Through the EYES of SURVIVORS

🎙️ 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📞 Need Support? If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, our Support Line is available to provide resources and guidance. ➡ BTSADV Support Line: 1-855-BTS-1777 Non- Crisis 9am-9pm CST💜 Want to Support Our Mission? Your donations help us continue providing resources, support, and advocacy for survivors and families affected by domestic violence. Every contribution makes a difference! ➡ Donate Here: https://breakthesilencedv.org/donate/ https://givebutter.com/LaSFFR https://www.patreon.com/c/BTSADVAffiliate Links : Opus Clips : https://www.opus.pro/?via=BTSADV25Self Defense Key Chain : Use code: breakthesilence for 10% off.Truthfinder : https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=1613&oc=27&c=404&s1=Partnership Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_17m9jO_0QZOZlJfiHnAsHn7ksgHih_nBtO-N3ux5K6TX3Q/viewform?usp=headerCurrent Events Links: #Run4Her Scholarshiphttps://forms.gle/M4eATZgDV9ZSgn1b7Volunteer Application https://forms.gle/JB2aiGoJCWs7tEZS6Survivor Sister Retreat: https://forms.gle/nmTGKD2m6Kbtqv1r7Podcast Guest Applications https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2tD659yUwq2FZBrAdOk6jP5FPcWGZER9_dcfoI6FGlx0cg/viewform?usp=headerNarcissistic Bookhttps://whop.com/checkout/plan_yBSzjY2mMYFyA?a=btsadvInstagram : http://instagram.com/btsadvLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/btsadv/mycompany/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@BTSADVTikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@btsadv7?_t=8mNQsrWxGeo&_r=1Ambassador Program https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn3J0C6UkT-VmULkskafj5jODeng14alO4WNZoDW5JJx24wA/viewform?usp=headerSocial Media Handles Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/btsadv

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 — Self Defense Key Chain : Use code: breakthesilence for 10% off.Truthfinder : https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=1613&oc=27&c=404&s1=https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWv28ryvn0Ol4yJvIp-tIhdDYZbSMIpgLvLOfowYkEw2O7Cw/viewform?usp=sf_link&pli=1&authuser=0

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.Opus Clips : https://www.opus.pro/?via=BTSADV25Self Defense Key Chain : Use code: breakthesilence for 10% off.Truthfinder : https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=1613&oc=27&c=404&s1=Donate today" https://breakthesilencedv.org/donate/ https://givebutter.com/LaSFFR https://www.patreon.com/c/BTSADV

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.Affiliate Links : Opus Clips : https://www.opus.pro/?via=BTSADV25Self Defense Key Chain : Use code: breakthesilence for 10% off.Truthfinder : https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=1613&oc=27&c=404&s1=Volunteer Application:https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWv28ryvn0Ol4yJvIp-tIhdDYZbSMIpgLvLOfowYkEw2O7Cw/viewform?usp=sf_link&pli=1&authuser=0Deb Blog: https://debbiecrate.com/

🎙️ 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 harmWhy self-forgiveness is one of the hardest steps in healingNavigating forgiveness when family members failed youSpiritual perspectives: breaking free from harmful misconceptionsLauryn’s personal journey of forgiveness and healingWhat forgiveness is NOT, and why it’s always your choiceThis conversation is gentle, empowering, and packed with guidance for anyone walking the path of healing.📢 Engage With Us: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.💌 Need Support?BTSADV’s support line is here every day from 9 AM to 9 PM Central:📞 1-855-BTS-1777Affiliates : Opus Clips : https://www.opus.pro/?via=BTSADV25Self Defense Key Chain : Use code: breakthesilence for 10% off.https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=1613&oc=27&c=404&s1=Narcissistic Bookhttps://whop.com/checkout/plan_yBSzjY2mMYFyA?a=btsadvHolidays of Hope Donation : https://givebutter.com/BTSADVHOH2024

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.Donate : https://www.btsadv.org/donateSwear to Care Campaign https://givebutter.com/pAbTUfAffiliates : Opus Clips : https://www.opus.pro/?via=BTSADV25Self Defense Key Chain : Use code: breakthesilence for 10% off.Truthfinder : https://tracking.truthfinder.com/?a=1613&oc=27&c=404&s1=

In this episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, Host and CEO Tara Woodlee sit down with Christie Weishaar, a mother of four and survivor of military domestic violence, to explore the overlooked cost of abuse on families. Christie shares the ripple effects that extended far beyond herself — from the emotional toll on her children, to the struggles of navigating healthcare alone, to the devastating loss of her oldest son. Her story sheds light on how domestic violence within the military leaves scars that families continue to carry long after the abuse ends, Donate : https://www.patreon.com/c/BTSADV

Join Tara Woodlee on Through the Eyes of Survivors as she sits down with Mary Beth O’Connor to explore the many paths to healing after trauma. ✨Mary Beth opens up about her personal journey of resilience, the communities that supported her—like LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation—and the hope she shares through her book. This is a conversation about strength, choice, and the power of connection for survivors of domestic violence. 🌿Mary Beth O' Conner Links :  sherecovers.org  lifering.org. Support Survivors :https://www.btsadv.org/donatehttps://www.patreon.com/c/BTSADVRest and Heal Virtual Retreat: https://givebutter.com/D2LXwyTiktok page https://www.tiktok.com/@btsadv7?_t=8mNQsrWxGeo&_r=1