The Importance of Community Support for Survivors of Interpersonal Violence: Online Therapy Near You
Image taken from Jon T.O. Severson
Surviving interpersonal violence is a deeply isolating experience. It can make you question your worth, your trust in others, and even your place in the world. Many survivors carry their pain alone, either because they fear being judged, don’t want to be a burden, or have been conditioned to believe they must “get over it” in silence. But here’s the truth: Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Survivors need community support to truly heal.
As a trauma therapist, I have seen so many people who take even years to reach out for help. I always say everyone reaches out on their own timeline and there is no wrong way to do that. However, I also like to think about support as carrying grocery bags… you can carry them all on your own and your hands will show the marks; or you can share the load. As an online therapist, I would be honored to support you in your pathway to healing.
Why Community Support Matters
Trauma thrives in silence. It tells survivors they are alone, that no one will understand, or that their pain isn’t valid. A supportive community—whether it’s friends, family, a support group, or a therapist—helps challenge those beliefs and reminds survivors that they are not broken, and they are not alone.
For BIPOC survivors, the need for culturally competent support is even more crucial. Systemic barriers, cultural stigmas, and generational trauma can make seeking help feel impossible. Finding a BIPOC therapist or a safe, understanding community can be life-changing, offering a space where survivors don’t have to explain or defend their experiences.
Healing Through Connection
Survivors who have strong support systems tend to recover more effectively from trauma. Here’s how community support makes a difference:
Validation: Being believed is one of the most powerful gifts a survivor can receive. Having people who acknowledge your pain without minimizing it helps counter the self-doubt that trauma often brings.
Emotional Safety: Healing requires a sense of security. Whether through close relationships, support groups, or online therapy, survivors need spaces where they feel safe to process their emotions.
Encouragement to Seek Professional Help: Many survivors struggle to reach out for professional support. A compassionate community can help bridge that gap, encouraging them to explore EMDR therapy, trauma-focused treatment, or counseling that aligns with their needs.
Breaking Isolation: Abusers often manipulate survivors into feeling alone. Community support helps break that cycle, showing survivors that people care and that they deserve connection.
How to Build a Supportive Community
If you’re a survivor looking for community, start small. Healing isn’t about forcing yourself to be social—it’s about finding the right people who respect your journey.
Consider therapy – Working with a BIPOC therapist or someone trained in trauma-focused modalities like EMDR therapy can provide professional guidance in a safe space.
Join a support group – Whether in-person or virtual, being around others who understand can be incredibly validating.
Lean on trusted people – Not everyone will understand your experience, and that’s okay. Choose relationships where you feel safe and seen.
Explore online therapy – If in-person support feels overwhelming, virtual sessions allow you to access care from a comfortable setting.
If You Love Someone Who Is a Survivor…
Community support isn’t just about survivors seeking help—it’s also about loved ones showing up. If you have a friend, family member, or partner who is a survivor, the best thing you can do is believe them, listen without judgment, and remind them they are not alone. Avoid telling them what to do including leaning on to options that involve reporting to authorities.
You Deserve Support
Healing is not meant to be a solo journey. You deserve to be surrounded by people who uplift you, validate your pain, and remind you that you are worthy of care. Whether it’s through community engagement, support groups, online therapy, or a trusted circle of friends, know this: You are not alone, and you never have to be.
If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and personal transformation, I encourage you to reach out. I am passionate about trauma-informed care in all spaces as well as creating safety so you can process your experiences at your own pace. Please contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how online trauma therapy can help you achieve your goals.
I am dedicated to helping you create a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and resilience. Let's work together to start your healing journey.
