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Love in Action: Beyond Hearts and Roses

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Love in Action: Beyond Hearts and Roses

 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No, not just for some, but for everyone.” The sentiment expressed in this song by Hal David and Burt Bacharach in 1965 still holds true today. The ancient Greeks had at least six words for different types of love. Those of us in philanthropy demonstrate agape, the love for humankind.  A big part of our purpose is to hold up the ideals that make a strong and safe community for everyone, especially for children, youth, people with disabilities, and others outside the mainstream.  At Mosaic Georgia, we see the harmful effects of “love” misused to groom, manipulate, coerce, and force harm.

 

A Month of Love 

February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and if we truly care about love and relationships, we need to have some real conversations about what love is—and what it isn’t. Love should never hurt—physically, emotionally, financially, or psychologically. Love is more than a feeling; it is a verb. It requires action, care, and intention. And like any skill, love takes practice. Yet too many young people experience dating violence before they even fully understand what a healthy relationship looks like. In addition to watching adults in their homes, they are inundated with all types of examples on TV, social media, and other apps. 


According to the CDC, about 1 in 12 high school students experience physical or sexual dating violence.

Teen dating violence isn’t just about bruises or controlling behavior. It can look like manipulation, excessive jealousy, threats, and digital abuse—constant monitoring, pressure for explicit photos, or controlling someone’s social media. For some, these patterns start young and escalate over time, making it harder to recognize when something is wrong. 

 

 What It Is and What It’s Not
 

Love is not: 

 “If you love me, you would do this for me, no questions asked.” 

“You’re not allowed to talk to them anymore; it’s disrespectful to me.” 

“I need your passwords so I can trust you.” 

“If you don’t send me that picture, I’ll find someone who will.” 

“You wouldn’t leave me if you really loved me.” (“If you love me, you would…” is not love.)
 

We can do better.
 

Conversations about love and relationships need to start early—long before a young person starts dating. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a vital role in modeling and discussing what respect, boundaries, and consent look like. That means moving beyond the outdated “just say no” messages and equipping young people with real tools to navigate relationships with respect, recognize red flags, and feel empowered to set their own boundaries.

 

 What does this love look like in action?  

  • Talking about emotions openly and encouraging kids to express their feelings in healthy ways. 
  • Helping young people recognize manipulation, coercion, and gaslighting.  
  • Encouraging digital safety and privacy in relationships. 
  • Modeling respect and consent in all relationships—not just romantic ones. 
  • Expressing love in positive ways:
     
    • In work: Recognizing and appreciating colleagues’ efforts, offering support during stressful times, and fostering a culture of respect and encouragement. 
    • In friendship: Being present, listening without judgment, celebrating each other’s successes, and standing by one another through difficult times. 
    • In family: Showing affection through words and actions, respecting boundaries, and prioritizing quality time together. 
    • In romance: Practicing open communication, demonstrating trust, supporting each other’s goals, and expressing appreciation regularly. 

 

For those who’ve already experienced interpersonal violence, it’s never too late to get support. People are reluctant to speak up, fearing shame, disbelief, or retaliation. To create safe, judgment-free spaces for disclosure, just listen.  

 

Don’t ask, “Why did you do that/put up with that?” Instead, say, “Thank you for trusting me with this. It must be hard to share; I know how much you care for them.” Whether it’s a trusted adult, a friend, or a professional, support matters. 

 

Love is not about power or fear. It is an ongoing practice—something we nurture and refine over time through our actions and choices. It’s about mutual care, respect, and safety. This year, let’s commit to showing love with action every day. Because the best gift we can give our young people is the knowledge and confidence to expect and demand healthy relationships. 

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Someone’s Gotta Say it- Courage in the Face of Betrayal

by Susan Nerenbaum in Legal & Justice System

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Courage in the Face of Betrayal 

 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

“When you’re raped, there is shame, and it’s not for us to have shame, it’s for them”

 

Just before Christmas, verdicts were reached at the conclusion of the four-month trial of Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men charged with raping his wife over the course of almost a decade. This trial was watched and reported by news outlets around the globe. 

How did we, the curious public, come to learn so many details of the horrific sexual abuse of this mother and grandmother organized by her then-husband?  It’s possible because the victim waived her right to anonymity during the trial. In fact, Mme. Gisele Pelicot insisted the images and videos be seen by the court, and she attended every day. Courage is found in moments of profound vulnerability. For survivors of sexual violence, courage can mean finding the strength to speak about the unspeakable, especially when betrayal comes not from a stranger, but from someone they trusted.  

As Madame Pelicot explained:
“It’s true that I hear lots of women, and men, who say ‘you’re very brave.’ I say it’s not bravery, it’s will and determination to change society….I wanted all women victims of rape—not just when they have been drugged, rape exists at all levels—I want those women to say: Mrs. Pelicot did it, we can do it, too. When you’re raped, there is shame, and it’s not for us to have shame, it’s for them.”
 

