Sophora Acheson, Executive Director and Co-Board President of Ruby's Place, discusses her journey from Grass Valley, Califorinia, to Santa Rosa and developing a passion for helping survivors of domestic violence.  She shares her personal history of abuse and her career path, which led her to pioneer a program to reduce perpetrator violence called R.A.F.T. (Restorative Action for Family Transformation).  R.A.F.T. aims to address the root causes of domestic violence by providing accountability and trauma-informed care for abusers, while insuring survivors receive necessary support.  Sophora also details Ruby's Place's mobile health programs, serving nine Bay Area counties with basic medical services, dental care and education.  

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Sophora explains how her own experiences led her to become a licensed family and marriage therapist. 
2. She describes how she found a job as a counselor at a local domestic violence shelter. 
3. Sophora details her 14-year tenure with Ruby's Place, starting in direct service and eventually becoming executive director. 
4. She shares the history of Ruby's Place, which was founded in the 1970's as the nation's first domestic violence shelter. 
5. Introduction of the R.A.F.T. program and how its voluntary nature is the key to its success. 
6. Sophora discusses the importance of accountability and the role of trauma in driving harmful behaviors. 
7. Mobile health programs are discussed as an innovative way to bring basic health care and dental care to domestic abuse survivors. 
8. Sophora discusses October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month and her plans for a public forum to gain feedback on the R.A.F.T. program. 
9. Sophora gives advice to survivors on reaching out and that you are never alone. 

Ruby's Place Website

R.A.F.T. Program at Ruby's Place 

Ruby's Place Facebook Page 

www.financialabusehelp.net 

The Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters (MAWS) is a non-profit organization in Manitoba, Canada, dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence through education, training and community collaboration.  Today, Amber Merucci, Project Specialist; Tsungai Muvingi, Provincial Coodinator and Maria Paz, Communication Specialist at MAWS, discuss their roles and the organization's rich history.  They emphasize MAW'S unique focus on provincial shelters and its committment to cultural humility and reconcilliation with indigenous communities.  Amber, Maria and Tsungai each highlight the challenges of working with diverse populations, including indigenous and immigrant communities. and the importance of providing accessible resources and training.  MAWS also collaborates with universities and legal communities to offer comprehensive support and education on gender-based violence. 

Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters 

List of Indigenous Tribes in Canada 

Indigenous Peoples Statistics in Canada 

History of Canada 

www.financialabusehelp.net 

Sue, a court stenographer from Bayshore, New York, shares her harrowing experiences with financial and emotional abuse in her two marriages.  She details her first husband's lies and instability, leading to a short-lived marriage and his eventual death.  Her second husband, a successful financier with a beautiful mansion in Connecticut, was abusive, controlling her finances and eventually leading them both to an economic disaster.  Sue's life changed after volunteering for ECLIVES, where she now serves as a vice president and rape crisis counselor.  Sue emphasizes the importance of saving money, seeking support and focusing on self-care for those still in abusive relationships. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

1. Sue shares her background, born in Brooklyn and living in suburban areas of New York City.
2. She discusses her financial upbringing, describing her household as middle to upper middle class, with her father owning an insurance agency. 
3. Sue describes her career as a court stenographer, a career she has held for over 35 years. 
4. She recounts meeting her first husband and how it ended up a short-lived marriage after abuse and instability. 
5. Sue reflects on her poor judgement in men and her low self esteem, which led her to stay in abusive relationships. 
6. She meets her second husband, and describes his initial charm and financial success. 
7. Sue details the abusive nature of her second marriage, including verbal and emotional abuse, and his complete control over her finances and access to money. 
8. She shares a pivitol moment where her husband attacked her during an argument, leading to his arrest and their eventual divorce. 
9.  

