In this episode, Heather discusses three different abusive relationships. With each relationship, the violence intensified to the point that her life was in danger. After escaping abuse, Heather is raising her children to understand what a healthy relationship is and to never abuse, or be abused by , anyone. 

Bonnie is a domestic violence survivor and a domestic violence speaker.  Her speeches demonstrate the importance of educating others about domestic violence by sharing a personal account. 

Laura is currently volunteering to help the homeless, domestic violence survivors, abused children and is becoming a rape advocate. Laura is a pillar in her community and demonstrates the importance of uplifting others through volunteering.  Laura’s story emphasis the importance of domestic violence resources. 

Lashawnda is a survivor of domestic violence. She currently is an advocate for domestic violence survivors and is an advocate for survivors of human trafficking. Lashawnda also runs a ministry called HUGS, Helping Us Grow Spiritually, and volunteers in a domestic violence program called family assistance. Lashawnda serves as a prime example of giving back to the community. 

Kimberly is a domestic violence survivor who is currently fighting for protection rights against her abuser. She is also working with her local assembly man to advocate for orders of protection to include social media as electronic means and require law enforcement to arrest perpetrators for each violation instead of arrest being at the discretion of law enforcement. 

In this episode, Danne discusses her experiences in a 26 year domestic violence relationship. Danne’s story demonstrates how small incidents of violence turned into years of abuse. 

If you would like to purchase Survivors Celebrating Life Beyond Domestic Violence: 

https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Celebrating-Domestic-Violence-Award-Winning/dp/0578142570/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=celebrating+life+beyond+domestic+violence+Tahirah+Ogletree&qid=1564537402&s=gateway&sr=8-5

In this episode, Mindy describes how a single incident of abuse turned into a three year domestic violence relationship. Mindy’s experience highlights the role of psychological manipulation in abusive relationships. Additionally, Mindy’s story emphasizes the  importance of domestic violence shelters and shelter volunteers. 

In this episode, Laura discusses how abuse in her childhood lead to the normalization of violence ultimately resulting in her being vulnerable to experience abuse as an adult. Laura discusses the events that led to her leaving the abusive relationship and the long custody battles that followed. Laura’s story demonstrates the importance of teaching the youth what healthy relationships look like and calls for the legal system to remove barriers that keep survivors in danger. 

If you would like to purchase Laura’s book please click the link :  

https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Women-Laura-F-Hannah/dp/1717858767/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&fbclid=IwAR0cU8hfA2khkPBt36eU8-10XBGE9neCXa_3AZRArOZzBVvEZONAU57ytFg&qid=1563502659&ref_=tmm_pap_title_0&sr=8-4 

or 

look up the title " Strong Women: The Poetry of Abuse" by Laura Hannah

The purpose of this podcast is to give Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) survivors a platform to tell their life stories in order to gain more support from the public for effective legislative change that would protect individuals fleeing IPV. If you would like to know more or participate please contact me at [email protected].