Incidental Discovery 

How were the crimes discovered and reported?  It all came to light when Dominique Pelicot was arrested at a shopping center for covertly trying to take pictures up women’s skirts (called “upskirting”) in November 2020.  A store employee convinced the victim to tell the police (she was reluctant, but did report).  D. Pelicot’s phone was seized, and then upon finding evidence, his computer was secured. In that search, a library of over 20,000 images and hours of video documenting a drugged woman being raped were found. The images were filed in a hard drive with dates, perpetrators, and sex acts. D. Pelicot confessed immediately.  

For nearly a decade, Dominique Pelicot, posted online to attract men to their home to assault his wife while she slept, claiming it was a kink the couple enjoyed. He recruited assailants from an online forum “a son insu” (Without her Knowledge), where rape and sexual abuse were actively discussed and normalized by users. The police reports show how after initial contact was made, conversations then moved to Skype where D. Pelicot often shared pictures of his unconscious wife being raped. A number of the viewers expressed an interest in having their own partners violated in a similar manner. 

He secretly drugged his wife into unconsciousness and facilitated her rape by numerous men, filming around 200 rapes carried out between 2011 and 2020.  He had a system to prepare the men before entering the bedroom to reduce the likelihood she would have memory of scents or smells. She awoke every morning in her pajamas. 

Mme. Pelicot was unaware of the drugging and assaults; she was, however, experiencing pain, infections, hair loss, foggy brain and memory loss. She thought it might be Alzheimer’s or a brain tumor.  Her adult children and friends noticed that she was changing and encouraged her to get care. Her husband accompanied her to medical appointments.  

Over the last four years, prosecutors built their cases and prepared for trial. While 50 men were identified and brought to trial, an additional 21 men were on video committing rape, but their identities were not confirmed. In December 2024, Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men were convicted of various charges, receiving sentences ranging from three to twenty years. Dominique received the maximum sentence. 

 

What Kind of Man Believes This is Okay?  

The men seemed typical: Of the 51 men arrested, around half were married or in relationships at the time of their arrest, and two-thirds of them have children. Many were employed in working-class jobs. Some professed happy childhoods that would offer little explanation of why they chose to “have sex” with an unconscious woman. Around half disclosed abuse or trauma in childhood. The court investigators found that 11 of the men were likely sexually abused as children, or more than 20%. Fourteen have a history of violence, mostly against women (2 were already in prison when identified as suspects). Fourteen of the men struggled with addiction to alcohol or drugs, one of whom was living in a psychiatric hospital when the police came to arrest him. 

The defendants who denied the charges of rape claimed:  

  • They didn’t realize she was unconscious (despite her snoring) and did not know they were raping her.  
  • Her husband encouraged them to assault her, so he consented for her.  
  • “When the husband is present, it isn’t rape”
     

One defendant told police: “I can tell you that at that moment very bad things happened in my brain… my brain reacted too late, and I didn’t react the way a man should react.”  He also said: “I put my conscience aside… I was thinking with my sexual organ instead of with my brain.”
 

What Kind of Society is Complicit? 

Attempts to understand how so many “regular guys” behave this way boggles the mind of someone with a conscience and empathy.  Sexual intercourse to another person’s body who is not actively and consensually participating is just wrong. It causes harm to the victim (and it could be argued that the perpetrator is harmed at a soul level).

The laws and adjudication process, presumed to protect the public (primarily women and girls) from such harms, are parsed by defense counsel, juries, and judges in ways that result in less than 3% of offenders held accountable.  The discomfort of cognitive dissonance is screaming ‘these things are bad’ and yet our practices and perceptions don’t protect.  Women are often not believed, and few cases are prosecuted. When tried and convicted, the penalties are often not commensurate to the harm caused. Some of the perpetrators in the Pelicot case received as little as three  years for such a grotesque violation of another human’s physical body and right to safety and autonomy.

Making true change demands that we – individually and collectively – decide to feel uncomfortable and truly consider: 

  • What rights and autonomy should you have over your own body?
  • What rights should you have over another’s body?
  • What responsibilities should you have for your sexual behaviors?
  • What should be the consequences of someone physically or sexually harming your body?
  • Would Mme. Pelicot have been believed if she awoke during an assault and gave a hazy recollection of events (without the video)?
  • In the judge’s mind, what factors contributed to the value they associated with the victim’s suffering, inevitably influencing many of the lighter sentences?
  • Why don’t people want to acknowledge or talk about the occurrence of these harms?
  • How can adults today model healthy behaviors and teach children about their bodies, human physical development, puberty, and sexual health?

The depths of betrayal and deceit exceed understanding. Think of how much of her life has been stolen:  The ten years of hidden abuse, the physical and mental ailments and psychological harms, four more years between the reveal and arrest to the trial, four months of courtroom trial activity, listening to the descriptions and watching the videos. The Pelicot adult children and their families are secondary victims, as this has turned their lives upside down.  

In a brief statement outside the courthouse after the verdicts, Madame Pelicot declared that she had “led the fight” for future generations. She wanted to stand strong for her children and grandchildren, so their last name is also a symbol of courage, explaining, “I’m thinking about all the other families affected by this case and the unrecognized victims in these stories that are often in the shadows—you share my struggle.” 

At Mosaic Georgia, we encounter quiet courage every day. Survivors come forward to share their stories, trusting us to believe, support, and help them rebuild their lives. While their cases rarely make headlines or go to trial, their courage is no less significant. And recovering and healing is a lifetime endeavor.  

Gisele Pelicot teaches us that survivors need more than courage—they deserve a community that supports them. Systems of justice, advocacy, and care must be prepared not only to hear survivors but to act on their behalf.  

In 2025, let us commit to fostering a community culture that not only believes survivors but actively works to protect and uplift them. 

  

Alternative questions:  

To someone with a conscience, empathy, and an internal moral compass, the stress of the cognitive dissonance on display can make one’s brain feel like it’s on fire. So many questions.  

  1. How is it that at least 70 men—ages 23 to 70+, many married, and many fathers—believed this was acceptable to sexually assault an unconscious woman? 
  2. Why are men active in dark web forums where married men organize the drugging and raping of their own wives, not just in France, but around the world.   
  3. Would she have been believed if she awoke during an assault and gave a hazy recollection of events? 
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How to Recognize Abuse – and What to Do About It

by brian in Awareness & Education

How to Recognize Abuse – and What to Do About It

Kendall Circle Headshot

By Kendall Wolz
Mental Health and Wellness Manager at Mosaic Georgia

As adults, we have a collective responsibility to help keep children safe. We should be vigilant and informed about the signs of child abuse. Our recognition of the signs could be the lifeline that a child desperately needs.

5 Reasons Adults Need to Know the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

  1. Protection and Prevention: early detection of grooming and abuse may alter the trajectory of a child’s life. Child sexual abuse often occurs in contexts where the perpetrator has a trusting relationship with child and/or caregivers. In many situations, the perpetrator has frequent access to the child. Early intervention can prevent sexual abuse from escalating and can stop it entirely. Not only does the recognition of abuse protect the child who is being harmed, but it may also prevent future children from being harmed.
  2. Providing Support: children who have experienced abuse will need access to supportive resources such as counseling, advocacy, and a medical examination. When adults recognize the signs and symptoms associated with child sexual abuse, children can access these resources quickly.
  3. Legal and Moral Responsibility: in some jurisdictions, adults are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse. Mandated reporting laws do not require absolute knowledge that abuse is occurring, rather reports are required if there is reasonable suspicion a child is being sexually abused or maltreated. Beyond legal requirements, there is a moral imperative to act in the best interests of vulnerable children.
  4. Breaking the Cycle of Abuse: research reveals the devastating impacts of adverse childhood experiences. A 2021 study found that approximately half of child sexual abuse victims report sexual revictimization later in life which indicates the desperate need for intervention and supportive services during childhood and adolescence.
  5. Raising Community Awareness: when adults are informed and proactive, they contribute to a community culture that does not tolerate abuse. This heightened awareness can lead to better protection policies, more resources for victims, and a community that collectively works to safeguard its children.

Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Parents, teacher, coaches or caregivers may feel concerned or overwhelmed at the thought of identifying signs of abuse. She’s been acting withdrawn and not herself lately but how do I know if that’s just typical teenage stuff? Am I overthinking it? Is something really wrong? By educating ourselves and becoming aware of what to look for we can feel more prepared to trust ourselves to notice when something might not be quite right.

Effects of abuse manifest with both behavioral and physical signs.

Someone experiencing the trauma of abuse may exhibit extreme changes in behavior including sudden mood swings such as rage, fear or withdrawal. They may also express fear or dislike of certain people or places. Victims may detach from others and become depressed.

Sexual behaviors may emerge such as age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters, like simulating sex with dolls or asking other children to behave sexually. Excessive or compulsive masturbation may occur.

Sleep disturbances can be common such as nightmares, fear of the dark or trouble sleeping. In some instances a regression to infantile behavior such as bedwetting or thumb sucking can be seen.

Physical signs may include abdominal pain or unexplained stomach illness, loss of appetite or trouble eating or swallowing, sudden weight loss or gain and difficulty with bowel movements or urination. If there is indication of unexplained bruises, pain, bleeding or redness on the child’s genitals or anus, or frequent vaginal infections or irritations, this could be a sign of misconduct.

Once I Know, What Should I Do?

If a child is seen to display some of the symptoms listed above, they should be asked open-ended questions in a calm, neutral, and caring manner.

Examples of questions might include:

If a child or teen suddenly has a new relationship with an individual who is older than them or that they display some secrecy about:
Tell me more about your relationship with X. What do you like about them? What do you not like about them?

If a child or teen begins using new words for body parts or exhibits knowledge in sexual acts inappropriate for their age:
Will you tell me what you mean when you refer to X? How did you learn about that? How did you feel when you learned about it? .

If a child is experiencing sleep disturbances:
Take note of what has changed in the child’s routine, how the child’s nutrition/eating schedule may have changed (for example caffeine intake). Are there any new stressors in the household?

If a child or teen experiences avoidance or withdrawal:
Tell me about the last time you remember spending time at/with X. What feelings/sensations do you notice in your body when they are around?

These questions can be used as a guide to open communication about the signs/symptoms an adult may notice. It is important to avoid close ended questions, those that a child or teen may respond to with a yes or no.

If a child discloses they have been harmed or abused, they need a calm, nurturing response from the adult.

Adults should strive to respond with calmness, comfort, and action. Examples of verbiage to respond to a disclosure of sexual abuse are:

“You are very brave and I appreciate you telling me what you’ve experienced. I believe you. It is important to me that you are safe. I am going to make some telephone calls so we can figure out how to keep you safe.”

“I believe you. I am so sorry that you have been hurt by a person you trusted. You did the right thing by sharing what happened to you. It is not okay that X hurt you. You are not in trouble for telling me. We are going to work together to figure out a plan to keep you safe. I am going to make a couple of phone calls to people who can help us with that goal.”

Where to Find Help

The next steps following a disclosure involve notifying the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement and the Child Protective Services Hotline.

If you have any questions about identifying abuse, please contact Mosaic Georgia at 866-900-6019 to speak with a trained advocate.

If you know a child or have a suspicion that a child has been victimized by child sexual abuse, call your local law enforcement agency at 911 or local child protective services (in Gwinnett County, Georgia – Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children’s Services at 678-518-5500).

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Grieving Well This Holiday Season

by brian in Support & Healing

Grieving Well This Holiday Season

Erica Legons

By Erica Legons
Counselor/Therapist at Mosaic Georgia

When I think about the holidays, I’m flooded with colorful images of family, friends, food, gift-wrapped boxes, cozy sweaters, fireworks, and the splendor of the seasons’ change. Yet as the mental reel continues, I am also reminded of all that I have lost. Holidays can have a not-so-subtle way of reminding us of the empty spaces and deficits in our lives. Perhaps the loved ones no longer with us while we gather at the table … or the life we used to envision being hijacked by the dreadful reality of sexual trauma … or those in our lives that seemingly over-promised and undelivered, only to abandon us to the pain of rejection, shame, and loneliness. While each person’s account of loss will differ, there is one thing that likely rings true for each of us – grief during the holidays can be especially difficult.

As of late, amidst the leaves changing colors and the air becoming crisp, I have also found myself wedged between my feelings of sadness and gratitude in anticipation of this upcoming Thanksgiving. A little over two months ago, my sweet “Papa” (grandfather) died. For as long as I have been alive, his love, care, and kind presence has been with me. The idea of fully accepting his absence this holiday season is daunting if I’m being honest. However, I am giving myself permission to embrace the fact that it’s okay that this feels daunting.

If you are not already familiar with the five stages of grief, a model developed by Swiss American psychiatrist, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While these five stages have been researched and are very common, one’s experience of grief is still unique to the individual. The stages of grief are nonlinear and not everyone will experience each of these stages. Although there is no prescribed “right way to grieve”, I would offer that there is an opportunity to learn how to grieve well, especially during the holiday season. Let’s consider a few things to remember as we set our intention to grieve well.

Acknowledge the difficulty of the season

While there may be excitement in the air as holiday travel ramps up, Fall/Winter sales begin, prices drop, cozy sweaters come off the hangers, and the aroma of family recipes permeate kitchens; there may also be amplified feelings of sorrow, loneliness, and anxiety. It may be difficult to sit with certain memories associated with the loss, see others creating holiday memories with their loved ones/partner on social media, hear specific songs/watch certain movies, or to have the social and emotional battery to attend holiday office parties. Shame has an insidious way of convincing us that we are not allowed to struggle during a time that is “supposed to be” joyous. Do yourself a favor and give yourself permission to acknowledge the difficulty of the season rather than masking it.

Consider healthy coping strategies

  • Coping strategies are not one-size-fits-all so perhaps you may prefer something different.
  • Physical movement: Engage the body in physical movement. Perhaps spending time outdoors in nature for a hike or short walks.
  • Set boundaries: Utilize the power of the gentle but firm “no” when you need to. If you need to decline invitations, leave early, or silence your phone notifications for a set time, do so.
  • Allow yourself to feel: Though this may read like a broken record, it is a critical part of the healing journey. When we allow ourselves to feel without judgment, we are attuned to our most authentic self and honoring our human need to feel and release.
  • Lean into your support network: Communicate what you are specifically needing from your trusted supports. Even if there is only one trusted individual in your support network, don’t talk yourself out of asking for support for fear of being a burden or “killing the holiday vibe”.
  • Use helpful distractions or “press pause”: Re-focus your attention on something different when you need to. Maybe a creative activity, reading, puzzles, playing with a pet, or spending time with a friend. Sometimes you may need to simply “press pause” to spend quiet time with self for grounding, journaling, or a good nap!

Recognize the importance of self-compassion

Remember to be gentle with yourself. What you are experiencing is something that is undoubtedly one of the most tragic happenings in the human experience. Be mindful of how you speak to yourself as you navigate your grief process and realize that it is just that – a process. Set realistic expectations for yourself this holiday season and if/when you fall short, give yourself grace. Although it may not be a nearby thought, grief points back to the reality that you have dared to love and allowed your heart to be open and vulnerable to receive love – affirm yourself for such a courageous act.

As we head into this holiday season, let us commit to practicing the art of self-compassion, allowing room for the unexpected, though necessary “pauses”, and anchoring ourselves to the belief that the waves will pass and our waters will find their state of calm once again. Take care of yourself – you’re worth it.

If you want to learn more, I encourage you to read this educational article on the Five Stages of Grief.

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The Resilience of Traditions

by Susan Nerenbaum in Wellness & Self-Care

The Resilience of Traditions

Kendall Circle Headshot

By Kendall Wolz
Mental Health and Wellness Manager at Mosaic Georgia

Traditions form the backbone of our cultural and personal identities. They bring meaning, a sense of belonging, and a unity that ties people together. Whether it is a holiday tradition, a secret family recipe, or a communal ritual, traditions are much more than something you do once a year or once a week. When traumatic events disrupt our traditions, we may feel ungrounded or untethered. Understanding the meaning of our traditions and knowing how to recreate them if needed is essential for healing and resilience.  

Traditions frequently provide structure and familiarity- they are something we frequently look forward to all year long. During times of stability, traditions offer joy and connection but when hardship occurs, they can become a source of comfort, a reminder that some aspects of life remain constant despite the chaos.
 

But what happens when our traditions do not get to remain constant due to the aftermath of trauma?
 

The individuals and families we serve at Mosaic Georgia each year have experienced profound trauma. For some of these survivors, it will be impossible for them to continue their established practices or traditions. Not only do they face logistical barriers to carrying out a beloved tradition (financial challenges, employment requirements, relocation, loss of familial support, etc.), but the emotional weight of the trauma may also alter the way the traditions are perceived. Practices that once brought joy may trigger feelings of sadness, guilt, and anger.  

Most of the traditions my family celebrated occurred in November and December. I vividly recall the first holiday season after my November 2004 disclosure of sexual abuse. I remember the uncertainty I felt as my family gathered to enjoy a meal on Thanksgiving day, a meal my abuser had joined us for years. Then, on Christmas morning, my siblings and I woke up in a different house than we had so many years prior. There were family celebrations we did not participate in because we were no longer a family. In the midst of the gratitude for my newfound safety and security, there was grief that hovered in all spaces I walked. Some of my beloved traditions I had to learn to grieve and let go.  

Trauma may dismantle life as one knows it, but traditions can act as an anchor amid the storm. Preserving and renewing traditions in the aftermath of trauma requires intention and flexibility. It involves recognizing the values of these practices while being open to adaptation. Here are a few steps to ensure traditions remain a source of strength, rather than a trigger.  

  1. Reflect on Meaning: Revisit the core purpose of the tradition and explore how it can be maintained in a way that feels authentic to current circumstances.  
  • Maybe Thanksgiving was always celebrated at a location that now brings many trauma triggers. Reflect on the meaning of the tradition and put a focus on recognizing that the celebration is more about spending time with loved ones than a physical location. Maybe choose to celebrate somewhere different moving forward.
     
  1. Invite Collaboration: Involve family members or community members in reimagining the tradition, ensuring it meets collective needs and preferences.  
  • This gives everyone an opportunity to identify how the traumatic event has impacted them. Brainstorm with friends, family, faith leaders, contacts from support organizations, and other trusted people in your network on creative ideas to honor tradition in a new way.
     
  1. Embrace New Elements: Incorporate elements that acknowledge the impact of the trauma, such as moments of reflection or acts of gratitude. 
  • Identify how you can honor the resilience of yourself, others, or the community. What will help you hold both grief and gratitude? For example, there may be sadness in the loss of a holiday ritual that once was familiar and cherished. Honor that grief and mourn that loss. But let’s say you found healing in the arts–maybe create a tradition of attending a holiday theater performance or art show or that symbolizes and celebrates the part of you that found strength and new life in these activities.
     

Traditions are more than routines; they are living expressions of who we are. Even in the face of trauma, they have the power to evolve and endure, which can remind us of our own capacity for resilience and renewal.  

Kendall Wolz heads up the Mental Health and Wellness team that provides individual, family, and group therapy to those seeking care at Mosaic Georgia. As a survivor herself, she has a unique insight into the challenges of living with past trauma, how it impacts lives daily, and what the process of healing truly looks like. Her personal website, Brave Girl, Speak unpacks some of the complex issues that come along with being a survivor of sexual violence. Visit Kendall’s site to read more about her personal journey healing from trauma and peeling the layers to reclaim her true self.

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Someone’s Gotta Say it- Get Ready: 2025 Will Be Big, and We Need You

by Susan Nerenbaum in Professional Insights & Experiences, Uncategorized

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Get Ready: 2025 Will Be Big, and We Need You 

 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

As the holiday season unfolds and 2024 comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the progress we’ve made and looking ahead to what’s next. Let me tell you—2025 is shaping up to be a big year. While the future holds uncertainties, one thing is clear: we are steady and sure-footed in our mission. Together, we have ambitious goals and exciting opportunities to create a safer, more compassionate community for everyone. And we can’t do it without you.
 

Big Work Ahead 

Our vision for 2025 isn’t just about continuing what we’ve done; it’s about growing, evolving, and finding innovative ways to address the complex and deeply rooted issues of violence against children and women. 

While our 24/7 response to sexual assault, abuse, and trafficking will remain at the core of what we do, we’re launching new initiatives focused on prevention. This means starting critical conversations that foster awareness, respect, and enthusiastic consent—long before harm occurs. Many people want to address these issues but don’t know how to begin. That’s where we come in; we’ll help you start and sustain these conversations in ways that resonate and inspire action. 

This bold and essential work also includes strengthening community partnerships and breaking down barriers that prevent children, teens, and adults from speaking up and seeking support. Change isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and necessary.
 

A Big Move: Next spring, Mosaic Georgia’s team will come together under one roof in a larger facility in Lawrenceville. Thanks to an incredible partnership with Northside Hospitals, our new center will include additional exam rooms, interview spaces, and private areas for clients and their loved ones. Our expanded space will also enhance our resilience services, offering improved access to legal advocacy, mental health & wellness resources, and prevention education programs. 

Everyone Can Contribute 

Creating safer homes and communities requires a collective effort. There are so many ways to be part of this mission. You can volunteer your time to support survivors, advocate for policies that uplift and protect women, children, and vulnerable populations, or donate to sustain the services that make a real difference. 

Every contribution matters, from supplies for client care packages to monthly donations or major gifts. No act of generosity is too small—all of it adds up to meaningful change.
 

Together, We’re Stronger 

I firmly believe that the goodness of people will prevail. Sometimes, a kind word or a small act of encouragement is all it takes to make someone’s day—or their future. These ripples of kindness aren’t just powerful; they bring light into a world that can often feel dark. 

When people like you stand with us, you send a powerful message: that our community values safety, respect, and justice for all. We’ve seen what’s possible when we work together, and we know that 2025 will be no different. 

As we prepare to step into the new year, I invite you to join us in this big work. Let’s move forward together, one step at a time, with courage and compassion. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported. 

Here’s to 2025 and the transformative work we’ll do together. Thank you for being part of the Mosaic Georgia team. 

Wishing you peace, joy, and determination in the year ahead. 

 Contribute to our End-of-Year Giving campaign.  

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True Love After Trauma – Safety Tips for DV Survivors Seeking Healthy Relationships

by brian in Gender-Based Violence, Mental Health & Trauma

True Love After Trauma – Safety Tips for DV Survivors Seeking Healthy Relationships 

Ashia Headshot

By Ashia Gallo
Wholeness Collective Collaborator

Domestic violence (DV) is a soul-wrenching issue that affects millions of people worldwide, leaving lasting scars on both an individual’s physical and emotional wellbeing. While escaping an abusive relationship is a necessary and courageous step towards safety (click here for local resources from the Gwinnett County Family Violence Task Force), survivors often encounter significant challenges when trying to form new, healthy relationships later on.

Recovery is a complex journey that survivors of DV face in their pursuit of the loving and secure connections they deserve. Finding love after experiencing domestic violence can be challenging, but there are several important steps and solutions to consider before taking that next step:

Self-Healing

Prioritize your own healing and wellbeing first. Seek trauma therapy or counseling to address any emotional scars and trauma from the abusive relationship. Some of these scars may be well hidden, even to yourself. Healing takes time, and it’s essential to be in a healthy emotional state before pursuing a new relationship.

Support System

Building a strong support system with friends and family who can provide emotional support and understanding during your healing process is essential. This can understandably be a difficult step. One of the primary challenges for survivors of DV is the profound erosion of trust – trust of self and others. It’s because of this that having a solid support network is crucial for your recovery. Identify your people and confide in them.

Therapy or Support Groups

Consider joining support groups or attending therapy sessions specifically designed for survivors of DV. These environments can help you connect with others who have had similar experiences and provide valuable guidance. Mosaic Georgia offers Finding Hope Support Groups for women 18+ who are survivors of sexual abuse specifically. If this fits into your DV experience, you’re always welcome to join us.

Educate Yourself

Learn about healthy relationships, boundaries, and red flags for potential abuse. Knowledge is power, and that sense of empowerment can help you make better relationship choices in the future.

Take Your Time

There is no rush to enter a new relationship. Sometimes the potential comfort of a new emotional connection can feel like an easy fix – but moving on too quickly after a traumatic DV experience will likely not turn out the best for you long term. You don’t want to risk accumulating more trauma during your healing journey. Take as much time as you need to mend and build your confidence before seeking love again.

Set Boundaries

Clearly define your personal boundaries in a new relationship and communicate them openly with your partner. No hanging out in intimate spaces for six months? No kissing or physical affection until you initiate? Your dating rules are up to you, and anyone who truly cares for you will happily follow them to ensure your comfort. Boundaries help establish a healthy and respectful dynamic.

Trust Your Instincts

Listen to your gut feelings. If something doesn’t feel right in a new relationship, don’t ignore it. Rely on your instincts and take action if necessary. You’ve walked away once, and you can always do it again.

Online Dating Safety

If you choose to explore online dating, be cautious. Share personal information sparingly, meet in public places initially, and inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans to meet up. Also, pace getting to know the real identity and intentions of this stranger, and not just what they are presenting to you.

Legal Protection

Sometimes moving on can incite controlling ghosts of your past. If necessary, consult with legal professionals to explore options for restraining orders or legal protections against your abuser.

Finding love after domestic violence is possible, but it should be secondary to your journey of self-care, healing, and personal growth. Prioritizing your well-being and safety is paramount throughout this process.

It’s also very hopeful to know that you will smile again, date again, and love again. Our most beautiful connections sometimes exist on the other side of darkness. Wishing you so much luck in the quest for yours!

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The Signs of Suicide: A Guide to Self-Education

by brian in Awareness & Education

The Signs of Suicide: A Guide to Self-Education

Kendall Circle Headshot

By Kendall Wolz
Mental Health and Wellness Manager at Mosaic Georgia

Two people holding hands

Adolescence and young adulthood are a time marked by immense change, challenge, and growth. From surviving the emotional ups and downs and physical changes associated with puberty to navigating new responsibilities and freedoms, this season is often recognized as one with the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

Alarmingly, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 10-34.1 It is critical that the community surrounding these youth and young adults recognize the signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal ideation and become equipped with the knowledge to provide appropriate support.

In 2022, there were 49,430 deaths by suicide among individuals ages 12 and older. For every suicide death, there were about: 11 emergency department visits for self-injury, 52 reported suicide attempts in the last year, and 336 people who seriously considered suicide in the past year.2

The lives lost and harmed by suicide crises are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones.

Their lives matter.

What to Look For

What are the signs that a youth or young adult may be struggling with suicidal ideation? 3 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention categorizes some of the signs as talk, behavior, and mood.

Talk

If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having no reason to live
  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Unbearable pain

Behavior

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as online searches
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue

Mood

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation/shame
  • Agitation/anger
  • Relief/sudden improvement

What To Do

It is not enough to know the signs a person may be at risk for suicide. We must know what steps one can take to respond and intervene on the person’s behalf.

Connect

Genuinely connect with the person and express your concern about the signs you’ve noticed. Be specific about what you have noticed and share why the signs concern you. Express a desire to support them if they are experiencing challenges. If they share their struggles, stay calm and listen empathically. Take their statements seriously and acknowledge the gravity of the challenges they face. Say something like “it seems like this is a very [painful, lonely, scary, etc.] experience for you. I’m so thankful you trusted me with this information, and I want to support you and help you find ways to get through this difficult time.”

Ask Directly

We cannot tiptoe around the topic of suicidal ideation. It is critical to ask the person directly,

“Have you had any thoughts about killing yourself?” or “Have you had any thoughts about ending your life?”

When we ask the question, it demonstrates to the youth or young adult that we are capable of supporting them and are willing to discuss their struggles openly. If you have never asked a person this question, I encourage you to practice in the mirror until it flows as effortlessly as possible.

Safety and Resources

If the person answers “yes,” indicating they are having thoughts about wanting to kill themselves, then we have to further assess the need for safety measures. We can ask, “Have you thought about how you might kill yourself? Have you thought about when you would end your life?”

If the person responds that they have identified the means through which they plan to end their life, have determined a time they plan to end their life, and they have the means within immediate access, 911 should be called immediately.

If the person has identified the way they plan to end their life and they have the means to carry out this plan, but they are physically safe in your presence, you can call 988 to access additional resources and to identify the next best steps for whatever community you are in.

If the person expresses suicidal ideation, meaning they are thinking about ending their life but haven’t made a plan, 988 is still a great resource. A trained crisis intervention specialist can assist with safety planning and connecting the individual with additional mental health resources to support them.

Additional Training

Every month in Gwinnett County, GUIDE Inc. hosts a free training course for members of the community called QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). QPR is a 2-hour training that teaches you how to help prevent suicide in 3 steps. This is a great resource for anyone who wants additional information about how to support someone experiencing suicidal risk.

https://guideinc.org/training-catalog/

_________________________________________________________ 

[1] CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr024.pdf 

[2] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42731/2022-nsduh-nnr.pdf 

[3] https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs/ 

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Growing with Gwinnett: Mosaic Georgia’s Next Chapter

by brian in Events & Campaigns

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Growing with Gwinnett: Mosaic Georgia’s Next Chapter

 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

If you’ve ever planned an event—for family, friends, or work — you know how challenging it can be to keep things fresh. Last month, our team did just that, hitting it out of the park with our 5th annual Mosaic Masterpieces Art Auction and Happy Hour. In just two hours, guests not only immersed themselves in stunning artwork by professional artists, survivors, and community leaders, but they were also treated to a surprise announcement: Mosaic Georgia is moving to Lawrenceville! 

This move marks another new chapter for Mosaic Georgia and Gwinnett County. Thanks to a significant partnership with Northside Hospital System, this relocation is more than just a change of address—it symbolizes growth, innovation, and a strong commitment to the Gwinnett community we’ve proudly served for nearly four decades. 

This new facility in Lawrenceville is one-third larger than our current spaces in Duluth, allowing us to expand our services in crucial ways. With more medical exam rooms, forensic interview spaces, dedicated areas for family support and youth activities, and on-site law enforcement offices, we are poised to meet the growing and increasingly complex needs of our community. 

With Gwinnett’s population now exceeding 1 million—nearly four times what it was when Mosaic Georgia began in 1986—the challenges we face have grown in both scale and complexity.  