Sybil Cummin, a licensed professional play therapist from Colorado, founded the Rising Beyond Power & Control podcast and resource website to address the gaps in support for survivors of abuse, particularly those with children.  She emphasizes the concept of post-separation abuse, where abuse continues after leaving an abusive partnership.  Sybil's community, designed for women, offers safety, privacy and support through live events, workshops and a private forum.  She advises survivors to create safety plans, gather documentation and seek support from safe individuals.  Sybil also highlights the importance of clear communication and documentation, especially in legal settings.  Her work includes advocating for legislative changes and raising awareness about financial abuse. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

1. Sybil explains the origin of her podcast and website, also her unique background as a play therapist. 
2. Sybil recognizes gaps in the resources for survivors of domestic violence, especially families sharing children with abuser. 
3. The term "post-separation abuse" and examples of that behavior in an abusive partner. 
4. Sybil highlights the legal abuse faced by survivors sharing children with their abusers. 
5. Sybil explains the importance of meeting basic needs for healing and the additional challenges faced by those with no financial literacy. 
6. The Rising Beyond community of women who have experienced domestic violence and narcissistic abuse - how it works and how it helps to heal relationship trauma. 
7. Sybil outlines the opportunities for women recovering from abuse with the Rising Beyond membership including live events, workshops and a private peer support group where survivors can communicate and help one another. 
8. Sybil discusses the challenges of building trust after experiencing abuse and the role of the community in helping survivors rebuild trust. 
9. Sybil shares in involvement with legislation to impact family court and increase awareness about domestic violence.  She notes the positive changes in training and awareness within her university and the broader community. 
10. Sybil encourages survivors to engage with her podcast and website to learn more about her work and resources.

LINKS & RESOURCES: 

Rising Beyond Power & Control Website

Rising Beyond Power & Control Podcast 

Rising Beyond Power & Control Facebook Page

www.financialabusehelp.net 

Julia Foos, a Community Education Coordinator from the North Shore suburbs of Chicago,  discusses her role at Sarah's Inn, an organization dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors. Julia, who has a background in social work and gender studies, joined Sarah's Inn after discovering their podcast during COVID.   She highlights Sarah's Inn's comprehensive services, including crisis lines, counseling, legal aid and the PAIP program which helps perpetrators of domestic violence unlearn toxic behaviors.  Julia emphasizes the importance of addressing both survivors and perpetrators to prevent reoffending.  She also mentions Sarah's Inn TV, a digital platform launched during the pandemic to reach out to survivors and educate the public.  Julia describes methods to seek support and create safety plans for recovery from domestic abuse. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

1. Julia shares her background, education and her involvement in various volunteering and leadership opportunities.
2. Julia discusses her internships in elder care, youth exploitation prevention, suicide prevention and emphasizes her passion for women's rights and domestic violence advocacy. 
3. Overview of Sarah's Inn's history and expansion as a critical Chicago resource. 
4. Julia explains the PAIP program for perpetrators of domestic violence to help unlearn abusive and toxic behaviors. 
5. Julia gives details about Sarah's Inn TV, a multi-media broadcasting resource for survivors of domestic violence. 
6. Julia discusses upcoming plans and events for Sarah's Inn during 2025. 
7. Julia gives advice to survivors of domestic violence who haven't left their relationship or have just recently left their abusive partnership. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES: 

Sarah's Inn Website 

PAIP Program at Sarah's Inn 

Sarah's Inn TV 

www.financialabusehelp.net 

Stephanie Russell, a Community Educator for The Ark Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Shelter in Central Texas, discusses her journey from a retired nurse to an advocate for survivors of domestic violence.  She emphasizes the importance of individualized support, noting The Ark serves a diverse population including elderly and victims with pets.  Stephanie highlights the comprehensive service needs each survivor can require including legal assistance, financial planning and even kennel accomodations.  She emphasizes that victims of domestic violence need to prioritize safety and seek help, including post-separation support and community resources. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

1. Stephanie finds her passion for helping survivors of domestic violence.
2. An internship at The Ark Shelter leads to becoming a Community Educator to spread awareness about domestic violence. 
3. Avoiding the one-size-fits-all approach in servicing a diverse population of victims with individual needs. 
4. The steps to contacting a shelter and finding immediate care and resources. 
5. Finding shelter when you own pets and don't want to leave them behind. 
6. The Ark's Start Believing Campaign and its importance in educating the community and removing the stigma of being a domestic violence victim. 
7.  Upcoming plans for The Ark and Stephanie's professional goals. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

The Ark Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Shelter, Brownwood, Texas 

The Ark Community Education & Prevention Toolkit 

Power and Control Wheel 

www.financialabusehelp.net 

Michela Giordana Castro, licensed clinical social worker and religious trauma specialist, discusses her journey from a fundamental upbringing to helping survivors of abuse and those navigating spirituality post-religious conversion.  Michela emphasizes the importance of not staying silent and avoiding shame in trauma recovery.  She discusses ways to seek diverse support for domestic abuse, including professional help and safe individuals, and to prioritize your own well being.  Michela highlights the challenges faced by those in religious instititutions who are under relationship abuse and encourages seeking external resources and details how her business supports domestic violence survivors who are still committed to their beliefs or who are transitioning out of religous faith and looking for a new path.  

