Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse no matter your race, age, sexual orientation or financial status. Domestic abuse is a pattern of behavior used to dominate and control another person through fear, guilt, shame and intimidation. Most of us think of battered and bruised women when we hear the word abuse. But abuse takes on many forms including physical, emotional, psychological, economic and
sexual. Domestic abuse usually takes place behind closed doors. It’s often covered-up, minimized or excused. This pattern of behavior can carry on for years. The longer it continues, the more likely it can escalate into a seriously traumatic or fatal conclusion. Unfortunately, the common perception is that once the victims are removed from their unsafe environment the problem is solved and they can simply move on with their lives. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is, getting away from an abusive situation is only the first milestone on a very long road. Support for survivors is critical at this stage and needed in many forms. Extensive healing and rehabilitation must take place to help survivors rebuild their lives. For many, recovery is a life-long process. Project Chrysalis transforms futures. We are a non-profit organization that helps ease the transition for Survivor Families recovering from abusive situations, empowering them to take the next steps in the healing process. Survivors must learn to cope with severe after-effects, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trust issues, fear, social isolation, depression, insomnia, anxiety, flashbacks and other emotional distress; all of which can interfere with basic life functions and contribute to physical illness, heart attacks and su***de. All of these potential after-effects just touch the surface of the issues that must be dealt with post-separation. Even deeper are the foundational issues of fear, trust, social isolation and anxiety that affect victims with the simplest day-to-day tasks such as going to work, the grocery store or being able to sleep at night. Research and clinical studies have proven that travel is one of the best medicines for the human psyche and overall physical well-being. A case study performed by The Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association, show that after only a day or two of being on vacation, 89% saw a significant decrease in stress levels. Travel to foreign lands, emersion in new cultures, tasting traditional foods and out-of-the-box activities create memories and experiences for a lifetime to come. That’s why we call them Great Escapes. Our Great Escapes program offers a safe and happy, escorted travel adventure giving Survivor Families an opportunity to experience another part of the world. Distant cultures, colorful activities and native cuisines promote life-long benefits that Survivor Families may not otherwise get the chance to encounter. Each Great Escape is tailored to provide a unique adventure. Based on the criteria for a particular Escape, a handful of nominees are selected for interviews. One qualified family is then chosen randomly to take the trip of a lifetime. The Project Chrysalis team coordinates each aspect of the Great Escape’s week-long itinerary, traveling with the family every step of the way. Survivor Families have support and companionship throughout all activities and are never left to fend for themselves. Our Great Escapes are instrumental to developing the skills necessary to overcome fear and social isolation while creating a new set of positive memories to carry forward into a healthy future.
