The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter

09/08/2026

09/05/2026

The Mica Miller story has brought renewed attention to domestic violence and abuse within Christian relationships and faith communities.

On Tuesday, Lisa Thiombiano, M.S. and Loriana Steele, MPH, MCHES, CWP are going beyond the headlines to have a real conversation about abuse, faith, power, silence, and accountability in the church.

Two women with lived experience.
Hard questions.
A conversation about what survivors need, AND what the church must do better.

Holding the church to a higher standard.

📅 Tuesday, September 8
⏰ 8 PM ET
📍 Facebook Live | Stand Up Survivor

09/05/2026

Emanuel County (and surrounding areas), it's your turn! The Refuge is proud to provide a training workshop for law enforcement, medical, DFCS, advocates, child advocacy providers, college campus staff, school counselors, and anyone else who is interested in learning more about how to care for the sexual assault and strangulation victim. We will discuss acute care, potential life threatening situations, as well as how we can all work together to provide a united Coordinated Community Response!

If you would like more information or would like to RSVP, please email Heather Williams at [email protected]

09/02/2026

2 members of our domestic violence unit and 2 from the The Refuge Sexual Assault Center were able to attend the annual Georgia Commission on Family Violence conference in Athens this week.

This team has been soaking up all we can for the past 3 days to ensure we are doing all we can to care for the patients and clients we serve. Thank you to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for ensuring we always have this annual opportunity to gather with our colleagues from throughout the state to learn and grow, to share and connect, and to remind one another why the work we do matters so much. ❤️

09/02/2026

This team has been soaking up all we can for the past 3 days to ensure we are doing all we can to care for the patients and clients we serve. Thank you to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for ensuring we always have this annual opportunity to gather with our colleagues from throughout the state to learn and grow, to share and connect, and to remind one another why the work we do matters so much. ❤️

09/01/2026

https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/after-abuse/the-excuses-we-tell-ourselves?utm_source=email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=weekly

It’s normal for a survivor of abuse to tell themselves all sorts of reasons to avoid admitting they’re in the midst of domestic violence. But this doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

09/01/2026

The financial impact of domestic violence affects us all either directly or indirectly.

09/01/2026

🔗 https://zpr.io/XC99HXbiALHx

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t leaving—it’s realizing what you called “love” was never love at all. 💜

After abuse, many survivors say their definition of love changes: love starts to mean safety, consistency, and respect—not control, jealousy, or walking on eggshells. Healing can look like relearning your boundaries, trusting your gut again, and choosing relationships that feel calm instead of chaotic.

If you or someone you care about is questioning what’s “normal,” there are supportive resources out there that can help you sort through the confusion and plan your next steps—no judgment, just support. 🧩

How has your definition of love changed as you’ve grown (or healed)? Share in the comments, or tag a friend who might need this reminder today. 🌿

🔗 https://zpr.io/XC99HXbiALHx

08/26/2026

For those living in Tattnall County. Tattnall County Family Connection is hosting a health fair with mammograms being offered. There is grant funding available for the unisured and underinsured. Scan the QR code to sign up for this awesome screening.