The Abuse Survivor's Toolbox
Practical tools for clarity, safety, and rebuilding after abuse and coercive control.
From Mariela Haack — attorney and survivor
You survived the trauma. The aftermath is its own kind of hard.
Structured tools for clarity, safety, and rebuilding — used by survivors, therapists, and advocates.
Find your starting point
For survivors
I'm navigating this myself
Whether you're in the middle of it, recently out, or still piecing things together — start with one small, grounded step.
Start here →For professionals
I support survivors
Therapists, advocates, and attorneys use these tools to reduce client overwhelm and provide structure between sessions.
Professional resources →A steady framework, not a sprint
A system in three stages, designed to be used in sequence or to meet you where you are.
1 · Clarity
Separate facts from assumptions.
2 · Safety
Identify risks and stabilizing supports.
3 · Agency
Make grounded choices over time.
Start with something that helps right now
Two free tools, no purchase or setup required. Use them on their own, or as a way into the toolkit series.
Free
Calm Before Clarity
A short reset to help your body settle so your mind can begin to work. Start here if your nervous system feels overwhelmed.
Leads into → The Clarity Toolkit
Get the free tool →Free
Personal Safety Snapshot
A quick tool to evaluate risks, take stock of immediate safety considerations, and establish contingencies.
Leads into → The Safety Toolkit
Get the free tool →Go deeper when you're ready
Three structured toolkits. Use them in sequence or on their own.
The Clarity Toolkit
Sort what you know from what you suspect. Build a clear evidence record, timeline, and view of who's involved.
Learn more →The Safety Toolkit
Assess risk, plan logistics, set personal boundaries, and identify specific actions that can stabilize your situation.
Learn more →The Agency Toolkit
Rebuild long-term agency: decisions, transitions, and structures that move you toward the life you want.
Learn more →Why this exists
I built these tools as both an attorney and a survivor. Too often, survivors are expected to make complex, high-stakes decisions while overwhelmed and under pressure. The support system is fragmented. This work is an attempt to bring structure, clarity, and steadiness to that gap.
If you are here, you are not alone. And you do not have to figure everything out today.Learn more about the project →
What readers are saying
“Clear explanations, compassionate validation, and actionable tools that truly help survivors regain safety, clarity, and confidence — making readers feel understood, and not alone.”
Zoribel C.
Verified reader · Amazon
Read the full review ↗DISCLAIMER: The resources on this site are for educational and organizational support only and are not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or legal advice.