Maisha Colter, CEO of AVDA in Texas,  discusses her extensive background in social work and law, emphasizing her transition from social work to law to better advocate for vulnerable populations, particularly children and women.  AVDA provides legal services for thousands every year, focusing on family court cases and economic abuse.  Maisha highlights the organizations BIPP program, which educates abusers on gender roles and communication, and its annual interfaith workshop to train faith leaders on supporting domestic violence survivors. AVDA also conducts various community outreach events and toy drives.   Maisha emphasizes the importance of safety planning and self-care for survivors. 

Rosie Watson discusses her work as Head of External Relations with the Domestic Abuse Alliance in the United Kingdom, focusing on reducing the time victims receive legal support from weeks to hours using the WEPROTECT app.   She highlights the recent United Kingdom law change recognizing coercive control as a criminal offense, now managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements.  Rosie emphasizes the hidden nature of domestic abuse, particularly financial abuse, and the importance of employer support.  The organization also provides interpretation and translation services to expand their effectiveness with a growing global population and is committed daily to bringing immediate legal support for domestic abuse survivors.  

Windi, an administrative and mortgage professional, shares her story of an abusive marriage and how she went from survivor to advocate in her fierce commitment to preventing domestic and gun violence.

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. Michels emphasizes the importance of not staying silent and avoiding shame in trauma recovery.

Sephora Acheson, Executive Director and Co-Board President of Ruby’s Place, discusses her journey from Grass Valley, California to Santa Rosa and developing a passion for helping survivors of domestic violence. She shares her personal journey of abuse and her career path, which led her to pioneer a program to reduce predator violence called R.A.F.T. Learn more about how innovative programs can go to the root of domestic abuse.

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 Coordinator; 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 commitment to cultural humility and reconciliation 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.

Sue, a court stenographer from Bay Shore, New York, shares her harrowing experiences with emotional and financial 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 financial with a beautiful mansion in Connecticut, was abusive, controlling her finances and eventually leading them both to economic disaster. Sue’s life changed after volunteering for ENCLIVES, where she now serves as Vice President and a rape crisis counselor. Sue emphasizes the importance the importance of saving money, seeking support and focusing on self-care for those still in abusive relationships.

Today I welcome Julia Foos, Community Education Coordinator for Sarah’s Inn Comprehensive Domestic Violence Support and Services in the Chicago area. Sarah’s discusses new and innovative ways organizations are bringing resources and recovery to domestic violence survivors.

Stephanie Russell, a Community Educator for The Ark Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Shelter in Central Texas, discusses her journey from a retired nurse to a professional advocate for survivors of domestic violence…

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 emphasizes the importance of financial education and support women recovering from financial abuse. She highlights her efforts to create resources and courses to help women regain financial stability and confidence.

‘Tis the season for betrayal trauma. Join relationship and trauma practitioner, Mr. Jay, for a discussion about the holidays and trauma in family and romantic relationships.

Acquania Escarne, acclaimed financial coach and entrepreneur, learns the basics of finances at an unusually early age and takes the listener on a journey through her 15-year career in the Foreign Service and how she cleverly funded her own extensive travel experiences and how you can also re-start those big dreams! Learn how anyone recovering from abuse and starting over can become excited again about new possibilities and financial opportunities.

Terry, a social worker from Amherst, New York, shares her journey of financial abuse in a relationship. She details how her partner, initially kind, later struggled with financial stability and drug use. Despite her efforts to help him, including lending money and providing a home, Terry faced repeated financial trauma and even evictions. She stresses the importance of getting proper support from a therapist and community organizations to gain the strength and courage to toss that bum out for good.

Join renowned author Christy Piper on Wednesday's Speaking Out on Financial Abuse podcast, "Girl, You Deserve More!", where Christy discusses her popular book and strategies for you to escape your toxic relationship in one piece!

In this powerful episode of "Speaking Out on Financial Abuse," host Laurie G. welcomes Kate and Karen from Broken to Brilliant, an innovative Australian charity founded by domestic violence survivors.

In this inaugural episode of "Speaking Out on Financial Abuse," host Laurie G. sheds light on this pervasive issue that affects individuals across all demographics.