Service Agreement

Blooming Lilies Terms of Agreement

This Service Agreement (“Agreement”) governs the use of Blooming Lilies services, courses, coaching, workshops, website, and online resources (“Services”). By continuing to utilize Blooming Lilies Services, you agree to the following terms:

1. Purpose of Services

Blooming Lilies provides educational resources, support programs, workshops, and advocacy tools designed to empower survivors of domestic violence and related trauma. The purpose of these Services is to offer hope, knowledge, and community, while respecting each survivor’s individual journey.

2. Not a Substitute for Professional Services

Blooming Lilies does not provide medical, legal, or psychological treatment. All Services are intended for educational and supportive purposes only. Participants are encouraged to seek licensed professional help for counseling, medical care, or legal representation as appropriate to their situation.

3. Safety Disclaimer

Participation in Blooming Lilies Services should only occur in environments that are safe and private. If you are currently in danger, you should immediately call 911 (U.S.) or your local emergency number. For confidential crisis support, you may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or use their live chat at thehotline.org. Blooming Lilies cannot guarantee your safety in unsafe environments and is not responsible for risks that occur if Services are accessed in a monitored or unsafe setting.

4. Confidentiality

Blooming Lilies respects the confidentiality of all participants. Personal stories or information shared during group sessions or programs will not be disclosed without written consent, except where required by law, including situations involving imminent harm, child abuse, or court orders. In group programs, confidentiality is a shared responsibility, and participants agree to respect the privacy of others who engage in Services.

5. Technology and Communication

Participants are responsible for ensuring that their access to Blooming Lilies online Services, including emails, logins, and resources, is safe and not monitored by an abuser. Blooming Lilies is not liable for any breaches of privacy that occur due to compromised devices, shared accounts, or unsafe communication channels.

6. No Guarantee of Outcomes

Every survivor’s journey is unique. Blooming Lilies does not guarantee specific results or outcomes from engaging in Services. Participants are responsible for applying the tools, strategies, and resources in ways that align with their personal circumstances.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Blooming Lilies, its staff, and affiliates are not liable for any damages, injuries, losses, or consequences resulting from the use of our Services. Participants engage voluntarily and accept full responsibility for their safety and personal decisions.

8. Termination of Services

Blooming Lilies reserves the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate Services at any time if participant conduct is unsafe, disruptive, or violates this Agreement. Participants may also withdraw from Services at any time if they choose to discontinue participation.

9. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state in which Blooming Lilies operates.

Acknowledgment

By continuing to utilize the Blooming Lilies website and its resources, you affirm that you are accessing Services in a safe environment, and you agree not to hold Blooming Lilies, its staff, or affiliates liable for any outcomes, risks, or consequences related to your participation.

Domestic Violence

Is domestic violence my fault?

No. Abuse is always the responsibility of the person choosing to harm or control another. Nothing you did caused the abuse.

What should I do if I am experiencing domestic violence?

You are not alone, and help is available. Consider:

  • Reaching out to a trusted person
  • Contacting a local or national domestic violence hotline
  • Creating a safety plan
  • Seeking legal or advocacy support when safe

You deserve safety and support.

What should I do if I think someone is being abused?

  • Listen without judgment
  • Believe them
  • Offer support, not ultimatums
  • Share resources if they want them
  • Respect their choices and safety
  • Avoid pressuring them to leave

Does abuse happen after separation?

Yes. Abuse can continue or escalate after separation, especially through:

  • Legal harassment
  • Custody disputes
  • Stalking
  • Financial control
  • Manipulation through children

This is sometimes referred to as post-separation abuse.

Can men experience domestic violence?

Yes. Domestic violence affects people of all genders. Male survivors may face additional barriers to being believed or seeking support.

Is domestic violence always obvious?

No. Many abusers appear charming, respected, or successful to others. Abuse often happens behind closed doors and can escalate slowly over time.

How does domestic violence affect children?

Children who witness domestic violence may experience emotional distress, anxiety, behavioral issues, difficulty at school, and long-term impacts on mental and physical health, even if they are not directly abused.

What is gaslighting?

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where someone manipulates another person into questioning their reality, memory, or perceptions, often leading to confusion, self-doubt, and loss of confidence.

Can domestic violence happen without being physical?

Yes. Emotional, psychological, financial, and digital abuse can be just as damaging and are often harder to recognize or prove, but they are still forms of domestic violence.

Why don't people just leave abusive relationships?

Leaving can be extremely complex and dangerous. Common reasons include:

  • Fear of retaliation or escalation
  • Financial dependence
  • Concern for children or pets
  • Emotional attachment or trauma bonding
  • Cultural, religious, or family pressure
  • Lack of safe housing or resources

Leaving is often a process, not a single decision.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another in an intimate or family relationship. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, income, culture, or education.

Who can be affected by domestic violence?

Anyone can experience domestic violence, including:

  • Married or dating partners
  • Former partners or spouses
  • Parents and children
  • LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Elder adults
  • People of any socioeconomic or educational background

What types of abuse are considered domestic violence?

Domestic violence can include:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Verbal abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial or economic abuse
  • Digital or technological abuse
  • Coercive control
  • Stalking and intimidation

Abuse does not need to be physical to be serious or harmful.

How common is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is more common than many people realize. Millions of people experience it each year, and many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of support.

What is coercive control?

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviors designed to isolate, intimidate, manipulate, and dominate another person. It may include monitoring, threats, gaslighting, restriction of freedom, or control over money, communication, or daily activities.