February Tech-related Resource Roundup

Digital Boundaries The line between healthy and unhealthy relationships can get confusing once online. It’s not always clear what your digital boundaries or relationship should look like. These tips show how couples can discuss their digital boundaries in a safe and healthy way. Read now.

Romantic AI Chatbots Don’t Have Your Privacy at Heart

Although AI girlfriends are marketed as something that will enhance mental health and well-being, they specialize in delivering dependency, loneliness, and toxicity, all while prying as much data as possible from users. All 11 romantic AI chatbots reviewed by moz://a earned their *Privacy Not Included warning label – putting them on par with the worst categories of products moz://a has ever reviewed for privacy. Read more about the privacy concerns surrounding AI chatbots.

Thorn's Issue Page The intersection of child abuse and technology has created a public health crisis that demands our attention. Child sexual abuse and exploitation in the digital age are complex issues, driven by a variety of factors that make them challenging to fully understand. Explore how we got here and what’s fueling this crisis on Thorn’s issue page.

Catherine Chen & Sara Woldehanna: Ending Human Trafficking with Survivor-Centered AI

Catherine Chen and Sara Woldehanna share a unique vision for AI: one in which the technology protects, uplifts, and empowers survivors of all forms of injustice, exploitation, and abuse. Their vision is more than just a dream. It’s a testament to what’s possible. Read more about their work leveraging AI in the anti-trafficking space.

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February 2025 Resource Roundup

PODCAST: First Podcast About Financial Abuse as a Domestic Violence Issue!

Financial abuse can be a silent yet devastating form of domestic violence, often going unrecognized even by those experiencing it. In this podcast, host and survivor Laurie G. sheds light on this pervasive issue that affects individuals across all demographics. Listen now.

ARTICLE: Your Body, My Choice Has Made Its Way to High Schools

Misogynistic slogans like "Your body, my choice" are being used by young boys in schools as a form of harassment, influenced by online hate speech. This behavior creates unsafe environments for female and marginalized students and reinforces the dangerous misogynistic rhetoric that fuels relationship violence. This article explores how to talk with youth of all genders about healthy masculinity and healthy relationships – and how to respond if your child becomes a target at school. Start reading.

SHORT VIDEO: What is The Power and Control Wheel?

The Power and Control Wheel shows how domestic violence is perpetrated in a pattern of power and control. Survivors say they see it and “everything clicks into place.” Learn more about how this powerful graphic can be used to identify domestic violence by watching this two-minute video.

SPECIAL RESOURCES: Addressing & Preventing Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault The annual NFL Social Responsibility Curriculum is taught to all members of NFL teams and NFL league offices using a combination of videos and interactive discussion. The curricula are available for free, and the NFL encourages everyone to utilize them to help engage male allies through sports. Explore now.

QUIZ: Am I Emotionally Abusive?

When someone calls you emotionally abusive, they may be trying to shift the blame off of them and onto you. Take this 8-question quiz to see if your actions could be considered abusive. Start quiz.

ARTICLE: Teaching Teens About Dating Violence

Learning about healthy relationships early means less chance of domestic violence later on. Let your teen know that spotting the signs is important—it could help protect them as well as those they care about. Read now.

Volunteer for Trade Secrets

Trade Secrets is the principal fundraiser for Project SAGE, and we’re excited to invite you to volunteer in this year’s 25th-anniversary celebration on Sunday, May 18th, at Lime Rock Park! We have several roles available, including event setup, assisting vendors, and transporting guests. As a thank you, you'll receive a $150 value of free tickets including a free ticket to all available garden tours on Saturday, May 17th (various locations) and a late bloomer ticket to the Sunday sale event at Lime Rock Park.

Volunteering at Trade Secrets is a unique opportunity to support a cause that directly impacts our community. The funds raised from this event help Project SAGE provide vital services, including crisis response, shelter, and education. Last year, we assisted 800 clients, responded to nearly 2,000 crisis calls, and provided 1,400 nights of emergency shelter.

Sign up through our website starting March 1st!

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Celebrating 25 Years of Trade Secrets: Supporting Project SAGE!

