Leaving a domestic violence relationship is not just emotional — it’s legal, financial, and deeply complex.
In this powerful episode, Coach Laurie sits down with Michelle Darnell, paralegal and founder of The Lighthouse Alliance, to talk about domestic violence support, trauma-informed legal advocacy, and how women can transition safely out of abusive relationships.
The Lighthouse Alliance provides counseling, paralegal services, and access to attorneys who understand domestic abuse firsthand — because many of them have lived it. Their mission is to help survivors of domestic violence leave safely, protect themselves legally, and rebuild their lives with dignity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The legal steps involved in leaving an abusive relationship
• How trauma impacts decision-making during domestic violence
• Why trauma-informed legal support matters
• How to create a safe exit strategy
• The role of paralegals and attorneys in domestic abuse cases
• What women need to know before filing protective orders or divorce
• How counseling and legal advocacy work together in recovery
If you are experiencing domestic violence — or supporting someone who is — this conversation offers practical guidance, emotional validation, and real-world resources.
Domestic violence recovery requires more than courage. It requires support, strategy, and advocates who understand the trauma.
Learn more about The Lighthouse Alliance:
https://www.lhalliance.org/
National Domestic Violence Hotline. Support, resources and advice for your safety
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)