del martin and phyllis lyon21 Years

Celebrating Del Martin

June 2, 2023By 21 Years, Blog
“Nothing was ever accomplished by hiding in a dark corner.”  Del Martin was a feminist activist who played a crucial role in the gay rights and domestic violence movements.   Martin co-founded multiple organizations that advanced women’s rights:  Daughters of Bilitis in 1955 - the first lesbian organization in the United…
READ MORE

Battered Women’s Movement

May 15, 2023By 21 Years, Blog, Stories

Domestic violence was seldom a topic of public discourse before 1970. Only 50 years have passed since grassroots rallies, known then as the Battered Women’s Movement, began to raise awareness and call for change. Two decades would pass before the Violence Against Women Act established domestic violence as a federal…

READ MORE
Michelle's story bloom cover21 Years

Michelle’s Story

July 11, 2022By 21 Years, Blog, Stories
"He would give me a lot of attention, something I wasn't used to." We met in 2009, but we didn’t really start dating until the beginning of the following year. It was a bunch of love bombing at first. Then his drinking started coming out and verbal, mental, and emotional…
READ MORE
21 Years

Takiyrah’s Story

March 9, 2022By 21 Years, Blog, Stories
"It’s not over, but I also know I’m not afraid anymore." I was established in Chicago. I had my own childcare facility, condo, and car. I was in college at the time and wasn’t into the whole dating scene. He was super persistent and very handsome. He just wore me…
READ MORE
21 Years

Rose’s Story

July 15, 2021By 21 Years, Blog, Stories
"Trauma is not always visible, and it’s easy to get lost."   They learn how to gain control over you, get inside your head, and make you feel less than what you really are. I don't want nobody to ever be in that position, definitely not one of my girls.   When…
READ MORE
daisy writing21 Years

Daisy’s Story

March 4, 2021By 21 Years, Blog, Stories
"For the first time, I finally feel it's over. This is the first time in 21 years that, inside of me, I know it's done."    I’ve always thought, “Well, he’s gonna get better, he’s going to change, but he’s not going to change. I know this now.   Since arriving at GreenHouse17 and being safe, it’s my apartment that…
READ MORE
21 Years

What is a healthy relationship?

February 2, 2021By 21 Years, Blog
You deserve a healthy and loving relationship. What is a healthy relationship? All relationships exist on a spectrum from healthy to abusive, with unhealthy being somewhere in the middle. Healthy relationships are rooted in equality and respect. You actively make decisions together, especially when it comes to sex and financial decisions. Time…
READ MORE