What does domestic violence really look like? It starts subtly—a partner’s jealousy and possessiveness isolate you from friends and family. Their controlling behaviors, from ordering you around to constant put downs, leave you questioning your own worth and sanity. It escalates. Angry outbursts have you second guessing every decision in an effort to keep the peace. Threats and intimidation make leaving feel impossible. 

The scenario above is the reality for 40% of women and 26% of men this year. This is domestic abuse. Domestic abuse traps victims in a devastating cycle where shame and worthlessness grow deeper with each incident, eroding both physical and emotional safety. Nearly half of all Americans will experience this abuse at some point in their lives. Chrysalis helps break that cycle. For 40 years, Chrysalis, a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization, has provided emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and comprehensive support services to help individuals and families overcome domestic violence and rebuild their lives.

Chrysalis works to drive home an important message: “Not all abuse is physical. No abuse is okay.”  

Domestic abuse doesn’t just mean physical violence rather the entire scope of behaviors intended to maintain power and control over a partner in an intimate relationship. It leaves marks you can’t necessarily see, and it keeps the abused partner tethered to the relationship, even when it becomes physically and emotionally painful. 

Since 1981, Chrysalis has offered resources, support, and accessible help to those impacted by domestic violence. With the goal of empowering change, the organization works to help anyone who asks for it with empathy, openness, dedication, and transparency. Their trauma-informed programs rely on a 360-degree approach that includes all members of the family who are impacted by abuse: the victim, children, and the offender.  

The need is urgent, and Arizona faces a crisis. Arizona ranks fourth in the nation for domestic violence rates, yet 93% of calls for help go unanswered due to lack of resources. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that leaving an abusive relationship is difficult: Most victims attempt to escape at least four times before they succeed in breaking free. Chrysalis exists to change these statistics, serving 1,600 people annually. When victims are ready to break free, Chrysalis is there with the resources, expertise, and compassion needed to make that possible. 

Chrysalis makes generational impact by breaking the repetitive cycle of abuse. The support the Chrysalis team offers during an incredibly stressful time is a welcome relief to those who rely on the organization.  

As a former client put it: “At a time in my life when it felt like I was slowly drowning in quicksand, Chrysalis and the wonderful staff within it, provided me with a foundation firm enough to build a new life on.” 

To address immediate needs and support families through lasting change, Chrysalis provides a range of services:  

If you are experiencing domestic violence, know that help is available, and you can start by checking out the resources from Chrysalis at noabuse.org. If you’re not in or near Phoenix, call 800-799-SAFE and talk to an advocate. And if you think a friend is being abused, Chrysalis advises that you listen without judgment, offer resources, and—if they’re in the Phoenix area—encourage them to call 602-944-4999.  

You can also support Chrysalis as it works to provide trauma-informed programs including shelter, education, counseling, and victim advocacy through one of these avenues: 

Contact Chrysalis with any volunteer project ideas or questions about current needs. The services Chrysalis provides are essential to the wellbeing of so many families and individuals, and together we can all play a role in knowing the signs, promoting safety, and building hope.