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 […]
Recently, I listened to Liza Lydia’s rewritten version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” It’s witty, warm, and unmistakably modern without losing the playful energy of the original. What changes isn’t the flirtation, but the framework. The tension comes from mutual interest, not pressure. Both voices are clear. Both get to choose. That rewrite has stayed […]
At The Second Step, we know the holidays can stir up a complex mix of emotions for survivors of domestic violence. Joyful celebrations may sit alongside grief, loneliness, the reality of what someone is currently living through, or reminders of past trauma. Abusive partners may use the holidays to exert more control, isolating survivors from […]
As the murder trial of Brian Walshe unfolds in Massachusetts, people across the country are following the proceedings with a mix of shock, confusion, and fascination. High-profile cases often draw intense public attention, but beneath the headlines is a reality that is familiar to those of us who work with survivors of domestic violence every […]
This April, Yahni will take on the Boston Marathon not only as a test of endurance, but as a deeply personal tribute to survivors of domestic violence. Her run is a powerful reminder that healing, safety, and hope are possible and she’s determined to give others the same chance she once had. Every dollar she […]
Each year, communities around the world come together on White Ribbon Day to take a visible stand against gender-based violence. Observed on November 25th, White Ribbon Day marks the beginning of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The activism officially runs through December 10th, which is Human Rights Day. Around the […]