Catalyst Domestic Violence Services

Sometimes you just can’t resist the urge to text your partner sweet loving messages, letting them know you’re thinking about them. Now you’re eagerly waiting for a response and you might start to get anxious every minute that goes by. How we react when we don’t get an immediate response says a lot about our trust in the relationship. Blowing up your partners phone with constant texts or calls because they didn’t get back to you in the time frame that you want can be a sign t...hat you don’t respect your partner’s autonomy. It can also be abusive. Before you blow up their phone... check in with yourself. What's going on for you internally? Try to name the feeling you're feeling. Is it fear? Fear that this person doesn't care about you? Fear that they're cheating on you? Maybe it's your own insecurities that are leading you to jumping to conclusions. We often act out in ways that are not in line with our values when we are driven by fear. And sometimes fear can show up as anger. It might feel easier to try to control someone else's behavior than to address our own feelings inside. Constant calls and texts might scare your partner. Next time you have the urge to blow their phone up, take a deep breath. Put your phone away for a while. Take a walk, a long shower, turn on your favorite music, or do something to distract yourself. Chances are, if you are able to ground yourself, you'll be able to remember that this person cares about you and is most likely busy, or maybe they need some time to decide how to respond. They will get back to you when they are ready. Remember, we can only control our own behavior. . . . . . #TDVAM #emotionalabuse #digitalabuse #techabuse #abuse #gaslighting #ptsd #toxicrelationships #survivor #selflove #love #healing #abusiverelationship #trauma #chico #endDV #chicoca #victimblaming #powerandcontrol #breakthesilence #loveshouldnthurt #breakthecycle #loveisrespect #preventionacrossCA #preventioniskey #situationships #knowyourworth #trust

Building a strong foundation in the beginning of a new relationship is a great way to set it up for success. How do you do that? It starts with healthy communication, honoring boundaries, consent, respect, trust, and honesty. #TDVAM #PreventionAcrossCA #preventioniskey

Password sharing is a significant decision in modern-day relationships and some may view it as a step toward building trust. However, giving someone access to your entire private realm in order to demonstrate your commitment to the relationship can get messy. Once they have access to your phone, do you trust that they won’t snoop? Are there limits to that access? Before you share your password... check in with yourself. If your partner is requiring you do so to prove your loy...alty, it can be a form of digital abuse. If you’re finding it hard to respect each other’s privacy, it may be a red flag that you’re having trouble trusting each other. If trust is lacking in your relationship, get to the bottom of those feelings to find out why! Then, ask what it would take for you to be able to trust each other again. If the answer to that has anything to do with violating each other's privacy, it might be time to consider whether the relationship is right for you. In the end, exchanging passwords with your partner is your decision. There should be no pressure, no guilt, no punishment. . . . . . #TDVAM #endDV #chicoca #loveisrespect #preventionacrossCA #preventioniskey #knowyourworth See more

We are pleased to introduce our featured volunteer of the month, Hayley! Hayley is currently a senior at Chico State. She is a psychology major working towards becoming a mental health counselor. Hayley has openly shared that close friends of hers have experienced domestic violence. This allowed her to understand the predominance and seriousness of domestic violence in our community. She joined Catalyst as a way to learn more about domestic violence services, to better suppor...t friends and future clients. At Catalyst, Hayley spends most of her time supporting callers on the hotline. She listens to people in crisis and provides resources to empower victims and survivors. She has witnessed stories of restoration and is inspired by watching people take courageous steps in their healing journey. When she is not volunteering, she enjoys engaging in her artistic and creative side. Most people do not know this about Hayley, but she loves to write music and poetry, paint, and write calligraphy. She’s pretty impressive! Volunteer Since: August 2020 Time Served: 110 Hours #volunteersrock #catalystdvservices #chicostate #csuchico #chico #psychology #mentalhealth #healing #art #music #poetry #painting #calligraphy

MYTH: Incarceration is the solution to intimate partner violence FACT: Intimate Partner Violence is incredibly complex and no family or individual situation is the same. While incarceration might be one piece of the puzzle in some situations, it's not the solution to ending Intimate Partner Violence as a whole. Punishment does not always create a change in behavior. Ending cycles of violence and fostering healthy relationships is possible, but only if we address root causes of violence and provide opportunities for real accountability and healing for the people causing harm #MythMonday

We want to give a shout-out to The Allstate Foundation. Several local Allstate agents recently dropped off a check for $10,000! Over the past 5 years, they have contributed over $50,000 to Catalyst! We couldn’t be more grateful for their continued support Sonia Aery: Allstate Insurance Kevin Baker: Allstate Insurance Bret Runolfson: Allstate Insurance... Allstate Insurance Agent: Brian Saeteurn See more

Today is the final day of the North Valley Week of Giving! Did you know that for only $70 dollars a day we can provide one night of emergency housing and wrap around services to survivors? We depend on the generosity of people like you to help us continue our mission to reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence through crisis intervention services, community education, and the promotion of healthy relationships. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please consider making a gift today by 5pm to help us continue to provide these lifesaving services. https://nvcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=4083

Don’t forget to tune in at 1:30pm today to listen to our Love Is Radio Showcase! You can stream online at KZFR.org or listen at KZFR 90.1 FM radio. Featuring The Bidwells, Katie Barrett Music, Sunday Iris, Alli Battaglia & The Musical Brewing Co., Jesi Naomi, Alex J Brown Music, and Webster Moore.

