We set and follow boundaries with one another all the time, we just may not recognize and label them as such. Boundaries are an essential feature of healthy relationships and a crucial aspect of healing for those who have experienced trauma. Recognizing them in a formal way allows us to be explicit about our boundaries.

During any disaster a number of hardships hit homes, from economic hardships to losses in the family. Within these confusing times also comes the emotions behind the confusion and upset. Many people become upset or frustrated with their lives, and while some individuals know how to control these emotions, others take these frustrations out in unhealthy methods. Sexual and domestic violence rates during any sort of worldly disaster tend to go up due to the stress of the abuser, the vulnerability of the survivor, and the lack of available resources during the time. It is important to recognize the type of situations that can instigate higher rates of violence and how once can help prevent these situations.

The devastating case of Gabby Petito has called for all of America’s attention. The mystery of her whereabouts, and the search for her alleged assailant Brian Laundrie, has made national headlines. It brought all of America together to work through this case. These efforts have been bringing in answers and justice to Petito and her family, but unfortunately the same cannot be shared for many other victims of violence. White victims and survivors often receive media attention, while victims of color are left under the radar. Many families of color do not receive any closure or support for their loved ones. Thousands of Indigenous women go missing. In Wyoming, Indigenous people make up 3% of the population, yet they are 21% of homicide cases (NPR 2021). People of color are known to be susceptible to facing harm and violence, and not receive the same attention. In the same state where Petito was also found, only 18% of missing Indigenous cases are covered in the media (AP News 2021); for homicide, only 30% of Indigenous cases are covered (NPR 2021). Gabby Petito’s case reveals that there are racial disparities in media coverage and cases of violence. “‘What is communicated is that white lives matter more than people of color’”; it perpetuates the phenomenon of “missing white woman syndrome” (AP News 2021). It creates the narrative that it is tolerable for certain groups to face harm. Gabby Petito’s case reveals how much work needs to be done to better support and heal survivors of color.

Learn more about what is financial abuse!

Gender inequality is a topic that can be traced throughout history as many men have subjected women to lower statuses. This can be seen from being the figureheads of monarchy or government down to the figurehead of the household. Since society assumed men would fulfill these roles, women often had to deal with being bossed around by men, telling them how to act and what to do. If a woman happened to go against her husband, father, or really any other man’s wishes, they often reprimanded her verbally or physically. Luckily in many parts of the world, this type of behavior is now unacceptable and punishable by law. Yet, there is an estimated one in three women that have been a victim of violence through intimate partner violence (UN Women, 2018). Not to mention, some countries face these issues more often than often for multiple reasons.