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

1. Statistics of Protestant clergy mentioning domestic violence during service are low.

2. An open minded approach may be required if under abuse and not receiving support from            religious authorities.  

3. The internet as a significant tool in finding alternative answers when needing support.

4. The detrimental effects of staying silent and being shamed during trauma recovery.

5. Diverse support systems, including therapists and safe friends, as critical in recovery.

6. The challenges faced by domestic violence victims within a religious community.

7. Highlighting the role of self care and making even small changes to improve the situation. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES: 

Michela Giordana Castro YouTube Channel

Michela Giordana Castro Instagram @michelasmindmunchies 

www.financialabusehelp.net 

Sherry Lutz Herrington, founder of Strong Women Thriving and Sherrington Financial Fitness,  shares her journey from a financially abusive relationship to becoming a financial expert and advocate.  Detailing her experiences with abuse and subsequent financial disasters, Sherry empasizes the importance of financial education and support for women recovering from financial abuse. She highlights her efforts to create resources and courses to help women regain financial stability and confidence.  Sherry advises women on how to seek support and financial literacy during and after financial abuse in a marriage or romantic relationship. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

1. Growing up in a financially unstable and abusive household.
2.  How your financial childhood affects your view of money as an adult. 
3. The challenges of recognizing and leaving an abusive marriage. 
4. The importance of financial education and support when starting over after abuse. 
5. The challenges of finding resources and starting Strong Women Thriving organization. 
6. How hard work and determination and bring around financial recovery. 
7. Tips for women still under financial abuse or starting over after financial abuse. 

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

Strong Women Thriving Website 

Strong Women Thriving Video Interviews 

www.financialabusehelp.net 

Mr. Jay, betrayal trauma practitioner and interpersonal relationship coach, shares his challenging childhood marked by financial abuse and multiple relocations. Despite these hardships, he pursued education. earning several prestigious degrees and becoming a youth counselor and special education teacher. His father's death triggered a panic attack, leading him to focus on betrayal trauma, earning certifications and creating a TikTok following of nearly 25,000.  Mr. Jay emphasizes the importance of self care, vision boards and re-framing negative self talk.  He also discusses his efforts to raise awareness about betrayal trauma's impact on the workplace.  

KEY HIGHLIGHTS: 

1. Shifting your mindset to empowerment, from "Why me?" to "What now?"
2. The commonality of financial abuse in dysfunctional homes and its long terms effects on how one views money. 
3. The importance of nurturing critical thinking in recovering from trauma. 
4. Managing the holidays when there's triggering questions and comments. 
5. Visualizing your goals and aspirations for the coming new year.  

LINKS:

https://mrjayrelationshipcoach.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@BetrayalTraumaPractitioner

www.financialabusehelp.net 

Acquania Escarne, acclaimed financial coach and entrenpreneur, discusses her journey from learning finances at an unusually early age to her 15-year career in the Foreign Service and how she cleverly funded her own extensive travel experiences.  Acquania emphasizes the importance of learning financial literacy no matter your age or circumstances and understanding the role of money as a tool for achieving your sometimes lost or broken dreams.  Acquania shares her financial strategies for setting smart, realistic goals and also addresses the challenges women face with money, advocating for transparency and setting boundaries.  Acquania encourages survivors of financial abuse to reclaim their financial power and pursue their true selves. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 

1. Parental Influence on Financial Perspective.
2. Jump starting your dreams financially.
3. Women and fear of money. 
4. Building generational wealth and education opportunities for descendants.
5. Holiday spending and financial boundaries. 
6. Strategic planning of your money regardless of where you start. 
7. Financial advise for economic abuse survivors - how to get moving! 

LINKS AND RESOURCES: 

The Purpose of Money Website 

The Purpose of Money YouTube Channel

The Purpose of Money Financial Blog

The Purpose of Money Podcast

www.financialabusehelp.net