“Why did you stay?” 

“Why didn’t you leave? I would have!”

These statements, made by strangers on the internet, tend to be directed towards survivors when they tell their survivor stories. They forget one of the biggest forms of abuse that trap individuals in their relationships – financial abuse. 

Today, Lisa begins to share her own experiences with financial abuse and how that form of abuse is isolating and extremely misunderstood by family, friends, and strangers on the internet. 

Lisa welcomes Titeänyä Rodríguez, a proud Afro-Latina (Puerto Rican, Indigenous, & Jamaican) Writer, Impact Producer, & Director currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Titeänyä shares her own personal story of experiencing financial abuse that still affects her today. She highlights that abuse isn’t just within heteronormative relationships, but it takes place in the queer community too. As a serial survivor, Titeänyä works to advocate for survivors through her productions, storytelling, and as a Certified Crisis Advocate with Peace Over Violence.

This episode is all about noticing the red flags in a relationship that could lead to financial abuse and ways to avoid it. 

From now on, I have a VOICE. I don’t make myself small. I’m using it in whatever way I can.

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and abuse, and some listeners may find it upsetting. We encourage listeners to prepare themselves before listening.

You can follow Titeänyä @titeanya on Instagram and YouTube.

You can learn more about Titeänyä’s productions and storytelling at womxnography.com.

You can learn more about her management company at cre8tivec0ntr0lmgmt.co.

Follow Lisa Phillips @iamlisaphillips on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Have a story to share with us? Email us at [email protected]. Join our movement and keep up to date on all things From Now On by following us @fromnowonpod on all socials.

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below: