Hope when there was none

These are often used interchangeably but what exactly is the difference? In today's episode I'll dive into the differences. If you feel controlled, isolated, demeaned, monitored in your relationship, you may be experiencing domestic abuse . If you’re physically hurt or threatened by a partner, this is domestic violence . Abuse doesn’t always leave a bruise, it can be emotional, financial,...

Teen Dating Violence is when teens, usually ages about 12-18, experience dating relationships in which one partner exerts power and control over the other through physical, sexual, emotional, or stalking behavior. If you’re a teen in a relationship where you feel afraid, controlled, watched, shamed, or hurt, you deserve better. Teen dating violence isn’t just hitting, it could be name-calling, iso...

Trigger warning! Child abuse isn’t always the broken bone or bruise you can see, it can be emotional: constant belittling, fear of being touched, withdrawal. It can be mental: nightmares, self-harm, having to grow up too fast. If you were that kid, you are not alone. If you suspect a child is being harmed, you don’t need proof, just concern and the courage to speak. If you are in a dangerous situa...

Boundaries are more than walls they’re the bridges that lead to healthy, respectful love. In this episode, you’ll teach listeners how to recognize their needs, communicate limits clearly, and hold space for. In a relationship, healthy boundaries look like: - Saying no without guilt. - Taking time for yourself without needing permission. - Speaking up when something feels off. - Choosing consistenc...

When you start dating someone new, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, the butterflies, the late-night conversations, the feeling of being seen. But love isn’t just about sparks. It’s about safety, respect, and how someone treats you when no one’s watching. Today we’re talking about green flags, yellow flags, red flags and some beige flags. How to recognize what’s healthy, what’s concerni...

Not every toxic relationship looks like yelling or chaos. Sometimes, it’s the constant guilt, the gaslighting, or feeling like you’re never enough. Toxic relationships aren’t always loud. If you’re walking on eggshell or waiting for the other shoe to drop. That isn't normal. If they twist your words, isolate you, or make you question your worth. That’s not love, and it’s not healthy. Toxic rel...

I'm talking about Intermittent Explosive Disorder or IED today. .It’s more than just anger. It’s sudden, violent, and can be unpredictable. When it’s used as control, it becomes abuse. I know how confusing that can be — because my ex-husband was diagnosed with IED. He said the medication made him better… until he used it as a threat. “If you make me mad, I won’t take my meds.” That wasn’t love — i...

Today we’re talking about safe storytelling, breaking stigma, and how to support voices that deserve to be heard. Because every voice creates change. Silence protects abusers. Speaking out empowers survivors. Every time a survivor shares their truth the cycle of shame starts to break. You don’t have to share everything to break your silence. It can start with a whisper, a journal entry, a trusted...

Abuse thrives on shame — but survivors are not to blame. If you’ve ever felt guilty for leaving, or ashamed for what happened, please know those feelings aren’t yours to carry. They come from manipulation and control, not truth. Abusers want survivors to believe it was their fault, but it never was. You did what you had to do to survive. That takes courage! So what can you do to help? Start with s...

Leaving doesn’t always mean the danger is over, in fact, the first 72 hours after leaving an abuser can be the most dangerous. This isn't meant to scare you into staying but it is to prepare you for the possibility. When an abuser loses control, their behavior can escalate to, stalking, harassment, threats, even manipulation through children or friends. Please know none of this is your fault....

Leaving abuse is hard enough. Understanding your legal options shouldn’t have to be. Let's talk about Protective Orders, Custody, and more on today's episode. Links for websites mentioned are below in no particular order. https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers https://vawnet.org/sc/representation-and-advocacy-options-considerations-survivors-advocates-and-attorn...

Today, I'm diving into an often not understood. Survivors can be pushed to a breaking point to where they think they are the abuser, take the blame, and/or feel crazy! This can look like: The abuser using emotional, mental, and physical abuse until the survivor is pushed to react. I'll share tips and more on today's episode! If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation and you...

