May is Women’s Health Month, a time to recognize the many factors that shape women’s wellbeing, safety, and ability to thrive. While conversations about women’s health often focus on physical health or reproductive care, one of the most significant threats to women’s health remains too often overlooked: domestic violence. Domestic violence is not only a […]
At The Second Step, we know that survivors do not avoid legal help because they do not need it. They often avoid it because the system feels unsafe, overwhelming, or shaming. Accessing the legal system requires courage. It also requires trust. For many survivors of domestic violence, that trust has been eroded, not only by […]
This year’s Celebrating Success gala took place at Brae Burn Country Club on May 7th, 2026. Two of our staff attorneys, Jordan and Jessica, each shared why this work is important to them. We’re excited to be able to share their remarks with you. Note: Jessica could not attend Celebrating Success live, so Emcee Joyce […]
In recent weeks, several high-profile domestic violence homicides have made national headlines, cases connected to public figures and, closer to home, the devastating killing of Emma Pasterczyk in Amherst and two children in Wellesley. These stories are shocking. They capture our attention. They raise urgent questions. But they are not the full picture. Every day, […]
By Sue Ross, CEO of The Second Step I just finished reading Without Consent, a book recommended to me by a friend and colleague. The timing felt especially significant, as April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual […]
By Sue Ross, CEO of The Second Step A recent Boston Globe article explored the emotional toll on hairstylists and other care professionals who find themselves holding their clients’ deepest, most personal stories. I recognize and appreciate just how much emotional labor that represents. Hairstylists are not therapists, and it is incredibly difficult to hold […]
On Monday, April 20, runner Yahni Lapa will take her place at the starting line of the Boston Marathon, known as one of the most iconic and demanding races in the world. But for Yahni, this race is about far more than miles, pace, or a finish line. It is a powerful tribute to resilience, survival, and the life-changing […]
For many survivors, abuse does not begin with physical violence. It begins with subtle shifts – a partner who insists on knowing where they are at all times. Money that suddenly becomes inaccessible. Friendships that slowly disappear. A phone that feels less like a device and more like a surveillance tool. For years, survivors described these patterns. They […]
This post was written anonymously by a staffer at The Second Step in February 2026. 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a partner before becoming an adult (Love is Respect). This staggering figure is one I didn’t realize I myself am a part of until working at The Second Step. My 16-year-old relationship […]
January is Stalking Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a form of abuse that is widespread, deeply harmful, and often misunderstood. At The Second Step, we know that stalking is not about unwanted attention. It is about power, control, and fear. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness, support survivors, and affirm the strength and […]