Category: ABUSE, VIOLENCE & DISCLOSURE
When Someone Has a History of Violence: Disclosure, Accountability and Safety
The Hidden Dangers of Dating Apps: Con Men, Pretenders, and Emotional Fraud
Dating apps aren’t inherently bad — but they are highly efficient environments for deception. They allow people to present a carefully curated version of themselves with very little accountability, history, or social consequence. And that creates opportunity — not just for romance, but for manipulation. Who Thrives on Dating Apps (and Why) Dating apps are especially attractive… Read More The Hidden Dangers of Dating Apps: Con Men, Pretenders, and Emotional Fraud
Holiday Travel Safety for Survivors of Domestic Violence in Spain
The holiday season can be a high-risk time for survivors of domestic abuse. If you’re planning to travel outside Spain, it’s important to take precautions — even if you already have protection measures in place through the VIOGEN system. 1. Notify the Authorities Before You Travel The VIOGEN system only works within Spain, so you must… Read More Holiday Travel Safety for Survivors of Domestic Violence in Spain
Finding a Safe Place for Christmas: Holiday Safety Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence
The holiday season can be a high-risk time for survivors of domestic abuse. Many domestic violence centres report an escalation in threats or controlling behaviours during holidays, including inquiries about your whereabouts. Here’s what you can do to stay safe: Plan a safe location for the holidays — consider trusted friends, shelters, or domestic violence centres. Inform authorities:… Read More Finding a Safe Place for Christmas: Holiday Safety Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Why Domestic Violence — and the Court Process — Takes Such a Heavy Toll on the Mind and Body
People think the trauma ends when you leave.But anyone who has lived it knows: the legal process can feel like Round Two.It’s not just stressful — it’s biologically exhausting. 1. Living in Survival Mode Damages the Nervous System Domestic abuse keeps your brain in a chronic fight-or-flight state.The amygdala becomes overactive.The nervous system stays hyper-alert.Cortisol floods your… Read More Why Domestic Violence — and the Court Process — Takes Such a Heavy Toll on the Mind and Body
Violence and Abuse Often Escalate at Christmas — Stay Vigilant
People don’t like to talk about it, but it’s the truth:violence and abuse often escalate during the holiday season. Stress, alcohol, financial pressure, entitlement, loss of routine, family gatherings — all of these can inflame an abuser’s behaviour. And many abusers deliberately “up their game” at Christmas to cause maximum emotional impact. After 32 Christmases of abuse, I… Read More Violence and Abuse Often Escalate at Christmas — Stay Vigilant
Why People Don’t Believe Victims of Hidden Abuse
1. Cognitive Dissonance Psychology: Difficulty reconciling the image of a “good, polite, competent person” with allegations of abuse. Neurology: Prefrontal cortex resists integrating conflicting information → bias toward familiar, socially safe narratives. Social: People prefer simple stories; abuse behind closed doors challenges social assumptions. 2. Stereotypes of Abusers Psychology: Society expects abusers to be visibly angry, aggressive, or “monstrous.”… Read More Why People Don’t Believe Victims of Hidden Abuse
The Hidden Nature of Perpetrators
1. The “Mask of Normalcy” Many perpetrators present themselves as charming, competent, polite, or socially respectable. This public persona is carefully curated to avoid suspicion, maintain social standing, and manipulate perceptions. High social intelligence Good communication skills Reliability in work or community roles Superficial warmth and empathy This is sometimes called “the façade of normalcy”, which conceals abusive… Read More The Hidden Nature of Perpetrators
Discovery of a Suspected Hidden Camera Inside My Home
1. Version for a Police Denuncia (Policía Nacional / Guardia Civil) Subject: Discovery of a Suspected Hidden Camera Inside My Home I wish to file a denuncia regarding the discovery of a suspected hidden camera inside my residence. Facts: I discovered a device that appears to be a hidden camera on/in: (describe exact location). I did not… Read More Discovery of a Suspected Hidden Camera Inside My Home
VIOGEN: Domestic Violence Risk Assessment System in Spain
In Spain, the system roughly equivalent to the UK’s DASH risk assessment is called VIOGEN (“Sistema de Seguimiento Integral en los casos de Violencia de Género” – Integral Monitoring System for Gender Violence). It is managed by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior and coordinated with police, courts, and social services. 1. Purpose of VIOGEN Identify victims of gender-based violence who are at risk… Read More VIOGEN: Domestic Violence Risk Assessment System in Spain