Mark your calendars for a milestone event!  Trade Secrets, the renowned garden rare plant and antiques show and sale, celebrates its 25th anniversary on May 18th at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT. This signature event is the primary fundraiser for Project SAGE, a vital non-profit domestic violence agency serving Northwest Connecticut and neighboring communities in New York and Massachusetts.

Since 2001, Trade Secrets, inspired by Bunny Williams and Naomi Blumenthal and expertly guided by horticulturist Deborah Munson, has championed Project SAGE's mission.  The organization works tirelessly to create social change, challenging harmful attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate interpersonal violence.  They advocate for victims and survivors, offering crucial support and resources.  

Bunny Williams reflected on Trade Secrets through the years.

“Trade Secrets began as a small event on our property and over the course of 25 years has grown into a horticultural event that attracts attendees to New England from across the country and around the world. The annual event is the major fundraiser for Project SAGE, which supports those affected by domestic violence and other familial issues. They have been able to expand their reach significantly thanks to this extraordinary event. It's also a wonderful place to discover rare and interesting plants and antiques, and every year I fall in love with something new for my garden.” ~ Bunny Williams

Over the past 25 years, Trade Secrets has raised an incredible $5 million for Project SAGE, making a profound impact on the lives of countless people.  This year’s event promises to be even more special, celebrating this remarkable event.  Join us at Lime Rock Park for a day of exquisite garden treasures supporting Project Sage.

Volunteers are essential to the success of Trade Secrets.  If you'd like to contribute your time and talents, please get in touch!  For more information about the event or volunteering opportunities, visit tradesecretsct.com or contact the Project SAGE Development Department at sarag@project-sage.org.  Let’s make this 25th anniversary the most successful yet!

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2nd Annual Teen Take Back the Hike

Project SAGE is also holding the second annual Teen Take Back the Hike, an inclusive hike to raise awareness about personal safety in public spaces, co-sponsored by the Kent Land Trust and Marvelwood School. During the hike, participating teens are asked to consider questions such as, “Is there power in hiking as a group,” and  “How might this feel different if you were alone?” and then discuss over cocoa and cookies around a post-hike firepit.


February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

According to the Children’s Safety Network, teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling behavior exhibited by one teenager towards another in a dating relationship. This controlling behavior can manifest as physical abuse, sexual abuse, and / or emotional abuse, including threatening, ridiculing, stalking, and / or using technology to harass or intimidate. 

The CDC’s High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey of 2021 reports that:

  • more than 10% of high-school girls and nearly 7% of high-school boys in the United States experience physical dating violence;

  • more than 15% of high-school girls and 4% of high-school boys in the United States experience sexual dating violence.

This month, we strive to bring awareness to teen dating violence prevention in the Northwest Corner through multiple community awareness-raising campaigns. First, Project SAGE is distributing three handouts throughout Region 1 and at local private schools that support not only TDVAM but also our Year of Digital Safety:

  • #AskB4UPost sticker - to raise awareness about the need for consent around sharing images on social media

  • Non-consensual Image Sharing brochure - to provide simple and practical information on what to do if your image has been shared without your consent

  • Surf Safer webcam cover - to prevent others from capturing images through a webcam without the user’s consent

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Steps to Take If You Are Being Threatened with Non-consensual Image Sharing

Use these tips and resources to help take control of your image. Click here to download a brochure with this information.

A woman holds a cellphone, looking at the screen.

Reach out for Emotional Support

Trusted Adult

  • Talk to a trusted adult: parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, or other community member.

Trusted Friend

  • Reach out to a trusted friend for support as you contact one of the adults mentioned above.

Outside Support

  • Contact Project SAGE at 860-364-1900 or contact your local domestic violence agency.

  • Text “THORN” to 741741 to speak to trained counselor and get support during a moment of crisis. (Available in English and Spanish.)

Deal with the Accounts and Evidence

Limit Access

  • Consider whether to block, mute, or restrict the other person. (Keep in mind whether they will know about this action and what will meet your needs.)

Report It

  • Report to the platform where images are posted. some helpful platform-specific information can be found here: bit.ly/4cz14TQ

Save Evidence

  • Do not delete the account. Get screen shots of pages with the URL, time and date.

  • Save them as PDFs. If there is video footage, download the entire video to a hard drive.

