At its core, mothering is taking care of others. Even when done joyfully and willingly, caring for others requires time and energy. Care work is the most essential, valuable, and undervalued work there is. That’s why this Mother’s Day, we lovingly encourage mothers to take care so you can … [Read more...] about Safe Shores Wishes You Rest, Joy, and More This Mother’s Day
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Michele Booth Cole named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of DC for 2023 by “Women We Admire”
We are pleased to announce that Safe Shores Executive Director, Michele Booth Cole, was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of DC for 2023 by Women We Admire. See the list here - Michele is at spot #42! This year marks Michele’s 20th anniversary as Safe Shores’ Executive Director. She was brought on in 2003 with the challenge of moving … [Read more...] about Michele Booth Cole named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of DC for 2023 by “Women We Admire”
Small Changes You Can Make for Gender-Inclusive Language
🏳️🌈🌈Happy Pride! 🌈🏳️🌈Pride month is more than rainbow clothing and parades. Although those pieces are joyful and important, June is not only a month of celebration, it is also a month of reflection. It can feel overwhelming to know how to best support and protect LGBTQIA+ youth; particularly with proposed legislature throughout the country … [Read more...] about Small Changes You Can Make for Gender-Inclusive Language
Children’s Books to Read About Juneteenth
Today is Juneteenth! Use these five picture books to teach children about the day that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. These books tell the history, traditions, and celebrations of Juneteenth. Even though Juneteenth became a federal holiday just last year, June 19th has been held as a day of honor and celebration since … [Read more...] about Children’s Books to Read About Juneteenth
This April, This Child Abuse Prevention Month, Do ONE THING For A Child
Para leer esta declaración en español, haga clic aquí. Given the current state of the world—and there’s no need to list all the things going on globally, nationally, in our communities, and let alone in people’s individual lives—some might suggest that commemorative months are the proverbial back-breaking straw. But Child Abuse Prevention Month … [Read more...] about This April, This Child Abuse Prevention Month, Do ONE THING For A Child
Hope Dissipates Fear – Liam’s Forensic Interview
At Safe Shores - The DC Children’s Advocacy Center, our Forensic Services program is made up of highly trained Forensic Interviewers who conduct neutral, fact-finding, and developmentally sensitive interviews with children affected by abuse or are witnesses to violence, on behalf of our MDT partner agencies. (Learn more about these agencies here.) … [Read more...] about Hope Dissipates Fear – Liam’s Forensic Interview
Annie Didn’t Know Who to Ask for Help
Teenage survivors of sexual assault have a new resource: Safe Shores’ Teen Advocates. While Safe Shores has always served child survivors from age zero to seventeen, the implementation of the Sexual Assault Victims Rights Act Amendment (SAVRAA) of 2019 gives us new tools for responding to adolescents’ unique needs in ways that respect their rights, … [Read more...] about Annie Didn’t Know Who to Ask for Help
Even the Smallest of Things Can Bring Hope – Kay’s Experience at Safe Shores
A Family's First Point of Contact with Safe Shores Often the first point of contact a family has with Safe Shores is through our Client Advocacy program. Client Advocates provide a safe, welcoming environment for kids coming to Safe Shores, and help non-offending caregivers identify and access the resources they need to be supportive of the … [Read more...] about Even the Smallest of Things Can Bring Hope – Kay’s Experience at Safe Shores
Domestic Violence and the Pandemic – Domestic Violence Awareness Month
With almost 5 million deaths due to COVID-19 worldwide and over 730,000 of those from the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered communities, populations, and people. Beyond the effects of the disease itself, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on domestic violence incidents, in what some experts are calling a “shadow pandemic.” … [Read more...] about Domestic Violence and the Pandemic – Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Affirming and Celebrating Queer Kids Protects Them | National Coming Out Day
On National Coming Out Day, an important reminder that understanding, embracing, and celebrating children’s gender identity and expression, as well as their sexual orientation, is part of their safe and healthy development. Using children's correct pronouns protects kids. Embracing and celebrating children's sexual orientation protects … [Read more...] about Affirming and Celebrating Queer Kids Protects Them | National Coming Out Day