Healthy relationships are the cornerstone of safe and thriving communities.
As part of Trauma Responsive Monadnock’s ongoing efforts to promote well-being in the Monadnock Region, this month, we’re emphasizing the importance of healthy relationships and how violence prevention is crucial to fostering well-being in our community.
The Reality of Interpersonal Violence in Our Community
By understanding the impacts of interpersonal violence, we can take action to prevent it and create a future where healthy relationships, respect, and safety are the norms in our community, not the exception.
For this month’s blog, we interviewed Ashley at the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP) to gain a deeper understanding of how our community is impacted by interpersonal violence.
Interpersonal violence is more pervasive than many realize.
- In NH alone, approximately 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men, and 35% of transgender individuals will experience some form of interpersonal violence in their lifetime
- Alarmingly, 1 in 3 teens will encounter dating violence before graduating high school
Here in Cheshire County, the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP) has supported over 1,500 individuals over the past five years, demonstrating the critical need for these services.
Education as a Tool for Prevention
MCVP Violence Prevention Educators are on the frontlines of fostering healthier relationships by teaching youth essential skills through a variety of programs. The lessons are designed to prevent sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and other abusive behaviors by equipping youth with tools and knowledge that promote respectful interactions.
Recognizing the signs of domestic violence can help provide support to someone in need.
Here are some common warning signs that may alert you that abuse is occurring*:
- Sudden Withdrawal or Isolation: Avoiding family, friends, or social activities, often with excuses that seem unusual
- Fearfulness or Anxiety: Appearing excessively nervous, jumpy, or overly concerned about pleasing their partner
- Low Self-Esteem or Guilt: Expressing feelings of worthlessness or constantly apologizing for their partner’s behavior
- Unexplained Absences from Work or School: Frequent last-minute cancellations, lateness, or a drop in performance
- Physical Injuries: Unexplained bruises, frequent “accidents”, burns, broken bones or other injuries with inconsistent explanations
*Note: These signs come from the following sources and are meant to be used only as a starting point and for educational purposes. For more information, visit:
Supporting Survivors and Empowering the Community
Understanding healthy versus unhealthy relationships is critical for all of us, especially our youth. These early experiences shape future connections and personal well-being.
Without the right skills and knowledge, young people may struggle to recognize warning signs of unhealthy relationships such as controlling behavior, manipulation, emotional abuse, or lack of respect for boundaries. The risks of remaining in an unhealthy relationship can be serious, leading to long-term emotional distress, isolation, and even cycles of abuse.
Emotional and psychological harm: Staying in an unhealthy relationship can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Constant stress and emotional manipulation can make it harder for individuals to trust themselves and others.
Escalation: Unhealthy relationships often worsen over time. What starts as verbal or emotional abuse can escalate into physical violence, making it more difficult, and often more dangerous, to leave.
Social isolation and loss of independence: Controlling or manipulative partners often isolate their partner from friends, family, and support systems. This can make it harder for someone to reach out for help, recognize red flags, or leave the relationship when they’re ready.
That’s why MCVP’s services extend beyond education as their trauma-informed advocates provide confidential support to individuals and families facing dating or domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, child abuse, or human trafficking. When individuals have access to resources and safe spaces, they’re more likely to seek help, build self-worth, and form respectful, supportive relationships.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Share MCVP’s web address and crisis hotline with anyone who might benefit from their services: mcvprevention.org
- If you’re concerned about someone, reach out to MCVP to explore ways to support them.
- Listen, support, and validate individuals who disclose abuse—being a trusted ally can significantly impact their path to healing.
Healthy relationships are a shared responsibility and as a community, we can all take action together.
Action Steps to Fostering Healthier Relationships:
Healthier relationships are born and supported by strong communication, empathy and understanding, and mutual respect.
Healthy relationships with others begin with every one of us. It starts with YOU. As individuals, we’re the parts that make up the whole of a relationship; change and growth stem from:
- Developing strong self-awareness of feelings, thoughts, and boundaries
- Communicating emotions, needs, and personal limits to others clearly and kindly
- Understanding differences in others and approaching these with curiosity and empathy
- Remaining open-minded and accepting of alternative perspectives
- Coping and managing your own stress constructively
Strong and healthy relationships are built on the mutual desire to grow together and as individuals. These are actions we can begin striving for as individuals right away to show up better for the connections and relationships in our lives.
By fostering understanding, building skills, and supporting survivors, we can contribute to a safer, more compassionate Monadnock Region.
Together, let’s commit to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe.
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