Speaking Out on Financial Abuse

Survivor and author of the new book, "What the F.. Was That!", Rebecca Lazzelle discusses her two marriages of financial difficulty and financial abuse.  Her first husband relied on her for financial support, and her second husband had a history of financial instability and mental illness that quickly manifested early in their marital relationship.  Rebecca details the frustration and the gaslight...

Shari Rash, President of GWA Wealth and host of the"Everyone's Talkin' Money" podcast, discusses her journey from aspiring newscaster to financial expert and wealth builder with her own firm and financial broadcast.  She emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, particularly for women, highlighting the historical barriers and taboos women have often faced in establishing their own financial...

Cedric Bertelli, Founder and President of the global Emotional Health Institute, discusses his transition from a career in hospitality to emotional healing, inspired by his own struggles with anxiety and his grandfather's resiliance.  Cedric developed a method to resolve debilitating emotional patterns by updating outdated memories.  He trains professionals globally through the Emotional Health In...

Ronda Lee, Owner of The Awakened Banker, discusses her journey from banking to becoming an advocate against financial abuse in romantic partnerships. She highlights her unique background in banking and her transition from operations to retail banking, where she developed a deep understanding of the psychology of money. Ronda emphasizes the importance of understanding coercive control, a form of do...

DomesticShelter. Org's National Director, Ashley Rumschlag, and Hannah Craig, Director of Content, discuss their roles and backgrounds before and after joining the massive and prestigious organization which supports over 2.7 million annual visitors and has faciliated for than 55,000 "Hope Chat" conversations through their innovative technology partnerships.   They detail the history of the organiz...

Grace Coleman, Director of Crisis Center North, shares her unique background growing up in a small Irish-American village and her transition to combating domestic violence. The center serves over 2,500 clients annually, providing critical services including emergency shelter and long-term counseling.  Grace highlights their unique housing program for victims and their pets, and their innovative us...

Mr. Jay, relationship coach and betrayal trauma practitioner, discusses his background and shares his approach to dealing with betrayal trauma during the holidays.  He details his personal experiences of growing up with financial instability and the impact of his parents' behaviors on his relationship with money.  Mr. Jay emphasizes the importance of self-forgiveness and healing before making majo...

Ana Jimenez, Case Manager and Advocate with Family Resource Center in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, discusses the growth of domestic abuse resources throughout the island communities and how resources are provided for victims and survivors of abuse.  The center, serving St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water Islands, has been operational for nearly 40 years.  It provides shelter, counseling and...

Today's guest, Meghan Scanlon, President and CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, discusses her journey from Virginia to Connecticut, her involvement with social justice at an early age, and her career in advocacy. She highlights the CCADV's role in supporting 18 member organizations, providing advocacy, outreach and education, and running the statewide Domestic Violence Res...

Claire Holcombe, a domestic abuse advocate from the UK, recounts her journey from wanting to be an English teacher to working with homeless and abused women.  She details Women's Aid Luton's 50-year history, including its founding by feminist activists and a secret visit from Princess Diana.  The organization provides refuges, a helpline and support for children.  Claire emphsizes the challenges o...

Kathy McAtee Young, a trauma-trained certified mental health coach, discusses her path from a survivor of an abusive marriage to a a trauma-informed coach and educator for survivors and victims of domestic violence.   She emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma, particularly the nervous system's response, and the need for somatic techniques in healing,  Kathy highlights the significance...

Joe Dillon, divorce mediator and co-founder of Equitable Mediation, discusses his background and the benefits of mediation over a litigated divorce.  He contrasts the aggressive, financially draining nature of litigated divorces with the cost effective, cooperative approach of mediation, which he has practiced for over two decades.  Joe emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and transpare...

Joy Ingram, CEO and Founder of Love & Joy, discusses her journey from Georgia to Virginia, where she began advocacy work for domestic violence survivors.  She highlights her roles at New Directions and RAFT, emphasizing the importance of supporting advocates to prevent burnout.  Joy also shares her personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, which fueled her passion...

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...

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 e...

Windi, survivor and advocate from California, shares her journey of abuse and recovery.  She details her childhood, meeting her abusive partner after the tragic end to a previous engagement and the challenges of her marriage with a partner suffering from untreated PTSD and financial instability.  Windi highlights her efforts to protect and educate her children about domestic abuse, as well as her...

Sophora Acheson, Executive Director and Co-Board President of Ruby's Place, discusses her journey from Grass Valley, Califorinia, to Santa Rosa and developing a passion for helping survivors of domestic violence.  She shares her personal history of abuse and her career path, which led her to pioneer a program to reduce perpetrator violence called R.A.F.T. (Restorative Action for Family Transformat...

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 Coodinator and Maria Paz, Communication Specialist at MAWS, discuss their roles and the organization's rich his...

Sue, a court stenographer from Bayshore, New York, shares her harrowing experiences with financial and emotional 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 financier with a beautiful mansion in Connecticut, was abusive, controlling her finances and eventually leading...

Sybil Cummin, a licensed professional play therapist from Colorado, founded the Rising Beyond Power & Control podcast and resource website to address the gaps in support for survivors of abuse, particularly those with children.  She emphasizes the concept of post-separation abuse, where abuse continues after leaving an abusive partnership.  Sybil's community, designed for women, offers safety, pri...

Julia Foos, a Community Education Coordinator from the North Shore suburbs of Chicago,  discusses her role at Sarah's Inn, an organization dedicated to helping domestic violence survivors. Julia, who has a background in social work and gender studies, joined Sarah's Inn after discovering their podcast during COVID.   She highlights Sarah's Inn's comprehensive services, including crisis lines, coun...

Stephanie Russell, a Community Educator for The Ark Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Shelter in Central Texas, discusses her journey from a retired nurse to an advocate for survivors of domestic violence.  She emphasizes the importance of individualized support, noting The Ark serves a diverse population including elderly and victims with pets.  Stephanie highlights the comprehensive service nee...

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.  Michela emphasizes the importance of not staying silent and avoiding shame in trauma recovery.  She discusses ways to seek diverse support for domestic abuse, includi...

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 empasizes the importance of financial education and support for women recovering from financial abuse. She highlights her...

Mr. Jay, betrayal trauma practitioner and interpersonal relationship coach, shares his challenging childhood marked by financial abuse and multiple relocations. Despite these hardships, he pursued education. earning several prestigious degrees and becoming a youth counselor and special education teacher. His father's death triggered a panic attack, leading him to focus on betrayal trauma, earning...