When the pandemic began, many people in abusive relationships were locked down at home with the person harming them.

Asking survivors of domestic violence to get a restraining order or go to a shelter or hotel was not practical, said JAC Patrissi, a trauma clinician, author and founder of Growing a New Heart, a collective of professionals who work on issues including domestic violence and social justice. “People were looking for ways to address the spike in intimate partner violence under the conditions we were facing,” she said.

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The Federal Communications Commission is expected to pass new regulations on Wednesday aimed at making cellphones more useful tools for domestic violence survivors trying to escape dangerous situations.

The FCC will meet to review the final rules related to the Safe Connections Act of 2022 that will require telecommunications companies to adopt three programs for victims of domestic violence and other similar crimes:

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Sen. Tim Kaine recently announced two separate bills to support survivors and victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and/or gun violence.

Kaine introduced the Support for Universities and Colleges to Champion the Educational Success of Survivors, or SUCCESS, Act. This legislation is meant to support victims of sexual assault, and other violence, and provide them the tools necessary to succeed in universities.

Around 13% of all graduate and undergraduate students report experiencing sexual assault or violence, and tend to have a lower grade point average, according to End Rape on Campus; Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN. The SUCCESS Act would provide funding for universities and colleges to increase mental health services, provide higher education re-entry assistance for survivors and increase training. It also allows for some financial and academic accommodations, according to the release.

The SUCCESS Act is endorsed by American Psychological Association, RAINN and Survivor Fund Hub, the release states.

The second bill introduced is the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act. This act protects survivors of domestic violence and gun violence, and was named after Lori Jackson of Connecticut and Nicolette Elias of Oregon, who were killed by their abusive partners using guns.

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Impeding someone’s breath or circulation can be a felony under Texas law. It can be hands on the neck, a pillow over the face, even a forearm pressed against the windpipe — all of those are considered attempted strangulation in domestic violence circles.

Janet Langbein from Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas says four pounds of compression on an airway can knock someone out in a few seconds. More than a minute can be fatal.

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It’s time to set sail in order to support survivors of domestic violence and their families.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a special gala on Friday, October 28 looks to raise awareness and funds to support the cause.

The G.R.O.W Foundation (Girls Recognizing Our Worth) is hosting Sailing For a Cause – All Black Masquerade Gala. Founder and CEO Neisha Himes says they only have about a dozen tickets left.

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A foundation in Chesapeake is helping female and male victims of domestic violence find their way out of abusive relationships. The non-profit, known as G.R.O.W, has even partnered with a gym, ‘Match Bout’.

Neisha Himes, the founder of the non-profit G.R.O.W., is helping victims of domestic abuse find their voice, just as she did.

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An upcoming event is designed to bring awareness to domestic violence and its effects.

Match Bout Boxing in Chesapeake and the G.R.O.W. Foundation are teaming up to host the fourth annual “Square Up; Surviving The Ring & Yourself.”

It’s not just for survivors of abuse. It’s for the entire community, though organizers recommend ages 13 and up because of the mature topic.

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

It’s a problem that is happening across Hampton Roads and around the country.

Neisha Himes is the founder of the GROW Foundation, an organization designed to help domestic violence victims.

She said teen dating violence is occurring right now. She said parents need to educate their children, be on the look out for problems and talk about the issue.

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Jonathan DeCastro told News 3 that the stalking he suffered began in 2019 when he still lived in Newport News. Although he wasn’t with his partner for long, the stalking began when they broke up.

Neisha Himes, the CEO of GROW, an organization that helps domestic violence victims, said she sees cases like this often.

“We’ve worked with at least 50 to 60% stalking cases,” Himes said. “[They can range from] harassing phone calls, or a GPS tracker being placed into [the victim’s] vehicle unwanted.”

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It’s a tool readily available to any abuser and very difficult for victims to detect.

CBS2’s Jessica Layton has more on the dangers of cyberstalking and how you can protect yourself.

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The post Experts Sound Alarm On ‘Stalkerware,’ Which Can Easily Be Downloaded On Your Phone Without You Knowing appeared first on G.R.O.W. Foundation, Inc. ®.