Congratulations to Jolie G., the 2026 winner of the Chelse Widen Memorial Nursing Scholarship! We had an excellent pool of applicants, and selecting a winner proved to be challenging for our committee. Thank you to everyone who applied and took the time to learn more about recognizing and responding to domestic abuse.
I knew I wanted to study nursing the day a young patient I was visiting while volunteering at CKHD abruptly pulled out her IV. I panicked, but the nurses near me responded with calm urgency and compassion. They simply provided the patient with the proper care, and walked me through what to do if something like that happened again. Witnessing their professionalism and empathy first hand deepened my desire to become a nurse that could deliver the same quality care. Through my experiences volunteering at CHKD, I have learned that caring for others requires patience, composure, and genuine connection. I am confident in my ability to embody these traits, which strengthens my commitment to becoming a nurse. I plan to pursue a specialization in labor and delivery. I hope to support families during meaningful, live-changing moments every day. After earning my degree, I plan to return to the Virginia Beach area and work at Sentara or CHKD. My goal is to transform my passion for helping others into a lifelong commitment to patient care.
Read Jolie’s essay on domestic abuse below.
If abuse doesn’t always leave a bruise, how can you tell when someone is in danger? In reality, abuse is not always physical, which makes it hard to recognize. In the United States, an estimated ten million people are abused by their partner each year (Huecker et al.). However, it is estimated that only a small percentage of abuse is recognized and reported to authorities, meaning that the number of people abused is likely much higher. The first step to helping those unable to speak out for themselves is being able to identify abuse. Recognizing key warning signs of domestic violence and knowing effective ways to get help can empower victims and their loved ones to break the cycle effectively.
Emotional abuse is defined as “non-physical behaviors that are meant to control, isolate, or frighten you” (NDVH). Key indicators of this are threats, constant monitoring, humiliation, and insults, among others. Emotional abuse is extremely difficult to overcome for many different reasons. First, the abused person may hesitate to seek help because they care about their partner and want to see the best in them. Additionally, the abuser may gaslight their partner, saying things like they are “overreacting” and “just can’t take a joke”. Moreover, the abused may be scared to reach out for help because they do not know if they will be taken seriously (NDVH). Emotional abuse is often the earliest sign of a dangerous relationship. However, it is easily ignored, and abuse can become physical.
Physical abuse is defined as “any physical force that injures you or puts your health in danger” (OASH). This can include hitting, slapping, burning, and hair-pulling, among others. Recognizing physical abuse and seeking help quickly is crucial. Over time, the abuse can become more extreme and victims can even develop long-term health issues. In fact, some women who experienced physical abuse were found to have develop heart problems, chronic pain, migraines, and depression (OASH). However, extreme abuse is not always physical- control can also happen through money and resources.
Financial abuse is defined as “someone else controlling your spending or access to cash, assets and finances” (Money Helper). Signs of financial abuse include taking money, sabotaging jobs, and withholding necessities. It is crucial that financial abuse is quickly recognized, because lack of economic resources is often why abuse victims feel like they have no choice other than staying with their partner. Economic abuse is particularly catastrophic because it does not rely on proximity, so it can continue even when the abused is not physically with their partner (DFPI). Once the victim’s life is so deeply entangled with their abuser, it can feel impossible to leave.
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to help someone experiencing domestic abuse. One of the most important first steps is reaching out to trusted people. Friends, family members, teachers, or coworkers can provide emotional support and break the feeling of isolation that abusers create. Small acts of kindness from loved ones can show the victim that they have support outside of their partner. This can include judgement free listening, expressing concern, or offering a place to stay. Practical support can make a big difference in showing someone that they are not alone.
Another important resource is online and in-person support services. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline provide virtual guidance and connections to local shelters and legal assistance. Additionally, many communities have domestic violence shelters and counseling services that can physically and emotionally support the victim while also making a safe exit plan. These resources are especially valuable because leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous, so having a professional advocate can be crucial.
Finally, domestic violence grants can give victims the confidence they need to start a new life. Many organizations, including the Office on Violence Against Women offer grants that are meant to fund victim services and hold the abusers accountable (DoJ). Financial support can be life changing because it removes one of the biggest barriers to leaving- lack of money. With access to grant-funded resources, survivors are able to secure basic necessities while they work towards long-term independence.
Domestic abuse thrives in silence and confusion, but awareness and action can save lives. Emotional manipulation, physical violence, and financial control are all serious warning signs that should never be ignored. By reaching out to trusted people, using professional resources, and accessing financial assistance, victims can find a path to safety. No one deserves to live in fear and pain, but with knowledge, compassion, and the right support, it is possible to break the cycle of abuse and start the process towards healing.
Works Cited
DFPI. “Financial Abuse Is Domestic Abuse – DFPI.” DFPI, 2026, https://dfpi.ca.gov/news/insights/financial-abuse-is-domestic-abuse/. Accessed 24 February 2026.
DoJ. “Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) | Grant Programs | United States Department of Justice.” Justice.gov, https://www.justice.gov/ovw/grant-programs. Accessed 24 February 2026.
Huecker, Martin R., et al. “Domestic Violence – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” NCBI, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499891/. Accessed 24 February 2026.
Money Helper. “Financial abuse: spotting the signs and leaving safely.” MoneyHelper, https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/talk-money/financial-abuse-spotting-the-signs-and-leaving-safely. Accessed 24 February 2026.
NDVH. “What is emotional abuse? | The National Domestic Violence Hotline.” Domestic Violence Hotline, https://www.thehotline.org/resources/what-is-emotional-abuse/. Accessed 24 February 2026.
OASH. “Physical abuse | Office on Women’s Health.” Women’s Health, 26 September 2025, https://womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/other-types/physical-abuse. Accessed 24 February 2026.
Honoring the life of Chelse. 1983-2025. 
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