  • Consider whether to include a Litigation Hold Request.

Get Legal and Technology Support

Technology

Legal

Other Resources

Find more information on this topic at the following sites:

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Welcome to Our New Event Coordinator, Nichole Reyes

Trade Secrets, the premier fundraiser for Project SAGE, welcomes Nichole Reyes as our new Event Coordinator.

Reyes brings a wealth of experience in event planning and a Master's degree in Non-profit Management to her role. With a deep commitment to social change, she is passionate about supporting Project SAGE's mission to end interpersonal violence.

"I am honored to join the Trade Secrets team and contribute to the vital work of Project SAGE," said Reyes. "Combining my professional expertise with my personal values allows me to create meaningful events that drive positive impact."

A dedicated community member, Reyes resides in Millerton with her husband and two sons. She actively serves on the Webutuck School Board, reflecting her commitment to giving back to her community.

Trade Secrets, inspired by Bunny Williams and Naomi Blumenthal, has been a cornerstone of support for Project SAGE since 2001. The event showcases exceptional garden designs and raises crucial funds to support Project SAGE's mission to create a safer community for all. It will be held on May 17th and 18th this year. For more information, visit tradesecrets.com.

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January 2025 Resource Roundup

VIDEO: Tech Talk

This short talk sponsored by Safety Net Project gives a brief overview of how technology intersects with abuse. Watch now.

ARTICLE: Latest Trends: Intimate Image Abuse

As the use of intimate images and videos to cause harm continues to evolve, it’s important to stay current on this issue – but that’s easier said than done! This article shares multiple resources that shed light on this disturbing phenomenon. Click to read.

WEBINAR: Healthy Masculinity in the Age of AI: Navigating Challenges to Relationships & Identity

Watch this EndTAB webinar for a timely and urgent discussion with masculinity expert Dr. Saed D. Hill about the state of healthy masculinity in the age of Artificial Intelligence - and the rapid challenges this technology presents in engaging men and boys today. Watch now.

TOOLKIT: Technology Safety & Privacy

Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking often need information on how to be safe while using technology. This toolkit contains safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology. Get the toolkit.

WEB RESOURCE: 4 Digital Safety Resources: 20+ Languages

The value of providing resources to survivors in their native language cannot be overstated. These can often be hard to come by or locate when needed - and this is true for digital safety resources as well. These four multilingual and culturally-informed resources focus on increasing digital safety. Explore now.

RECURSO EN ESPAÑOL: La intersección entre la trata, la violencia domestica y la technología

Esta breve charla patrocinada por Safety Net Project ofrece una breve descripción general de cómo la tecnología se cruza con el abuso.

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Our Year in Review

As a new year approaches, we look back at the past 12 months with gratitude and appreciation for all those who make our work possible. It has been a year of growth and change. In 2024, we welcomed a new Executive Director, a new Director of Development, and several new Advocates. We also inaugurated a new Board Chair, and two new members joined our robust and engaged Board. Our October events marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month exceeded all past participation, with over 80 community members attending our Vigil honoring those who lost their lives to domestic violence in Connecticut and more than two dozen participants raising awareness about safe public spaces at Take Back the Hike, held in conjunction with Kent Land Trust. Project SAGE was a regular presence at community events throughout 2024, including the Kent Farmers Market, North Canaan Railroad Days, Sharon on the Green, Salisbury Fall Fest, Cornwall Ag Fair, and many more. And of course, Project SAGE continued its work of supporting, advocating, guiding, and educating by training scores of volunteers, teaching hundreds of workshops, answering thousands of hotline calls, and sheltering dozens of survivors of domestic violence. None of this vital work would be possible without the steadfast support of our community – you.

 All of us at Project SAGE wish you a safe and bright new year and hope you will join us in 2025 as we continue our commitment to ending relationship violence and building a healthier, safer community for everyone.

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December 2024 Resource Roundup

ARTICLE: You Can Call a Hotline Even If You Don't Want to Leave

Contrary to what many believe, shelter hotlines are not only for people who are looking for a safe escape from domestic abuse; the trained advocates on the other end of the phone are also ready to provide information and resources to a wide range of callers. Whether you are in a relationship that is feeling problematic—but you’re not quite sure if it’s abuse—or you’re worried about someone else who is being abused, consider the ways calling a hotline might help answer some of your questions. Read these 10 questions.

