International self-care day
July 24th marks International Self-Care Day, a day that encourages people to think about their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Self-care is often portrayed as taking a vacation, getting a massage, or curling up with a good book. While those things can certainly be restorative, they don’t reflect the reality for many women experiencing intimate partner violence.
For survivors, self-care often looks very different.
It can mean making a safety plan before leaving an abusive relationship.
It can mean finding spaces in her own home where she and her children can be safer while planning their next steps.
It can mean attending a family court hearing, even when it feels overwhelming.
It can mean asking for help, reaching out to a trusted friend, speaking with a lawyer, or connecting with a support worker.
And sometimes, self-care is simply getting through the day.
Self-Care is essential
Living with abuse can affect every aspect of a person’s health. Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, chronic stress, disrupted sleep, financial insecurity, and the emotional toll of navigating complex legal systems while trying to keep themselves and their children safe.
In these circumstances, caring for yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s an important part of healing.
That care may include:
- Learning about your legal rights.
- Creating a plan to increase your safety.
- Asking for accommodations at work or in court.
- Taking a walk, resting, eating a healthy meal, or making time to breathe.
- Accepting support from people who believe and respect you.
Every small step matters.
You don’t have to do it alone.
At Luke’s Place, we know that navigating family law after abuse can be exhausting and isolating. That’s why we work to ensure women have access to trauma- and violence-informed legal information, family court support, safety planning, and legal services.
When women understand their rights and have someone by their side, they are better able to make informed decisions for themselves and their children.
Seeking support is an act of self-care.
A different way to think about self-care
This International Self-Care Day, we invite you to broaden the conversation.
If you’re supporting someone subjected to abuse, remember that healing isn’t linear. Listen without judgment, believe her, respect her decisions, and recognize that leaving an abusive relationship is often a process, not a single event. If you’re looking for guidance on how to provide meaningful support, explore our Supporting After Separation: A Toolkit of Legal Information and Resources for Survivors’ Friends and Family Members.
If you’re a survivor, know that your version of self-care doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Protecting your peace, prioritizing your safety, asking questions, and taking one step at a time are all meaningful ways to care for yourself.
And if you’re part of our community, consider how you can help create a world where women don’t have to choose between their safety and their well-being.
Because true self-care begins when people have the safety, support, and resources they need to heal.
Looking for practical ways to care for yourself?
Self-care is personal, and it looks different for everyone. If you’re navigating family court or an abusive relationship, these resources may help:
- How can I create a personal self-care plan? – Practical tips for building a self-care plan that works for your situation.
- Self-care – Family Court & Beyond – Information and strategies for caring for yourself while navigating family court.
- Family Court Survival for Women Leaving Abusive Relationships – Guidance to help you prepare for and navigate the family court process while prioritizing your safety and well-being.
Remember: asking for help is a form of self-care. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.