We’re hiring for a HAVEN Advocate! We are seeking a compassionate and motivated candidate to fill an Overnight Advocate position at our confidential housing facility. This position is responsible for helping to create a welcoming and safe environment for individuals and families who come to stay in Catalyst's Housing Program. This position will be 16-24 hours per week. This position will typically work overnight hours 7pm-4am based at Catalyst's housing program and be respons...ible for the hotline from home from 4am-9am. Review of applications will begin November 12th, 2020. This position will be open until filled. View full job description at http://www.catalystdvservices.org/get-involved/employment

Voting is an act of power, which is why abusers often seek to interfere with victims exercising their right to vote, - Adrienne Lawrence Registering to vote, voting in person, or walking to a drop off location may be convenient for some, but for victims of domestic violence, all of the above can place their safety at risk. ... The following article educates us a litte more on how our current voting system creates barriers that prevent victims of domestic violence from voting. Abusive partners are able to use flaws in the system to track, intimidate and supress their partner's right to vote. https://www.refinery29.com//domestic-violence-voter-suppre

Prevention Advocates Aidee & Alyssa are cohosting the "Love Is" Radio Showcase this weekend! Tune into KZFR 90.1 FM from 1:30-3:00 pm (or stream it at kzfr.org) to hear Alyssa and Aidee share some warm and gooey love songs! Put on your favorite autumn sweater, grab a blanket, and snuggle up with that special someone - we're getting all romantic up in your radio <3 Special shout out to our friend Guillermo Mash for all his help!

MYTH: People who are religious never abuse their partners. FACT: Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of how they identify. Religious affiliation is no exception to this. For some survivors, faith can be an important part of their journey of healing, but in some cases it can also complicate their path to safety. They may be faced with abusers who misinterpret or intentionally misuse religious writing to justify violence against them and their children or to prevent them from leaving. At Catalyst, we recognize, respect, and understand each individual’s unique path in life with compassion and an open mind. Give us a call at (800) 895-8476 if you'd like to talk with one of our helpful and supportive advocates-- all of our services are free and confidential. #MythMonday

We know that you want to be able to help those in your community affected by domestic violence. In order to do that you need to know how to properly support those affected. The problem is you aren’t sure how, which can leave you feeling helpless. At Catalyst, we provide a 40 hour crisis counselor training to all of our volunteers to ensure they feel prepared to effectively help and support those in need. Here’s how you do it: 1.) Visit our website at catalystdvservices.org/v...olunteer 2.) Apply to volunteer 3.) Our Volunteer Program Coordinator will reach out to schedule an interview! So, consider applying to volunteer today to make a difference in the lives of others. Our next training will be held via Zoom from January 5th-22nd, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-3pm with a 1 hour lunch break & 10 minute break.

Catalyst unveils a brand new mural in downtown Chico with our community partners, Golden Valley Bank, American Red Cross, Chico Rotary! Special thanks to Artist Jed Speer (SEIZER-ONE DESIGNS).

Tomorrow is #PurpleThursday! Show your support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and healthy relationships by wearing your favorite purple outfit - we'd especially love to see your Catalyst "Love Shouldn't Hurt" tees!

We celebrated the completion of our new mural today! Huge thank you to the incredible artist, Jed Speer of SEIZER-ONE DESIGNS, for taking our vision and creating this amazing artistic expression; Judy Archer, the building owner who graciously embraced our idea and let us take over her wall; and our sponsors who made our dream a reality: American Red Cross, Chico Rotary (specifically Team Centurions), and Golden Valley Bank Foundation. Their support demonstrates a commitment to our agency’s work, the participants we serve, and the promotion of healthy relationships in our community. We are GRATEFUL!

Do you have a favorite love song you'd like to dedicate to that special someone(s)? Now's your chance! The "Love Is" Radio Showcase is coming up next week and we want to take YOUR requests! Send us a private message with your song request and dedication, and it may just end up getting played on KZFR 90.1 FM! Preference is for cover songs, but all healthy-relationship promoting love songs will be considered!

MYTH: Alcohol and drug use cause domestic violence FACT: Not all people who cause harm use drugs or alcohol, and not all people who use drugs or alcohol harm their partners. While research has shown that substance use can increase the severity of abuse, it does not cause it to happen. Abuse is caused by an underlying desire for power and control. Most people who cause harm in relationships will do so in varying degrees when both sober and intoxicated, though drugs and alcoho...l are often used as excuses for violent behavior. Sometimes, abusive people will even get or keep their partners hooked on a substance as a way to control them more easily. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in their relationship, Catalyst can help. Call us at 800-895-8476. You are not alone. #MythMonday

MYTH: Domestic Violence mostly happens to families living in poverty FACT: Domestic Violence happens across all socioeconomic groups. It can be easier to hide the abuse when the family has access to money and resources, but it still happens. In fact, financial abuse occurs is 98% of adult abusive relationships. So, when abuse is present, equal access to the finances is often not the case. All of Catalyst's services are free and confidential to survivors of all income levels. ...If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call us at 800-895-8476. You are not alone. #MythMonday