APP: Empowering decisions for a safe path forward

myPlan is a free app offered in English and Spanish to help with safety decisions if you, or someone you care about, may be experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship. It’s private, secure, personalized, and backed by research with domestic violence survivors involved every step of the way. myPlan provides anonymous questions about you and the relationship, and your answers will customize myPlan to your situation. Explore now.

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Pauline Stuart: I Want Parents to Know the Truth About Sextortion

Pauline Stuart's story is one every parent needs to hear. After losing her son Ryan, a victim of sextortion, she has become an advocate determined to educate others on the dangers and rapid escalation of this crime. Watch Pauline share her experience and learn vital lessons to help protect your own family. Read now.

ARTICLE: How Self-Compassion Can Help You Deal With Stress

According to new research, self-compassion may help people use more effective coping strategies and in turn feel better. Read more to learn how we can set ourselves up to approach stressors in a healthier and more productive way. Read now.

ARTICLE: What Does Mental Abuse Feel Like?

Mental abuse, a combination of verbal abuse and emotional abuse, is one of many tactics abusers use to exert power and control over a partner. Learn how mental abuse tears down self-worth – and what can be done about it. Read now.

RECURSO EN ESPAÑOL: ¿Qué es la violencia doméstica?

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Welcome our new Director of Development, Sara Gunn

In this season of celebration, we at Project SAGE are celebrating the newest member of our team, Sara Gunn! 

Since mid November, Sara has been Project SAGE’s Director of Development, and she comes to us with a wealth of experience. Most recently she was with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, where she collaborated with her team to raise over 4 million dollars during her tenure and cultivated strong partnerships in the community. Sara explains that her entire career has been devoted to the nonprofit sector and that she has only been able to work for non profits whose mission she deeply believes in -- something that is no different with Project SAGE. Not only was she drawn to Project SAGE because of our mission of fostering healthy relationships and social change but also because of our organization’s long legacy and the success of the Trade Secrets fundraising event. She feels that any organization that has that level of success has something very good going on. Since coming on board Sara says she has appreciated the welcoming and supportive work environment and is continuing to feel enthusiastic about her role here.

When she’s not busy securing financial support for our nonprofit, Sara enjoys vegetarian cooking and home improvement projects where she lives in Dutchess County. Project SAGE is thrilled to welcome her on board, and we are enjoying having her as part of our team!

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Survey: Gender-based Violence & the Workplace

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence (Alliance) have partnered to issue a survey through the U.S. Department of Labor Fostering Access, Rights, and Equity (FARE) Grant Program. Our goal is to build awareness and provide education that is survivor-centered for both employers and employees across the state. You can help inform the development of training and technical assistance tools by taking a brief, 15-minute anonymous survey.

Purpose of the Survey:

  • Assess Awareness: We aim to understand the current level of awareness and knowledge around gender-based violence in the workplace.

  • Inform Training: The insights gathered will help us create effective training programs tailored to your workplace.

  • Develop Strategies: We will use the data to implement worker and survivor-driven strategies to reduce and prevent gender-based violence.

Our Objectives:

  • Connect Survivors to Resources: We aim to link women workers and other survivors to domestic & sexual violence services, benefits, and legal assistance.

  • Empower Leadership: We strive to encourage women and survivors to become leaders in their communities on issues of gender-based violence and harassment.

  • Enhance Workplace Policies: We will support employers to develop workplace violence policies and procedures that are worker and survivor-centered and trauma-informed.

  • Increase Utilization of Resources: Our goal is to boost the knowledge and use of workplace benefits and community resources.

All responses are anonymous and will be kept confidential, used solely for the purpose of enhancing our project. Your participation is voluntary, and you can skip any questions you are not comfortable answering.

Thank you for your time and valuable input. Together, we can make a significant impact!

This information in this post and survey came from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV).

'Tis the Season to Give

It feels good to give during the holiday, knowing that you've made someone happy or given them what they need. Research proves there are even health benefits to giving. If you're curious, you can read all about it here.

