First of all, I want to congratulate you. If you’ve found this blog, it means you’ve already taken a courageous step toward your healing and recovery. Whether you’re still navigating a challenging situation or have already begun your path to freedom, the fact that you’re here shows your strength and commitment to building a brighter, healthier future for yourself.
I personally know this journey isn’t easy, and I want to honor the courage it takes to seek help and start the healing process. Your experiences, though painful, do not define you. You are so much more than what you’ve been through, and so much hope is waiting for you.
Recovery is not just about survival; it’s about rediscovering your worth, reclaiming your power, and nurturing your emotional and physical well-being. You are strong, resilient, and worthy of love, peace, and joy.
This space is dedicated to helping you find practical, holistic tools to support you on this journey. As you move forward, remember that you are not alone. There are resources, people, and communities that will walk with you every step of the way. There is light at the end of this tunnel, and you are already moving toward it, one day at a time. Healing is possible, and hope is always within reach.
Now, explore tools and resources to support your emotional and physical recovery journey. You’ve got this, and I’m here to walk alongside you.
Domestic violence is a devastating experience, but there are steps survivors can take to find safety and begin their healing journey. This blog offers practical safety planning tips for leaving an abusive situation and holistic recovery options using essential oils and other natural remedies. Whether you're looking for emotional support or physical relief, these resources are here to help.
One of the most critical steps for anyone in a domestic violence situation is to plan for safety. Having a clear plan in place can make leaving safer and smoother.
- Emergency Contacts
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Local shelters and crisis centers:
- Volusia County, FL Beacon Center Hotline: (386) 255-2102
- Seminole County, FL SafeHouse of Seminole Hotline:407) 330-3933 or (800) 500-1119
- Orange County, FL Harbor House of Central Florida Hotline:(407) 886-2856
- Osceola County, FL Help Now of Osceola, Inc Hotline:(407) 847-8562
- Polk County, FL Peace River Community Mental Health Organization Hotline:(863) 413-2700 (Lakeland) or (863) 386-1167 (Sebring)
- Trusted friends or family members you can reach out to in an emergency
- Safety Planning Tips
- Keep an emergency bag packed with essentials like ID, money, important documents, medications, and a change of clothes.
- Develop a code word or signal with trusted loved ones that alerts them when you’re in danger.
- Hide or memorize key phone numbers in case your phone is taken.
- Store copies of essential documents outside your home (with a friend, in a safety deposit box, etc.).
- Leaving Safely
- If possible, leave when your abuser is out of the house or otherwise preoccupied.
- Contact a domestic violence shelter or support organization beforehand to ensure you have a safe place to go.
- Take your children with you if it’s safe and possible.
- Try to leave when your abuser is not in a rage of anger.
Essential oils offer gentle support for the emotional and physical recovery process. Here are some powerful oils to consider for healing.
- Lavender – Known for its calming effects, it helps reduce anxiety and promotes restful sleep.
- How to use: Diffuse before bed, or apply diluted to your wrists or neck for a calming effect.
- Frankincense – This grounding oil can promote emotional balance and peace, helping to calm the mind after trauma.
- How to use: Apply to the chest, inhale deeply, or add a few drops to a warm bath for deep relaxation.
- Valor – This blend is often called “courage in a bottle.” Valor boosts emotional strength and promotes a sense of bravery.
- How to use: Apply to the back of the neck or the soles of your feet for grounding.
- Bergamot – Uplifting and mood-enhancing, Bergamot can help reduce sadness and stress.
- How to use: Diffuse during the day or mix with a carrier oil and apply to your abdomen.
- Stress Away – A blend designed to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, perfect for soothing frazzled nerves.
- How to use: Diffuse throughout the day or apply to your temples and neck for tension relief.
- Geranium – Often used for emotional healing, Geranium is excellent for balancing the mind and heart after trauma.
- How to use: Add to a diffuser or apply diluted over your heart to release feelings of sadness.
- Roman Chamomile – An excellent oil for soothing both the mind and body, Roman Chamomile helps with restlessness and emotional overwhelm.
- How to use: Add a few drops to a bath or diffuse in the evening to promote relaxation.
- Cedarwood – Grounding and centering. It can help release negative emotions and promote feelings of stability.
- How to use: Diffuse at bedtime or apply diluted to the feet to help you feel more anchored.
- Peace & Calming– As the name suggests, this blend is excellent for reducing anxiety, calming the mind, and promoting relaxation. It's ideal for creating a peaceful environment and soothing emotional tension.
- How to use: Diffuse in the evening or during moments of stress, or apply diluted to your neck and wrists to encourage relaxation and emotional balance.
- Sacred Mountain – A grounding blend that promotes feelings of strength, protection, and security. Sacred Mountain helps center emotions and bring a sense of peace and inner calm, especially when you’re overwhelmed.
- How to use: Diffuse to create a calming atmosphere, or apply diluted to the chest or the soles of your feet for grounding and emotional stability.
In addition to essential oils, there are other holistic methods you can use to support your recovery after domestic violence.
- Aromatherapy & Reflexology
Reflexology, or applying gentle pressure to points on your feet and hands, can help reduce stress and anxiety. Click here for a class on how to do this at home. - Breathwork & Meditation
Simple breathwork techniques, like the 4-7-8 method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8), can help lower stress levels and re-center your mind. Meditation can promote emotional clarity and calm, even for just a few minutes daily. - Somatic Movement
Gentle movement, such as walking, stretching, or slow, mindful movements, can help release trauma stored in the body. Consider daily walks or stretching to reconnect with your body in a healing way. - Journaling & Art Therapy
Expressing your emotions through writing or art can help you process trauma and gain emotional clarity. Try journaling your thoughts or exploring creative outlets like painting or drawing. - Support Groups & Therapy
Connecting with a support group of people who understand what you’ve been through can be incredibly empowering. In addition, trauma-informed therapy modalities like EMDR or somatic experiencing can aid in the recovery process. - Going Outside for Fresh Air
Nature has a remarkable way of restoring peace to the mind and body. Stepping outside, even for just a few minutes, can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Fresh air and sunshine can also boost your vitamin D levels, which are essential for mental and physical well-being. - Drinking Plenty of Water
Hydration is critical to supporting your body’s natural healing processes. Water helps flush toxins from your system, keeps your energy levels up, and promotes overall health. - Remembering to Eat Healthy Foods
Good nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery. Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods can help nourish your body and mind, giving you the strength you need to heal. Focus on foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to support your emotional and physical well-being. - Getting Dressed Daily
As simple as it sounds, getting dressed each day can greatly impact your mental and emotional state. It signals to your brain that you’re ready to take on the day and helps break the cycle of feeling stuck or overwhelmed. - Creating a Daily Routine
A daily routine, even if it’s flexible, can provide structure and stability during recovery. It helps break larger tasks into manageable steps and gives you something to focus on daily.
Faith can be a source of comfort during the recovery process. Here are three Bible verses to offer hope and peace:
- Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." - Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - 2 Corinthians 12:9
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." - Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Philippians 4:13
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Psalm 147:3
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Recovering from domestic violence is a journey that takes time, but you are never alone. You can take steps toward emotional and physical healing by creating a safety plan, reaching out for support, and incorporating holistic healing into your routine. Essential oils, reflexology, meditation, prayer, and supportive therapy offer gentle, natural ways to help you rebuild your life.If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local shelters for support. Healing is possible, and brighter days are ahead.
With love, MP
Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. Nor do I want to be one! 😉 Don’t forget to do your own research—your body is unique, and it’s always good to know what works best for you!
