Ever say things or think things like "Jeez, just block that guy", or, "Why can't she just leave!? What is wrong with her?" "I can't believe she is still talking to him, I would NEVER accept that treatment". How about "You just need to respect and love yourself enough" You might think these statements are obvious or even helpful but *newsflash* they're NOT. They are incredibly damaging. There is so much pain, and guilt and brainwashing and shame in an abusive relationship DON'T add to it. Did you know: There are NUMEROUS types of abuse (i.e. sexual, physical, mental, emotional, verbal, spiritual, financial etc) and sometimes, there is a combination of abuse types happening all at once. Did you know victims are essentially trained, for their own survival to normalize these behaviors? That the average woman take 7 times to leave before being successful? There are a million reasons people stay, and please educate yourself before making another blaming and shaming statement. 

Listeners, meet Cozy. A Rock and a Pillar of strength in her community as she advocates for women of color experiencing Domestic Abuse. We are so grateful for the time and wisdom Cozy brings to the Wayward Woman podcast today. This is a must listen!!

We had an overwhelming response to Dolores being on the show last week - thank you all so much for sharing. Her story is incredible. We had run out of time though -- so join us for Dolores part 2!! She takes us through the reason she went back to her abusive ex, what made her leave (for good!) and how she is doing now! Heartfelt and upbeat, we just love Dolores. <3

Wow. All I can say is wow. Dolores is a powerhouse of a woman. A survivor of trauma and abuse. An advocate for others experiencing domestic violence. A mother, a daughter and a friend, a survivor....but most of all...a beautiful human being who has overcome so much. 

I think sometimes in the talk about Domestic Violence we can forget that 1/ While most victims of Domestic Violence are women, there are also plenty of men who have suffered from being victims of emotional abuse. 2/ While there is NO excuse for abuse, there ARE men who want to change and there are men who have devoted their lifes work to helping men change. Men are humans too. Today, we welcome one of these men - Michael. Michael works for an organization called Boys to Men - they help teach young men how to reject the attitudes that can lead to domestic violence. We ask Michael some pointed questions here. Give a listen to hear how he is working to help change the way men behave. if they are willing. 

Listeners....meet Jean. Jean is the ultimate Wayward Woman. This badass yet sweet human survived and thrived domestic violence in the 80's and 90's - an era where there were really...no options, no awareness, no internet and life was just harder. Give a listen to this special guest we are so honored to share! 

Today on the Wayward women podcast, we're joined by a special guest, Narda. Narda is an advocate for all human beings and has worked with victims of domestic violence, as well as homicide survivors. She also has advocates for equal rights for all and is a powerful voice in the community. Narda's story is amazing because she had to first overcome her own emotionally abusive relationship with her former in, come to terms with abuse and old paradigm narratives in the family of origin and find healing and learn self care and self love in a relationship with herself,  in order to rise up and become the force that she is today. This is a heartfelt episode that offers a LOT of hope. 

We are honored to have had our very first guest, a super cool human who has been a DJ, concert promoter and bassist in metal bands - this fearless female says she was the last person she expected to be caught in an abusive cycle - a good reminder that abuse can happen to anyone! Hear her story of how she got sucked in, isolated, had to rebuild her community, and got out of the abuse with the help her of "3am friends" - An inspiring episode for anyone who needs a boost!

We can't switch love off and on like a light switch. In leaving an abusive partner, it's not uncommon for those who aren't familiar with abuse to ask questions such as"Why do you still love this person?" or "How can you want to be with someone who treated you so bad" You are probably also asking yourself this question! It's ok. It's normal. Don't shame yourself. There are a lot of factors at play which we go into during this weeks episode of the Wayward Women Podcast. You're not crazy!

Lara and Michelle give some background on how they experienced abuse in their lives. They have been in these shoes. Sometimes it can be helpful in healing and learning, to know that you are NOT alone!