At Project SAGE, we try to give our clients what they need to build futures free from violence, and we rely upon the support of our community to do so. That means YOU!

Please consider making a donation this holiday season and give the gift of a safer and brighter future to families in crisis.

Donations of all amounts are welcome and appreciated!

Local Teen Supports Project SAGE’s Work

Local teen, August Donner, has been coming up with some creative ways to support Project SAGE!

When August heard about kids who have to leave their home quickly, without taking any of their belongings, he was moved to do something with them in mind. He organized a toy and book drive to help give them something of their own to soften the upheaval they may be experiencing when they arrive at Project SAGE. August found that asking local bookstores for donations was hard, but he reported they were really nice. His efforts resulted in four boxes filled with new toys and books.

Not only has August taken the initiative to support children, he also organized a fundraising hike this autumn to financially support Project SAGE. August and his Dad hiked a 12-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, going up to an elevation of 3,300 feet in 6 hours, and generating over $3,000 in donations.

Generosity from community members, of either money or time goes a long way in the work that Project SAGE does, and August gave both. Although he is only 14, two years younger than the 16 year age requirement for certified Project SAGE volunteers, August says that he’s already hoping to join our volunteer team in a few years. We are so glad to have August Donner in our corner!

Learn how you too can help Project SAGE

November 2024 Resource Roundup

PODCAST: Connecting in Polarized Times

The holidays can be a time of connecting with family and friends. It can also mean experiencing tense moments of disagreement possibly over the Thanksgiving table. Calm and equip yourself by cultivating a sense of curiosity about the people in our lives with this 10-minute meditation. Click for calm.

ARTICLE: Your Partner Can’t Always Be There for You, But Self-Care Can

As we recognize the stress of the past weeks and the whirlwind of the upcoming holiday season, take a moment to assess how you and your loved ones care for themselves. This short informative piece from One Love breaks down what self care means and how we can tend to our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It’s not an indulgence to cultivate a self-care practice, but a necessity and something we all deserve! Read now to take action.

FACT SHEET: Deepfake Nudes and Other Trends in Youth Behavior Online

With new technology comes new risks. Use this information from Thorn, a technology nonprofit that fights child sexual abuse, to learn how “deepfake” nudes exist in the lives of young people today. By knowing more we can all help to be ahead of the technology and encourage youth to think critically about how they these technologies are being used and how they can stand for healthy relationships in their lives. Read here.

CALL TO ACTION: Pass the Survivor Model in 2025

Take a moment to join the National Center on Sexual Exploitation in encouraging legislators to pass the Survivor Model to protect victims of the sex trade. It is critical that legislators consider the Survivor Model in 2025 to ensure that sex buyers are held accountable for perpetuating the harms of the sex trade. Click to take action.

Thinking about Our Community This Week

Dear Project SAGE Community, 

For many of us, this week’s election was a highly anticipated one, with people experiencing significant stress about the outcomes either way at the local, state, and federal levels.

Stress can sometimes make us feel more escalated. 

At Project SAGE, when a client is experiencing escalation in a relationship, our client-centered, trauma-informed approach is to safety plan.

Therefore, if you are currently feeling escalated, here are some things we can offer: 

  • Identify safe people with whom to talk.

  • Identify strategies that are self soothing for you. 

  • Stick to your schedule.

  • Be honest with yourself about when, where, and how you can engage in difficult interactions.

  • Remember that healthy communication is specific, curious, includes clear boundaries, and respects the reality that multiple perspectives can be true simultaneously. 

As a community-focused organization dedicated to creating social change to end interpersonal relationship violence, we remain committed to advocating for and supporting victims and survivors, as well as challenging attitudes and beliefs around power, control, and gender norms. 

A reminder that our 24/7 hotline is always available for support.

FOR SUPPORT, ADVOCACY, REFERRALS OR EMERGENCY SHELTER
24 HOUR HOTLINE (860) 364-1900

SIMPRE HAY AYUDA DISPONIBLE:
PARA SOPORTE, DEFENSA, REFERIDOS O REFUGIO DE EMERGENCIA
LÍNEA DIRECTA LAS 24 HORAS (860) 364-1900