International self-care day 

July 24th marks International Self-Care Day, a time to recognize and reaffirm the importance of taking care of ourselves.  

As we shared during Mental Health Awareness Week, self-care can be an act of preservation, resistance and rest. For many survivors, the legal systems they must navigate are often complex and may not always support their safety and healing, sometimes leading to  retraumatization, silencing, or delayed justice.  

Whether it’s saying no to something that drains you, making time for therapy, journaling, or asking for support, self-care is about reclaiming autonomy over your body, mind, and time. 

Self care looks different for everyone and does not need to be big or perfect. It just needs to be real. Do something that nourishes you, even in small ways. Many of the women we work with are navigating complex legal systems, parenting responsibilities, housing insecurity, and ongoing trauma. In these realities, self-care might be as practical as organizing important documents, setting a boundary with an ex-partner, or building a safety plan. These actions are deeply caring and often require immense strength. 

Create Your Own Self-Care Plan 

We invite you to explore our My Self-Care Plan tool on the Family Court and Beyond website. It’s designed to support you in identifying what you need physically, emotionally, and spiritually and to create a plan that works for your life. 

You can also use our My Self-Care Checklist to track what you’re already doing well and what you have decided may not be for you.

This International Self-Care Day, take a moment to pause. Check in with yourself and your body. Ask yourself: What do I need right now? What does care look like for me today? 

You are worth that care.