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Mental Health Resources

DCADV's Response to the Insurrection

The attack on the U.S. Congress last week was shocking, horrific and a violent and deadly extension of the appalling lies that the president has spread. Anchored in racism and hate and an oppressive entitlement, this assault on the Capitol was an attack on all of us.  It was an attack on our sense of safety, our security, our faith in a system that promises we will live by equitable laws and respect.  It revealed that the rules are different for those with privilege.

Across the country, Americans are calling for change, now.  Congress is moving forward with the constitutional protection of impeachment; a responsive action to remove a divisive and dangerous president. 

More is needed.  The departure of this president will not end the racism and injustice that grips our country and devastates the lives of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.  There was a sharp contrast in the response to the peaceful protests of Black Lives Matter and to this violent mob of anarchists.  This violence revealed the enormous work that must be done if we hope to be an equitable, safe society. 

This work is a political and a personal journey.  A journey that we take with humility and solidarity to a belief that everyone deserves respect and to live with safety and peace.  Through the anger and sadness, we hope to continue to hope so that, although the racists may take the building they do not take our hearts.

Locally, we want to highlight the anti-racism work of the YWCA Delaware and their Stand Against Racism.  You can find out more:  https://www.ywcade.org/what-we-do/rsj/

We want to also note the work of United Way Delaware and their Statewide Racial Equity and Social Justice Collaborative, a diverse group of individuals and organizations developing a comprehensive plan to address racism and equity in Delaware.  You can learn more at: http://uwde.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=533385

Finally, we want to acknowledge that these events take a personal toll and as we read and watch the news, we must remember to take care of ourselves.  The National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center drafted Tips for Coping in the Aftermath of the Attack on the U.S. Capitol; the article can be found here: http://nmvvrc.org/TipSheets/Self-Help%20Tip%20Sheet.pdf

Peace to you,

Sue

Our Member Organizations

  • Alert! Computer use can be monitored.

    Computer Safety

    WARNING!

    If you are being stalked or abused, take steps to keep your abuser from knowing you are looking for help. Please use a safer computer, or call 911, one of Delaware's local hotlines at 302-762-6110 for New Castle County or 302-422-8058 for Kent & Sussex Counties , or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.

    EMERGENCY "QUICK ESCAPE" BUTTON

    There is a red Quick Escape button in the lower right-hand corner of every page on this website.
    Click this button if your abuser enters the room while you are viewing this website. It will close this website and redirect your browser to a neutral page.

    Clean up Your Online Path

    Internet Safety

    Everything you do online is recorded. It is IMPOSSIBLE to clear your tracks completely. Your computer stores hundreds of bits of information about everything you do with your computer, including information about which websites you've visited, your passwords, and what your emails say. An abuser can easily track the websites you visit or read your email messages.

    If you suspect your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusers are often controlling and want to know your every move. You don’t need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor someone’s computer activities – anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor your activities - even without having direct access to your computer. Using a separate computer is best, but you can protect yourself at home by familiarizing yourself with processes like private browsing, deleting your browser history, clearing your cache and deleting cookies.

    You can be tracked

    Your abuser can track your online actions – there is nothing you can do to remove your tracks completely. If you try to erase your tracks, your abuser might become suspicious.
    If you think you might be in danger, use a computer at a public library, internet cafe or a trusted friend’s house. If your abuser sends you email, do not open it on those computers.

    If you need help now, call 911 or the
    New Castle County Domestic Violence Hotline: 302-762-6110
    Kent & Sussex County Domestic Violence Hotline: 302-422-8058
    Kent & Sussex County Bi-lingual Domestic Violence Hotline: 302-745-9874
    US National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
    US National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673
    US National Teen Dating Violence Helpline 1-866-331-9474

    Email Safety

    Email is not a safe or confidential way to communicate.

    Sending email is like sending a postcard through the mail. Anyone along the path can read what it says. If you need to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life, if possible, please call a hotline instead.

    If you must use email to discuss your situation we suggest you use an account that your abuser doesn't know about. Set up a new account with a free email service like hotmail, yahoo, or gmail.

    Password Safety

    Be smart about passwords to keep your abuser out of your accounts.

    DO NOT use a name or password that contains any identifying information (no names, nicknames, initials, birthdates, zipcodes, etc.) Instead use a name and password that contains a random mix of letters, CAPITAL letters and numbers (for example, HJ3v67Tn) -

    Make sure you can remember the user name and password. If you must write it down somewhere, put it in a place your abuser is unlikely to find it.

    If the computer asks if you would like it to save your password or login information tell it NO.

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