Dismissed True Stories

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In part two of her personal story, Elissa shares the fuzzy, traumatic memories of life in a trailer with her abuser and how she eventually escaped with just a laundry basket of clothes and her toddler.

• Experiencing dissociation during abuse, creating mental "safe places" to escape
• Living in an unfinished trailer that reflected her broken relationship
• Developing a "food wound" through mealtime abuse and trauma
• Finding validation when a friend witnessed abuse and said "girl, you gotta go"
• Leaving during a moment of clarity rather than after a dramatic incident
• Choosing homelessness over abuse, sleeping in her car at Walmart
• Managing PTSD, flashbacks, and healing in the years since
• Building a new life and relationship based on healthy communication
• Finding healing through community and connecting with other survivors

If you're looking to leave an abusive situation, shut out the noise even if just for five minutes a day, listen to yourself, and do one thing daily just for you – that one percent of self-love can change everything.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

Raw vulnerability takes incredible courage. What began as a simple podcast episode transformed into a profound moment of truth as I shared my personal journey through domestic violence for the first time – completely unfiltered and unedited.

The decision to "raw dog" my story wasn't made lightly. After hearing countless survivor stories and carefully editing them for my audience, I realized I couldn't apply the same process to my own trauma. The emotional toll of revisiting, analyzing, and providing educational context to my personal horror story was simply too great. This revelation speaks to a crucial aspect of healing: sometimes self-care means acknowledging our limitations and protecting our mental health, even when we desperately want to help others.

My story begins like many – meeting someone who seemed wonderful at 18, reconnecting years later during a vulnerable period in my life, and slowly descending into an increasingly dangerous situation. From abandoning my successful radio career and moving states, to discovering a hidden heroin addiction while pregnant, to enduring escalating physical and sexual violence – each chapter follows the textbook pattern of abuse that I now recognize so clearly. Perhaps most poignant was sharing a previously blocked memory of sexual assault that occurred while my child slept nearby – a trauma so overwhelming my brain had protected me from it until recently.

What makes this episode unique isn't just the content, but the real-time processing of trauma you witness. The raw emotions, the moments I need to pause and breathe, the unexpected memories surfacing – all demonstrate how healing isn't linear but rather an ongoing journey of discovery, acceptance, and growth. For fellow survivors listening, know that memory fragmentation is normal, that healing comes in waves, and that community support is essential. Join our Survivor Sisterhood through social media or our website, where we continue the conversation between episodes. Together, we're not just surviving – we're reclaiming our power and helping others do the same.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

After seven months away, I've returned to the microphone with a refreshed spirit and important lessons to share. My break wasn't just about rest, it was an important journey into understanding how advocacy work affects mental health and how easily we can burn out when pouring ourselves into others' stories without proper self-care.

The past months taught me that stepping back doesn't mean stepping away from what matters. While deliberately distancing myself from the podcast, I remained deeply engaged with domestic violence prevention work, participating in a high lethality review group with local law enforcement, helping implement screening processes that could save lives, and even being recognized as a finalist for the Mari Martin Award. These experiences reminded me why I started Dismissed True Stories: to give survivors a platform, inspire healing, and help others recognize and leave abusive relationships.

Season Two brings exciting new dimensions to our community. You'll hear powerful survivor narratives from across the globe. I'm introducing a new storytelling series called "What They Couldn't Say," focusing on lives lost to domestic violence. I'll be introducing anonymous stories as well, and throughout it all, I'll be modeling the lesson that took me seven months to truly learn: taking care of yourself isn't weakness, it's the foundation that makes sustainable advocacy possible. Subscribe, share, and join me as we heal, grow, and rise together.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

What if recognizing the subtle patterns of abuse could be the key to escaping a toxic relationship? Join me on a journey through the harrowing yet empowering stories of survivors of domestic abuse in our season finale of Dismissed True Stories. In "Survivors' Stories," I share my personal experience of transitioning from a professional broadcasting career to enduring an abusive relationship. These narratives reveal textbook patterns of abuse like significant age gaps and love bombing, offering recognition and validation to those still fighting their battles. Hear the profound emotional toll these survivors endured and the continuous journey of healing supported by therapy and community.

