Millions of women seek help every year because of problems with drugs, alcohol, food and relationships. These problems are often traumatic, and this trauma — past or present — is often the root cause of broken homes, estranged families and even at-risk youth.

• physical and sexual abuse
• institutional abuse
• harassment
• domestic violence

Surveys consistently show high rates of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among people with serious mental illness. This is because of a connection between the intensity of traumatic experience and the severity of psychiatric symptoms later in life.

Research shows a link between a history of trauma and recurring problems such as substance abuse. Too often, this leads to a cycle of re-victimization.

This is because trauma, mental health problems, and substance abuse form an interconnected web, with difficult experiences in one area increasing the likelihood of difficulty in other areas.

Break the cycle today, for good

The Tamar initiative is an association that empowers traumatized women who are looking for effective, long-lasting solutions to their problems. Tamar equips women with resources and information about programs proven successful in women's recovery. It also gives them access to a network of organizations and professionals in the fields of women’s and mental health.

Although the situation is dire, we offer some incredible local programs supporting women and their families.

• Emergency and transitional shelters for homeless women and their children provide much more than a roof over a family’s head. These shelters strive to improve families’ economic self-sufficiency by providing case management, tutoring, parenting classes, life skills and job training.
• Permanent housing facilities for homeless and chronically homeless women. This provides varying amounts of financial support for women with multiple economic barriers. Therefore, more women can acquire the income required to maintain their own housing.
• Maternity homes offer comprehensive services for women living independently after the birth of a child. These services include education and parenting classes as well as preparedness training.
• Pregnancy counseling programs help expectant mothers resolve any immediate physical, environmental, and emotional needs and challenges. These programs also support women and teens in difficult situations, guiding them to make decisions that are right for them.