In Episode 12 of Hope Beyond Abuse, Lisa talks with Donna Zander, an accredited social worker and has over 20 years' experience in the field of trauma, domestic violence, and child abuse. Donna is also the director of Donna Zander Associates.

Movement can improve your mental resilience and emotional strength. Finding a movement activity that you enjoy can be a small act of investment in yourself. A beautiful thing to do, especially if you're struggling in or recently out of an abusive relationship.

In this episode, Lisa chats with Jen from Sparta Chicks about how to incorporate more movement into your life, whether you're still in an abusive relationship or finding ways to rebuild your life afterwards. 

How do we prevent men from becoming violent? How do we stop those who have from continuing the cycle? And although men are statistically far less likely to be the victims of domestic violence, how do we help those who are?

In this episode, Lisa interviews Martin Fisk CEO of Menslink - an organisation that provides counselling, mentoring, and support for young men in Canberra. They tackle the area of how we prevent young men from becoming violent, and providing the support they need to take their life in a different direction. Menslink are working to change the idea that it's not okay for men to ask for help. It is okay, and it's a vital part of ending domestic violence.

Abusive relationships often put people down and create a cycle of negative self-talk and low self-esteem. How do you combat that negativity? In episode 9 of Hope Beyond Abuse, Lisa interviews Elise from Style and Sensibility. They discuss why self-care is not only important, but essential and how it can help abused people gain perspective and heal. Elise sees style as an act of self-care. Elise provides practical style tips for those who are not feeling their best and simple ways to combat negative self-talk with little things.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT. If it’s an emergency, please call the emergency services in your region (000 for Australia).

Lisa McAdams

I decided to start Hope beyond abuse because I have been there and I know how daunting it can be to realise and accept that you are living in an abusive relationship.

I hope that by reading my blogs and listening to the podcasts you will gain insight to what is happening to you and feel less alone. If you know somebody whom you suspect is being abused, I hope you can gain an understanding of how best to help them.

Music: "Easy Lemon (60 second)" Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Ever wondered how you're going to get through one moment, let alone one day? In episode 8 of Hope Beyond Abuse, Lisa interviews Tamara from Mindful Separation. They discuss how mindfulness helps victims while going through separation just by taking one moment at a time or focusing on one thing at a time. Tamara was a practising family lawyer who now helps individuals and couples through separation. She has a powerful perspective on abuse and separation and brings some small practical things that you can do to help get you through.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT. If it’s an emergency, please call the emergency services in your region (000 for Australia).

Music: "Easy Lemon (60 second)" Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In episode 7 of Hope beyond abuse, Lisa interviews Paula from Emerge. Emerge supports women and children who have experienced domestic violence, enabling them to break the cycle of violence and rebuild their lives.

This episode walks through what people entering the Emerge shelter services can expect, the effect domestic violence has on children, and how Emerge supports women and their families overall.

The perfect episode if you are wanting to know more about domestic violence shelters whether for yourself,  loved one, or a friend.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT. If it’s an emergency, please call the emergency services in your region (000 for Australia).

Music: "Easy Lemon (60 second)" Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In episode 6 of Hope beyond abuse, Lisa interviews Kellie, founder of Kherista's Smile - an organisation working with schools to teach kids about what makes a healthy relationship.

Kellie's mission is to change the lives of kids experiencing domestic violence and to break the cycle. In this episode Kellie and Lisa talk about Kellie's story, the meaning behind the name Kherista's Smile, and how toxic and long lasting verbal abuse is.

Like Kherista's Smile on Facebook

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT. If it’s an emergency, please call the emergency services in your region (000 for Australia).

Music: "Easy Lemon (60 second)" Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In episode 5, Lisa chats to Tiffany, founder of BOM Support about the special challenges faced by military spouses dealing with domestic violence such as isolation, lack of jobs, lack of rental history, etc. In their conversation, you'll learn about the hope and support BOMs is providing.

Find BOM Support on Facebook

Email [email protected]

In episode 4 of Hope beyond abuse, Lisa interviews Julie from WIRE. Julie explains what financial abuse is and when to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing any kind of abuse.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT. If it’s an emergency, please call the emergency services in your region (000 for Australia).

Music: "Easy Lemon (60 second)" Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In episode 3 of Hope beyond abuse, Lisa interviews Kate from Lifeline. You'll learn even more about patterns of domestic violence, when you can call Lifeline and about Kate's other work around domestic violence.

Lifeline's number: 131114

Visit Kate's website: A Difficult Woman

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT or visit my resources page for more resources. If it’s an emergency, please call the emergency services in your region (000 for Australia).

Music: "Easy Lemon (60 second)" Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0