In this episode of Rooted Connections, recorded at Stella Nova in Charleston, we explore the critical phase of life after survivors exit domestic violence programs.

Host Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister’s House, is joined by Dr. Lindsay Vance, CEO of Empowered Analytics, and Mackenzie Logan, Clinical Therapist at My Sister’s House, for a thoughtful conversation about the complex, non-linear journey from surviving to thriving.

Together, they unpack the lasting effects of post-separation abuse, financial and technological control, and the systemic barriers survivors often face long after leaving an abusive relationship. The discussion also highlights the power of human connection, trauma-informed care, and community awareness in supporting long-term healing and empowerment.

This episode calls on institutions, service providers, and the broader community to better understand what survivors truly need beyond “the exit” — and how collective support can shape safer, more informed futures.

Highlights

• Why “leaving” is often the most dangerous and complex phase of a survivor’s journey
• The realities of post-separation abuse, including financial, technological, and emotional control
• Systemic barriers survivors face when navigating institutions designed to help
• Rebuilding trust — in systems, in community, and in oneself
• How research, data, and survivor-centered metrics influence public perception and policy
• Redefining success through a survivor-informed, non-linear lens
• The importance of trauma-informed, community-wide responses beyond crisis intervention

Episode Timeline
02:13 – Focus on Survivors: Life Beyond the Exit
03:57 – Challenges After Leaving: Rebuilding and Public Perception
09:36 – Misconceptions and Realities of Leaving an Abusive Relationship
10:34 – Post-Separation Abuse: Power and Control Beyond the Relationship
12:29 – Financial and Technological Abuse as Barriers to Healing
17:53 – The Role of Public Institutions and Community Awareness
21:22 – Rebuilding Trust and the Importance of Human Connection
24:13 – Defining Success: Survivor Perspectives and Research Insights
28:22 – Grief and Loss in Abusive Relationships
29:36 – Ongoing Challenges After Exiting Programs
30:55 – The Importance of Mental Health Services
32:36 – Evolving Research in Domestic Violence
40:11 – Trauma-Informed Responses
45:16 – Public Perceptions and Systemic Barriers
49:32 – Hope and Progress in Domestic Violence Awareness

Local and National DV Hotlines:

My Sister’s House

Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties

1-800-273-HOPE (4673)

Hopeful Horizons

Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties

843-770-1070

Casa Family Services

Orangeburg Counties

1-888-524-3901

National Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Text “START” to 88788