Through the EYES of SURVIVORS

What happens when the abuse is over, but the trauma is still shaping the way you think, cope, and move through the world?

In this episode of Through the Eyes of a Survivor, we sit down with Holly Corish, a domestic violence survivor, trauma and addiction recovery advocate, and creator of the “Switching Cycles: From Trauma to Healing” recovery model.

Holly joins us for an important conversation about the patterns trauma can create, the connection between trauma and addiction, and what it can look like to move from survival into healing.

We also explore the concept of “the predator seeking prey” — how abusive individuals may identify and exploit vulnerabilities, test boundaries, create dependency, and use manipulation to gain control. Most importantly, we discuss this without placing responsibility on survivors. Vulnerability does not cause abuse; the responsibility always belongs to the person who chooses to exploit it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Recognizing the trauma cycle
• How abuse can continue affecting survivors after the relationship ends
• Trauma, addiction, and unhealthy coping mechanisms
• Manipulation, boundary testing, and predatory behavior
• Rebuilding self-trust after abuse
• Recognizing red flags without blaming yourself
• Moving from survival mode into a healthier healing cycle
• Practical steps survivors can take toward recovery and restoration

Holly also shares insight from her work mentoring people in addiction recovery and providing peer support to domestic violence survivors.

Healing is not always linear, and leaving an abusive relationship does not automatically erase what happened. But understanding the patterns trauma leaves behind can be a powerful part of learning how to break them.

You survived the cycle. Now the conversation becomes: how do you begin building something different?

💜 Through the Eyes of a Survivor is a podcast from Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence.

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Trigger Warning 

In this powerful episode of Through the Eyes of a Survivor, Jacqueline shares the devastating reality of what happened after she left her abusive partner. In an act of revenge meant to punish Jacqueline, her former partner drowned her daughter, attempted to kill her young son, and then attempted to take their own life. They survived and are now serving life in prison.

Jacqueline courageously reflects on the warning signs she did not fully recognize until after the tragedy—and the red flags survivors, loved ones, and professionals cannot afford to ignore. This conversation examines how leaving can trigger a dangerous escalation, why children may become targets of an abusive partner’s retaliation, and how threats of unaliving 

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Not all wounds are visible. In this powerful episode of BSTADV, host Tara Woodlee sits down with HIV advocate and founder of the Bee HIV+ Foundation, Marie Niles, for an honest conversation about the often-overlooked health consequences of abuse.

Together, they explore how domestic violence, sexual coercion, and trauma can increase a survivor's risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, why stigma continues to silence so many, and how education can empower survivors to take back control of their health and their future.

Through Marie's inspiring journey of resilience and advocacy, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the connection between abuse and sexual health while discovering that healing begins with breaking the silence.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, sexual violence, trauma, HIV, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

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🎙️ New Episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors

“The Abuse Didn’t End When I Left—It Just Put on a Suit and Tie”

We often tell survivors, “Just leave.” And while leaving can be a critical step toward safety, it is not always the end of the abuse. For many survivors, it is the beginning of a different battle—one fought in courtrooms, through custody disputes, legal filings, financial strain, and systems that are meant to protect them.

In this powerful episode, Tara sits down with survivor and single mother Melissa Issa to discuss the often-overlooked reality of post-separation abuse. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey of navigating litigation abuse, courtroom trauma, parenting under pressure, and the emotional toll of ongoing control after leaving an abusive relationship.

This conversation shines a light on the ways abuse can evolve after separation—becoming quieter, more calculated, and often more invisible. It is an important reminder that leaving is not always the end of the story.

Join us for this honest and eye-opening discussion about resilience, survival, and the urgent need for trauma-informed systems that truly protect survivors.

🎧 Listen now and help us amplify survivor voices.

💜 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

#ThroughTheEyesOfSurvivors #DomesticViolenceAwareness #PostSeparationAbuse #LitigationAbuse #SurvivorVoices #BreakTheSilenceAgainstDV #HealingAfterAbuse #CustodyAbuse #TraumaInformedCare #SurvivorStrong

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Leaving an abusive relationship is often seen as the end of the struggle—but for many survivors, the real challenge begins afterward. In this episode of Through the Eyes emotionally, legally, and through children — and discuss the emotional, mental, and physical toll this lingering abuse can take.

