“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
— Elie Wiesel
Important! Tax Help and Prep for Survivors
Domesticshelters.org recently updated and re-published an excellent article about filing taxes after domestic violence.
“After escaping domestic violence, you may find yourself facing financial hurdles you’ve never had to face before. One such hurdle is preparing and filing your taxes. Tax season can be difficult to navigate in even the best of circumstances, and particularly so if it’s your first time or your ex deliberately makes filing difficult on you. These free services can help you file your 2023 taxes, which are due April 15, 2024: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program from the IRS; Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE); Taxpayers Help Center Inc. and The United Way; AARP Foundation; ask some tax preparation companies, including H&R Block and TaxAct, for free editions of their tax filing software; local domestic violence shelter may know of other free tax prep programs for survivors; local library or Goodwill; Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics through the IRS.” All of these are worth checking out.
“If you are saddled with an unexpected tax bill you may be able to avoid paying it under a law that provides for Innocent Spouse Relief. Evidence of domestic violence, such as police reports or testimony from family members, can help get these tax bills reversed.” Free Tax Prep for Survivors (domesticshelters.org)
Possible Financial Assistance
Singlemothersgrants.org is a financial assistance program with over 1000 free grants for rent, utility bills, childcare, education, medication, housing, medical bills, mortgage. CCSF has had no experience with this program, but the program seems to be endorsed by worthy companies. It certainly seems worth checking out!
This non-profit organization partners with local church and community groups and individuals to fight human trafficking and provide free healthcare events. The healthcare events provide dental treatment, medical exams, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and eye care. Proceeds from Adorned Bridal & Formal Boutique in Lakewood, WA go to raise awareness about human trafficking, and for prevention of trafficking, and restoration to those individuals coming out of trafficking. (Young women and men coming from abusive homes are especially vulnerable to falling into the hands of human traffickers. Lk)
More on Health Impacts
As a follow-up to our article in the January 2024 enews, the following was posted on Facebook by DomesticShelters.org on January 8, 2024:
“Asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, frequent headaches, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, and poor physical or mental health are nearly twice as common among women with a history of rape or stalking by any perpetrator, or physical violence by an intimate partner, compared to women without a history of these forms of violence.” Wow, that’s powerful.
Watch out for Love Bombing!
Love bombing is a tactic in which someone “bombs” you with extreme displays of attention and affection with the intent to manipulate you. Although being showered with “love” can seem positive at the beginning of a romantic relationship, love bombing can lead to gaslighting and abuse. For the entire article, see: National Domestic Hotline’s article at: https://bit.ly/3kecEy5
Friends of Youth
Friends of Youth has opened a new emergency shelter in Kirkland. Willows Youth Services Center is now open and was recently featured in an article by writer John Stearns for 425 Magazine.
The article and photos reflect the enhanced services for clients at Willows, the only emergency overnight shelter for young adults, ages 18-24, here:
(It is not uncommon for youths in homes characterized by Domestic Violence to leave home with no means, plan, or destination, which leaves these youths very vulnerable. LK)
ScripturePromises
We have all been given many promises in our lives. Some have come about, and some have been irrevocably broken. But God always keeps His promises. We’d like to introduce a new feature this month, Scripture Promises, with a promise from the Bible, NIV version, Joel 2:25:
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten …”
Christian Coalition for Safe Families 