Still Here

What if you know something is wrong, but you're still wondering whether it counts?What if you're still living there? What if you left and nothing feels better? What if the people who were supposed to protect you are the ones who hurt you, or the ones who refuse to believe you?Still Here is a raw, compassionate survivor's companion for people living with the effects of domestic violence and sexual abuse, whether they're still in it, trying to leave, or figuring out how to live afterward.Writing from her own experiences as a survivor, Dana Marie Hull offers something different from another set of instructions about what you should have done.Inside, you'll find honest conversations about:- Recognizing abuse, manipulation, coercive control, and self-blame.- Safety planning, protecting children, and preparing to leave when leaving isn't simple.- Technology safety, emergency housing, police reports, protective orders, and professional support.- The effects of trauma on your body, relationships, parenting, finances, and sense of self.- Shame, anger, numbness, rebuilding trust, and learning to live beyond survival.This book won't tell you to just leave. It won't demand that you forgive, report, heal, or start over on someone else's schedule.It offers practical information, emotional understanding, and a place to begin, wherever you are in your story.You don't have to have everything figured out to deserve safety, dignity, and a future.Still Here is based on lived experience and educational information. It is not a substitute for individualized medical, legal, or mental health care.