As technology and social media evolve, so do the threats of interpersonal violence, especially against our most vulnerable. Issues like child sexual abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and tech-facilitated abuse are on the rise. Moreover, daily stressors like unstable housing, limited healthcare access, disabilities, and chronic stress compound the trauma.  

While stigma and shame still silence most people, increased public awareness means Mosaic Georgia receives more calls and referrals each year.  When we do our job well, the impacts are invisible to those outside of the care provider/victim’s sphere. The cascade of positive changes that result from our trauma-informed care include:
 

  • Fewer deaths by suicide and substance misuse 
  • Increased personal safety from abusers 
  • Improved mental health and coping skills 
  • Improved school/work performance 
  • More graduations 
  • Reduced absenteeism 
  • Greater productivity 

The benefits ripple through every part of our community, improving the lives of everyone. If you work with, live next to, or love someone who survived abuse, our work affects you. If you have a child, or ever were one, if you were ever a student, employed, lived with a disability, or are retired – our work affects you.  

This move aligns perfectly with our 2023-2027 strategic plan to keep pace with Gwinnett’s growth and enhance our ability to provide timely, comprehensive care. Being centrally located in Lawrenceville will not only make us more accessible to those who need us, but it will also place us closer to many partner agencies, streamlining our ability to coordinate care and resources for the individuals and families who rely on us. 

 

To fully realize the potential of this move, we are creating a new Financial Mosaic to maintain and expand the resources proven to help people and their families put their lives on a healthy path. The bills don’t pay themselves.  We rely on generous funders – government, foundations, businesses, civic and faith organizations, and individuals to fuel progress. Investing in this next phase for essential hard costs and capacity will enable us to serve our community better, more efficiently, and securely.   

One must be optimistic by nature to choose this work. As we look to the future, we’re filled with both gratitude and excitement. The success of our recent Mosaic Masterpieces event is just the beginning. Together, we’re building on the strong foundation that Ann Smiley laid nearly four decades ago, ensuring that everyone in Gwinnett has access to the care and support they need to reclaim their lives. Because someone’s gotta say it: when we unite for the common good, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. 

If you’d like to learn more about how you can support Mosaic Georgia’s capital campaign and be part of this exciting new chapter, please contact me, Marina Peed, at marinap@mosaicga.org. Your support will help ensure that Mosaic Georgia continues the tradition of the Gwinnett standard for dignity, respect, and resiliency for our community. 

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2021, Here We Come!

by miguelm in Community & Volunteering, HEALTH, JUSTICE, SAFETY

2021, Here We Come!

 

Out with the old, in with the new! As ~tragic~ as it was to say goodbye to 2020 (yes, we are being sarcastic), 2021 is off to a hopeful start already. We have a long road ahead of us this year: There is still an ongoing health crisis that poses challenges to serving victims to the fullest while many are still stuck at home with their abusers. Furthermore, as an organization we must broaden our reach when it comes to service while maintaining the highest levels of safety for both our staff and our clients. 

While 2020 was a bust in more ways than one, Mosaic Georgia adapted and stretched to better serve our community. Here are several honorable mentions: 

  • Expanded our appointment hours to 12 hour days Mon-Fri and remained open to carry out services throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic, despite health risks and quarantine mandates.
  • Launched our Empowerment Fund to provide key client relief resources such as emergency shelter, housing stability, counseling and more.
  • Through the CARES Act, Mosaic secured housing navigation support, rent and utilities payments for victims who suffered financially along with the abuse trauma.
  • Launched the #MayI movement on social media, a campaign that strives to change the usual conversations surrounding consent and open the floor to share how it’s a normal part of everyday life. (Follow @mayi_movement to join the discussion!)
  • Launched an enhanced role in supporting our Gwinnett children and youth who have been sexually exploited for financial purposes, thanks to a new collaboration with the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia (CACGA). As the statewide coordinator for reports and response to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), CACGA notifies us to respond to youth in Gwinnett County. Mosaic Georgia activates a multi-disciplinary team to assess the situation, meet with the child/youth and coordinate care to ensure their needs are being met.

Not a bad record for one of the most confusing and chaotic years to date! Now, as we enter 2021 full steam ahead we want to share our top goals for this new year: 

  • Expand our legal services and make a difference in how we serve victims by hiring a bilingual Victim Services Attorney and bilingual Legal Navigator (Yes, we are hiring, click here to learn more!).
  • Serving more CSEC Youth as a Children’s Advocacy Center.
  • Securing more operational space! As COVID continues, it’s essential to maintain social distancing. We are searching for additional space or a larger facility that can accommodate our expanding programs and serve more clients in the safest manner possible. 

We couldn’t have achieved so much in 2020 without the support of our board, our donors and our local community. There is still a long road ahead in putting an end sexual abuse and assault and we’ll need to come together again, if not stronger in 2021 to assist those suffering, especially victims who have suffered in silence throughout the COVID-19 epidemic. 

Mosaic Georgia is so excited to go above and beyond in 2021 and we can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us! Thank you all for your continued support. 

Best wishes, 

Mosaic Georgia

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