The impact of trauma on a survivor’s brain When it comes to the brain and trauma, we often automatically assume physical injury via some sort of sport related or vehicular accident. However, trauma to the brain can also be the result of a person, a place, or a situation. Specifically, it can be the result of abuse. What exactly defines trauma? Trauma is a normal response to an abnormal situation out of our control. Many of us have experienced trauma in one form or another, an

Our commitment to all who ever need our services is that we are here for you, day and night. When our offices in Claremont and Newport close at 4:30 PM, our crisis and support lines are open and operated by trained volunteers who will provide you with services or help you find the resources you need, whether you are a survivor of sexual or domestic violence, need information for someone else or have any questions at all, 24/7, at 1.800.639.3130. And, your confidentiality is

One in four New Hampshire women have been sexually assaulted. One in twenty New Hampshire men reported being sexually assaulted, 68% before their 18th birthday. According to the NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, over 14,000 victims of domestic and sexual violence were served by NH crisis centers in 2016. Locally, nine hundred individuals came to Turning Points Network in the last year, directly or indirectly affected by domestic or sexual violence. Survivors

The mother of two teenage boys was asking the other day, “How do I keep my sons protected against claims of rape? Kids are going to explore their sexuality,” she went on, “so what happens when consensual sexual discovery suddenly becomes perceived as a forced conclusion by one party or the remorse or regret of the next morning, followed by accusations.” It’s a fair question. And it’s being asked a lot. But all too often there is a victim and the victim is blamed. She shou

Unwanted or abusive sexual experiences happen to men. It’s not always called rape, but its effects can be devastating. Sexual victimization of anyone leaves the person feeling vulnerable, ashamed, guilty and fearful with the abuse often going unreported for those very reasons. Boys and men can be sexually abused by straight or gay men or by women who take advantage of vulnerability. A common myth is that sexual abuse of a boy can contribute to his sexual orientation later i

One of the many myths still perpetuated in today’s society is that a survivor can be at fault for being sexually assaulted. When a woman is assaulted, offenders sometimes say, “She was asking for it,” immediately shifting blame to the survivor. Or, we may hear, “Look at how she was dressed,” as if what a woman wears is the reason she was raped. As if the offender couldn’t control his own urges. By concentrating on the actions of the survivor, rather than the perpetrator, s

The man who raped Angie (not her real name) had been hanging around as she moved into her apartment. She was by herself, carrying boxes and small pieces of furniture from a rented van into her new space. She noticed him watching, but since he wasn’t bothering her, she concentrated on getting settled. But then he rushed at her as she was going through the door, propelling her into the apartment, slamming the door and knocking her to the floor. It happened so fast she could

When Sarah (not her real name) went to the courthouse to obtain a stalking petition, she was terrified that her former boyfriend might have followed her and would be waiting when she left. The Clerk asked if she’d like to have an advocate and when Sarah said yes, the Clerk called Turning Points Network and an advocate came immediately to meet with Sarah at the courthouse to discuss a safety plan and to explain other options and follow up and then escorted Sarah to her car w