Valley Crisis Center

❓What is Emotional Abuse❓

Emotional abuse is a pattern of hurtful words, bullying, and other behaviors that wear down a person's self-esteem and harm their mental health.

It can take the form of:
🚩Gaslighting
🚩Isolation
🚩Name-Calling
🚩Shaming or Blaming
🚩Silent Treatment
🚩Downplaying concerns
🚩Withholding affection
🚩Withholding attention

In LGBTQ relationships, it can also look like:
🚩Blaming the abuse on a partner's LBGTQ identity
🚩Denying abuse can exist in LGBTQ communities
🚩Pressuring a partner to be "out" or "closeted"
🚩Defining abusive behaviors as a normal part of LGBTQ relationships
🚩Turning mutual friends against a partner

Source: Recognizing and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in Relationships of LGBTQ People: A Primer for Health Centers

Research shows that folks in the LGBTQ community face unique barriers when looking for help.

These barriers include:
⚫️ Legal definitions that exclude same-s*x couples
⚫️ Increased risk of being outed
⚫️ Lack of knowledge about LGBTQ specific resources/assistance
⚫️ Potential homophobia from service providers or from non-LGBTQ survivors of intimate partner abuse

Valley Crisis Center does not discriminate.

Our services are confidential and available to all survivors, regardless of their gender identity or s*xual orientation.

If you would like to speak to an advocate, please call us at any time at (209) 722-4357.

IT’S TIIIIIIIIIIME!!!!! 🌈🎵✨

June is finally here and we can’t wait to celebrate Pride month with community!

On June 14th, we’ll be celebrating community pride at Applegate Park! At Merced Pride at the park, expect to see many q***r individuals and allies as our vendors!

On June 19th, our in-center services are closed, but we’ll be busy at The Partisan in Merced. Get ready for a night centered around fun drag performances, a fun raffle and celebrating s*x positivity. We’ll also have free on-site HIV/STI testing available. Exact details are to be announced, so keep an eye out for any updates!

At our center, we’re hosting peer-led LGBTQ+ groups all month long, including safe spaces for q***r youth, adults, seniors and families. Our services are provided in English and Spanish.

We hope you’ll join us throughout the month! 👀

Valley Crisis Center remains a safe space for our friends in the LGBTQ community. We understand that there are barriers to seeking services and we are here to support you.