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Sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors’ lives. At Joyful Heart, we are committed to connecting our community to information and resources about these types of violence.

Understanding these issues

We strongly believe it is important to understand the definitions of sexual assault and rape, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect; learn the signs of trauma; and have resources available for survivors to receive the appropriate support and assistance on their journey toward healing.

Through this education, we move closer to fulfilling our vision at Joyful Heart to live in a world free of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Sexual Assault and Rape

Sexual assault refers to any unwanted sexual act against or without a person’s consent. Rape is forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or oral penetration.

Learn more about sexual assault and rape.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior with the intent to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner or family members.

Learn more about domestic violence.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse is an act—or a failure to act—that causes a child serious harm or risk of harm. Neglect occurs when a caregiver doesn’t provide a child with basic needs.

Learn more about child abuse and neglect.

Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious trauma affects those who work with trauma regularly. It is a response to the ongoing exposure to suffering that inhibits a person’s well-being.

Learn more about vicarious trauma.

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