It can be hard to understand why someone would stay in a toxic relationship. I have heard people say: She/he must like it! I don't understand why she/he won't just leave! How stupid is she/he for staying! He/she is so wonderful! Why are they not happy/lying about how "bad" he/she is?! What happens behind closed doors is a mystery. Almost every family and relationship has secrets...

Today's episode is about finding resources, shelters, advocacy help no matter what part of the world you are in! Just know that you are not alone and help is available. Reaching out to any of these programs are not a sign of weakness but accessing help is a sign of strength and courage. Support exists around the world and there is access for help. U.S. National Resources The National Domestic Viol...

Abuse doesn’t stop when screens are involved. *Protect devices, passwords, location sharing, online privacy. *Digital safety equals personal safety. Remember to perform a digital safety check. This could be weekly, monthly or yearly.

On today's episode I'll dive into how to help a Survivor. If you know someone being abused, how you respond matters. Here are a few tips: Believe them—don’t question or blame. Don’t pressure them to leave; support their choices. Offer resources, not ultimatums. Be a safe, non-judgmental listener. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation and you need help message privately for...

Today's episode is a bit about me and how Hope when there was none was created. I do discuss some deep topics in this episode. I am putting a trigger warning on this. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation and you need help message privately for national contact info for help. Stay safe!  Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you a...

Domestic violence affects the whole family. You may see emotional and behavioral impact on children. There is the stress of waiting for the other shoe to drop, trust issues, and intergenerational cycles of abuse. This and more in today's episode. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation and you need help message privately for national contact info for help. Stay safe!  Someone out the...

After abuse, it’s easy to feel broken, but you are whole and healing. Self-love as a foundation for recovery. Take baby steps and try, journaling, affirmations, or finding a safe community. Beginning the healing journey is one of many steps to reclaiming who you are and establishing boundaries. Healing begins with valuing yourself. Try one self-love practice today. If you or someone you know is in...

Leaving an abusive situation takes planning but on the flipside you may not have that time, so what can you do? Grab pen and paper, a comfy chair, and listen in to today's episode! If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation and you need help message privately for national contact info for help. Stay safe!  Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Per...

What are warning signs should you look for in a relationship? Maybe you think that you are imagining things or just being overdramatic. Knowing and learning to trust yourself is a big part of recognizing healthy relationships. I dive into things to look out for no matter what type of relationship you are in with someone that has questionable behavior. From Gaslighting to Isolating these are just a...

It's day 2 of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "Unseen Wounds- A look into the other faces of abuse". Domestic violence isn’t only hitting—it shows up in many forms: 1. Physical abuse 2. Emotional & Psychological Abuse 3. Sexual Abuse 4. Financial/Economic Abuse 5. Digital Abuse 6. Elder Abuse 7. Immigration-Related Abuse 8. Religious/Spiritual Abuse 9. Child Abuse 10. Teen Dat...

October is domestic abuse awareness month and I'll be coming on for the next 31 days to talk about all things related to abuse. In today's episode I'm going to break down common myths and facts of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation and you need help message privately for national contact info for help. Stay safe!  Someone out there needs to know th...

I'm diving into news about re-releasing my books, my healing journey, and details about June 20,2026 retreat! Find out about this and more on today's episode. Join me for coffee on June 21st! Details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1378681035089?aff=oddtdtcreator Here is a link to the books I discussed: No Bad Parts- https://a.co/d/5obocJA Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy- https:...

What does healing trauma look like? Here are a few things you may experience while going through your healing journey. Have you experienced any of these? Find me here- ⁠https://linktr.ee/melindajkunst⁠ Find help and info here- National Domestic Violence Hotline- ⁠https://www.thehotline.org/⁠ Safe Horizon- ⁠https://www.safehorizon.org/⁠ ⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/⁠ ⁠https: // internationalwo...