If you or someone you know has left an abusive relationship, this episode offers insight, validation, and strategies to reclaim safety and peace — even when it feels like the abuser hasn’t let go.

Opus Clips : https://www.opus.pro/?via=BTSADV25of Survivors, we’re joined by Mae Scott, a survivor and advocate, to explore the hidden realities of post-separation abuse.

Mae shares her journey of leaving, only to realize that freedom doesn’t always mean safety. Together, we dive into the ways abusers continue to exert control —

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What if the very things that helped you survive childhood trauma could also help you heal—and thrive?

In this powerful episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, host Tara Woodlee, President & CEO of Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence, is joined by guest Shannon Brown for an honest and deeply reflective conversation about childhood trauma, survival mode, and the tools survivors carry into adulthood.

Together, they explore how experiences of early trauma shape our nervous systems, behaviors, and coping mechanisms—and how skills like hyper-vigilance, adaptability, emotional awareness, and resilience, once necessary for survival, can be intentionally reframed and used to support healing and growth.

This episode doesn’t minimize the pain of trauma or glorify survival—it honors it. It’s about recognizing how we adapted, understanding why those tools exist, and learning how to move from surviving to living with purpose and choice.

A must-listen for survivors who are unpacking their past, reclaiming their strength, and learning to say: we were never broken—we adapted.

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n this powerful episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, we are joined by Fenella Jefferson—a Kiwi living in Australia, a commercial pilot, a scientist, and a survivor of three domestic violence situations. Fenella brings a deeply personal and eye-opening perspective that challenges the harmful myth that domestic violence only affects certain “types” of people.

Through her story, we explore how abuse can occur across backgrounds, careers, and levels of education, and why strength, intelligence, and success do not make someone immune. Fenella shares insight into the subtle dynamics of control and manipulation, the silence often shaped by shame and judgment, and what it truly means to reclaim your life after abuse.

This episode is a conversation about resilience, courage, and breaking stereotypes—offering validation to survivors who may feel unseen and education for those seeking to better understand the realities of domestic violence.

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In this powerful episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, host Tara Woodlee, President & CEO of Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence, sits down with Deb Crate for an important conversation about coercive control abuse.

Deb shares insight into how coercive control can quietly take hold in relationships—often without visible bruises—yet leave deep emotional, psychological, and lasting impacts. Together, Tara and Deb discuss the warning signs, the manipulation tactics often used, and why understanding coercive control is critical to supporting survivors and preventing further harm.

This episode offers education, validation, and awareness for survivors, loved ones, and advocates alike, shedding light on a form of abuse that is frequently misunderstood or overlooked.

Listener discretion advised. This episode discusses themes related to domestic violence and abuse.

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🎙️ New Podcast Episode: What Forgiveness Actually Is (1 Hour)

Forgiveness is often misunderstood—especially for survivors of domestic violence. In this special episode, Tara sits down with Lauryn to unpack what forgiveness truly means, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and how survivors can navigate self-forgiveness, family forgiveness, and faith-based pressures.

💛 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

How forgiveness can be freeing without reopening doors to harm

Why self-forgiveness is one of the hardest steps in healing

Navigating forgiveness when family members failed you

Spiritual perspectives: breaking free from harmful misconceptions

Lauryn’s personal journey of forgiveness and healing

What forgiveness is NOT, and why it’s always your choice

This conversation is gentle, empowering, and packed with guidance for anyone walking the path of healing.

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We want to hear from YOU! What part of forgiveness has been the hardest for you? Self-forgiveness? Forgiving someone who isn’t sorry? Letting go of resentment? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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In this heartfelt episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, sisters Molly and Jessie share the deeply personal story of rediscovering a children’s book manuscript written by their late mother, who was tragically taken by domestic violence.

Through laughter, tears, and memories, they reflect on the powerful lessons hidden within their mother’s words — lessons about kindness, courage, and hope. As they work to bring her unfinished story to life, Molly and Jessie honor not only her creativity but also her enduring spirit.

Join us as we explore how love, family, and storytelling can keep a legacy alive long after loss — and how even the words left behind can continue to heal.

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