We dissect the initial warning signs and the devastating impacts of emotional manipulation and physical violence, including gaslighting and isolation tactics. The courage it takes to break free from such toxic relationships is nothing short of heroic. As we prepare for our summer hiatus in "Season Two Preparation and Thank You," I reflect on the transformative connections formed through this podcast and the deep gratitude I feel for our listeners. Stay connected via social media for updates, and remember, your value in this world is immeasurable.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

What happens when the weight of addiction and grief collide? In this emotionally charged episode of Dismissed True Stories, we explore the raw and powerful journeys of abuse and trauma survivors. Host Elissa, draws from her own experience, setting the stage for an intimate and heartfelt conversation with Savannah, a survivor whose life has been marked by profound loss and resilience. Together, they delve into the societal neglect that compounds trauma, emphasizing the crucial role of empathy in supporting those who are grieving.

Savannah bravely opens up about her harrowing experiences, from being held captive and enduring severe abuse to the chaotic normalization of violence in her life. Her story is a testament to the terrifying realities many survivors face daily. Despite these unimaginable ordeals, Savannah's path towards healing and resilience shines through, offering hope and inspiration. This episode reveals the complex nature of trauma and the persistent challenges that linger even after escaping abusive circumstances, underscoring the incredible strength it takes to rebuild one's life.

The journey to healing is slow and arduous, but it's also transformative. Elissa and Savannah discuss the pivotal moments that led to Savannah's decision to leave her abusive relationship, highlighting the indispensable support of friends and the long battle with emotional trauma. This episode is a call to action for listeners to support survivors by sharing their stories and fostering a community of empathy and understanding. Join us in recognizing the power of shared experiences and the slow yet vital process of self-love and recovery. Your presence and support make a world of difference.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

What happens when the fear of disappointing a parent outweighs the terror of an abusive relationship? This heart-wrenching episode of Dismissed True Stories explores Jenna's painful journey through her first physically abusive relationship. Starting from a tumultuous upbringing marked by her narcissistic father's toxic expectations, Jenna's story reveals how deeply her childhood experiences impacted her choices in adult relationships. Facing financial constraints and the fear of letting down her father, Jenna found herself trapped in a cycle of abuse that she struggled to escape.

Next, we share the gripping account of Jenna’s desperate attempt to break free from an abusive relationship. This story paints a vivid picture of the physical and emotional toll of such trauma, compounded by the indifference of neighbors and the re-traumatization by medical and legal systems. Despite these challenges, the narrative also highlights the cyclical nature of abusive relationships, showing how manipulation and temporary changes can keep survivors ensnared. This chapter underscores the necessity of external support and intervention to help survivors truly break free from their abusers.

Lastly, we delve into the complexities of self-healing and the arduous path to establishing healthy relationships after abuse. Whether it's confronting personal patterns that allowed the abuse to persist or the monumental effort required to rebuild self-worth, this episode captures the essence of breaking generational cycles of dysfunction. The journey towards healing is further illustrated through a key narrative of ongoing marital work, showcasing the profound impact of past traumas on trust and the invaluable patience of a supportive partner. Join us for an empowering discussion that emphasizes the importance of personal growth, acceptance, and the strength found in moving forward for oneself and future generations.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

What if the person you trusted most turned out to be a stranger? Jenna takes us through the riveting journey of discovering her true biological parentage and the devastating impact of being raised by a narcissistic father figure. Her story is one of resilience and courage, revealing how her understanding of love was profoundly distorted and how she is now navigating the road to healing through therapy.

Family dynamics can be a minefield, particularly when narcissism and favoritism are involved. Jenna opens up about the emotional torment of living in the shadow of a 'golden child' sister and the struggles of establishing boundaries with a manipulative parent. Through her narrative, we gain insight into the heart-wrenching reality of a narcissist's manipulation and the stigmatization of mental health within families, issues that often leave deep, lingering scars.

Raised in an environment where love meant extreme emotions rather than safety, Jenna's early relationships were marred by abuse. She recounts her tumultuous teenage years, from encountering a stalker to enduring a physically abusive relationship that began at just 17. Her tale is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness and therapy in breaking free from the cycle of abuse and redefining what it means to truly be loved. Join us for an episode that not only sheds light on the dark aspects of narcissistic abuse but also celebrates the strength and resilience of survivors like Jenna.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

What does freedom feel like after escaping an abusive relationship? Join us on 'Dismissed True Stories' as I recount my personal journey of survival and healing, five years after leaving an abusive relationship. This episode unveils the non-linear and often unpredictable path to reclaiming one's life, emphasizing the strength and resilience required. As we explore the transformative power of sharing these stories, I reflect on the dual challenges and empowerment that come with helping others narrate their experiences. Discover how community plays an indispensable role in healing and the joy of finding freedom again.

Healing from trauma is a complex journey, demanding patience and self-love. In this episode, I shed light on the crucial steps to manage anxiety and regulate the nervous system, from deep breathing techniques to solo dance parties and connecting with nature. Learn how setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion are essential for releasing years of trauma. Through personal anecdotes, I celebrate small victories and the importance of joyful activities. Everyone deserves to reclaim their happiness, and sharing these stories helps survivors feel seen and validated. Tune in to understand the messy yet beautiful process of healing and the endless possibilities that come with reclaiming one's life.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

Imagine walking through a storm, one where every thunderclap is a harsh word and every lightning strike a moment of fear. That's the reality Lauren bravely shares with us as she details her escape from the clutches of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse. Her voice is a soft yet unyielding force against the shadows of manipulation and isolation, painting a vivid picture of the power imbalances that can trap someone in a cycle of fear. In today's episode, Lauren's story isn't just heard; it resonates, echoing the struggles many face in silence.

Grappling with the legal system while nursing an aching heart is a battle Lauren knows all too well. She recounts the daunting process of obtaining a restraining order and the complexities of navigating through emotional turmoil and legal barriers. Through her journey, we're reminded of the insidious nature of abuse and the critical lifelines friends and support systems provide. Lauren's experience with the court's restraining order serves as an urgent call to action for a system that truly protects the abused. As we explore the intricacies of her story, we shed light on the psychological warfare that victims endure and the importance of standing by them.

This episode is a testament to the indomitable spirit of survivors. As Lauren meets another victim of her abuser, a spark of solidarity ignites, empowering her to confront painful truths. We share this moment of transformation, hoping to inspire those who are fighting similar battles. Remember, your experiences matter, your voice is powerful, and your mental health is paramount. Together, we stand with survivors of abuse, sharing their narratives to foster hope, healing, and change. Join us as we honor these stories of resilience and encourage a future where every survivor's voice is valued.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Send a text

This conversation explores a toxic relationship where the person involved was dating someone twice their age. The relationship began a few years ago and ended recently, leading to a healing journey. The couple was introduced by a mutual friend who had a connection to the person's ex. The relationship started with a strong connection and deep conversations, but soon turned toxic. The partner exhibited controlling behavior, constantly blowing up the person's phone and isolating them from friends. They would manipulate and gaslight the person, using tactics like pretending to be suicidal to keep them in the relationship. The conversation also touches on the role of a toxic friend who had feelings for the person and manipulated the situation. The relationship eventually led to the person's partner being charged with domestic violence and stalking, resulting in their imprisonment. Lauren shares her experiences of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse in her relationship.

Takeaways

Toxic relationships can occur regardless of age or gender
Controlling behavior, manipulation, and gaslighting are common signs of a toxic relationship
Isolation from friends and loved ones is a red flag in a relationship
Pretending to be suicidal is a manipulative tactic used to keep someone in a toxic relationship
Toxic friendships can also contribute to a person's vulnerability in a toxic relationship
Manipulative partners may use tactics such as gaslighting, isolation, and control to maintain power and control over their victims.
Recognize that even small forms of abuse are significant and should not be dismissed or minimized.
Seeking support from trusted friends, family, or professionals can be crucial in leaving an abusive relationship and healing from the trauma.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 OR text begin to 88788

Give me a call! 1-844-TELLDTS

Come join our community of survivors who are looking to meet someone just like you! See the behind the scenes work that goes into the sisterhood non-profit business, discuss DTS episodes, and of course find your survivor sister.

🔗 Follow Along:

• TikTok: @thedvsurvivor
• Instagram: @thedvsurvivorsisterhood
• Join the Sisterhood! The Survivor Sisterhood

Ready to share your story? Send me an email with the main talking points of your experience and I'll reach out to book an interview.

[email protected]

Give DTS a 5 star rating! It helps this podcast reach other victims and survivors who NEED these stories! Help us find each other, help us heal, and help us find safety. Love you, mean it.

All sound and music courtesy of Epidemic Sound