F*ck the System: Standing Up for Domestic Violence Survivors and Women Everywhere

By: Leslii Stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher

Unapologetic. Unfiltered. This is for every woman who has been silenced, dismissed, or forced to shrink herself. We’re done playing by their rules.

Here’s the deal: I’m a woman. I’m an artist. I’m a survivor of domestic violence. And I’m tired. Tired of the backsliding. Tired of hearing about policies that hurt survivors. Tired of hearing the same old rhetoric from people in power who just don’t get it.


We are living in a time where the fight for women’s rights and protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is under constant attack. From funding cuts to redefining what constitutes abuse, it feels like every step forward is met with two steps back. And I’m done standing on the sidelines.


I’m here to shout for all the women who’ve been silenced, hurt, or forgotten. I’m here to rock this world for all of us who’ve been survivors of violence and I’m not just doing it for me. I’m doing it for all of us.


Domestic Violence: The Elephant in the Room


During Trumps 1st administration, the fight for women’s rights was significantly weakened. Domestic violence survivors, like me, were among the first to feel the impact. And if you think things were handled with care, think again. It was more like a battering ram than a helping hand.

The numbers don’t lie. Domestic violence is an epidemic, and the system still fails survivors every damn day. It’s time for change.


Cuts to Vital Services


Let’s talk about funding cuts to vital programs. The freeze on federal funding for domestic violence services under Trump’s watch left nonprofit organizations struggling to support survivors. These organizations provide everything from emergency shelter to counseling for women in need. When the money dries up, women are left to fend for themselves in a system that wasn’t built to protect them. I mean, c'mon, how is this even acceptable in a world that says it wants to #MeToo its way to equality?


You can thank the Trump administration for putting the brakes on funds and making it that much harder for survivors to access the support they need to heal.


Redefining Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault: No, That’s Not Progress


I’m all for fresh perspectives, but when those “fresh” perspectives are used to minimize or redefine the real issues that survivors face, that’s a problem. The attempt to narrow the definitions of domestic violence and sexual assault was nothing more than an underhanded way of shutting down protections for those who needed it most. It’s like saying, “Oh, you’re upset about being assaulted? Sorry, that doesn’t count anymore.”


Workplace Violence? Yeah, That’s Out, Too


Trump’s administration also stopped important efforts to protect workers who suffer from domestic violence in the workplace. Health care workers, who are often victims of intimate partner violence, were left without federal protections. If you think that's okay, I’d like to talk to you about what the word “protection” means in a world where women are not getting it.


Allegations Against Those in Power: Hypocrisy at Its Finest


And if that wasn’t enough, let’s talk about the hypocrisy of it all. Several people within Trump’s circle were accused of sexual misconduct. But, hey, who's surprised, right? When the people who hold the power are part of the problem, the system can never truly change. The louder the voices, the more we see them dismiss the pain of others.


A Survivor’s Perspective: Why I’m So F*cking Angry


As a survivor of domestic violence, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of a broken system. I’ve fought my way through a lot of things, but there’s one thing that can’t break: my voice.


When we turn a blind eye to those who’ve been hurt, when we tell survivors that their stories don’t matter, we’re sending the wrong message. And I’m not going to sit around and watch that happen.


Survivors are strong. We get through the worst and come out the other side, but we shouldn’t have to do it alone. We shouldn’t have to fight for basic human decency. We shouldn’t have to ask for help—we should be given it.


So, yeah, I’m here to break the silence. I’m here to fight the fight. I’m here for the women who’ve had enough.

Strength isn’t just about muscles, it’s about surviving, fighting, and rising again. This is what resilience looks like.


What You Can Do: Get Involved, Speak Up, and Demand Better


Now that we know how deep the cuts go, what can we do about it?


1. Support organizations that help survivors: Donate. Volunteer. Share resources. Help survivors find their way to safety.



2. Speak out: Don’t let these issues slide under the rug. Use your voice—on social media, in your communities, wherever you can.



3. Demand better from the government: Hold your representatives accountable. Push for laws that protect women and support survivors.



4. Be an ally: If you see something, say something. We all have a responsibility to protect one another.



Let’s make sure this isn’t the new normal. Let’s raise our voices, rock the boat, and demand a world where survivors are supported, and women are heard.

From the streets to the page, our voices will be heard. This fight isn’t new, but we’re louder than ever.

National Hotlines & Resources

Here’s a list of national hotlines and resources that can support people dealing with trauma, abuse, or distress caused by what’s happening in the country. These services can help people who may be struggling with mental health issues, anxiety, or dealing with narcissistic manipulation, gaslighting, or any form of emotional abuse.  

 
 1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)  

Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  

Website: 988lifeline.org  

Description: A 24/7 crisis lifeline for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis. Text or call for free, confidential support.  

 
 2. National Domestic Violence Hotline  

Phone: 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7)  

Text: Text “START” to 88788  

Website: thehotline.org  

Description: Support for those experiencing domestic violence, providing confidential assistance for escaping abusive situations, including emotional abuse (which narcissists often use). 
 
 

3. Crisis Text Line  

Text: Text HOME to 741741 (available 24/7)  

Website: crisistextline.org  

Description: A free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis, offering emotional support through text messaging with trained crisis counselors. 
 


4. The Trevor Project  

Phone: 1-866-488-7386 (24/7)  

Text: Text START to 678678  

Website: thetrevorproject.org  

Description: A suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, offering support for mental health struggles, bullying, and emotional distress.  

5. National Helpline for Mental Health (SAMHSA)  

Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)  

Website: samhsa.gov  

Description: A confidential, free, 24/7 helpline for people struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues. Provides support and referrals to local resources.  

6. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)  

Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)  

Website: nami.org  

Description: Provides free, confidential support for individuals dealing with mental health issues and their families, including information on resources, education, and advocacy.  

 7. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)  

Phone: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673) (available 24/7)  

Website: rainn.org  

Description: The largest national anti-sexual violence organization offering support for sexual assault survivors, including confidential crisis support and resources for healing. 


8. Veterans Crisis Line  

Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1 for veterans) (available 24/7)  

Text: Text 838255  

Website: veteranscrisisline.net  

Description: Confidential support for veterans in crisis or experiencing emotional distress, including suicide prevention. 
 
 

9. National Child Abuse Hotline (Childhelp)  

Phone: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) (available 24/7)  

Website: childhelp.org  

Description: A 24/7 hotline for reporting child abuse, with support for children and adults affected by abuse, neglect, and trauma. 
 
 

10. Boys Town National Hotline  

Phone: 1-800-448-3000 (available 24/7)  

Website: boystown.org  

Description: Support for children, teenagers, and families dealing with crises, providing counseling and resources for those struggling with emotional abuse.  

11. Al-Anon/Alateen (For Family & Friends of Alcoholics)  

Phone: 1-800-356-9996 (available 24/7)  

Website: al-anon.org  

Description: Provides support for family members and friends of people struggling with alcoholism, offering meetings, resources, and tools for coping.  

12. Loveisrespect  

Phone: 1-866-331-9474 (available 24/7)  

Text: Text “LOVEIS” to 22522  

Website: loveisrespect.org  

Description: A resource for young people experiencing abuse in relationships, offering education, support, and advocacy for those facing emotional or physical abuse.