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 sy...

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,...

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 i...

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 a...

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 im...

🎙️ 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’l...

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 t...

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 devastatin...

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 po...

In this episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, Lisettey shares how overcoming mental abuse inspired her to create a film that gives voice to the journey of healing. 🎬 Corina opens up about her role as a host mother in Vancouver, where she supported survivors of sex trafficking in a safe house and walked alongside them in their process of healing. 🏠✨ Together, Lisettey and Corina shine a ligh...

Host Tara Woodlee is joined by one of the nation’s top domestic violence experts—an author, educator, and former Senior Probation Officer who has conducted over 50,000 lethality assessments on abusers. Together, they dive into the chilling patterns of batterers, the justice system’s failures, and a groundbreaking model that could change how we assess danger and protect survivors. This raw and eye-...

This compelling episode of Through the Eyes of the Survivors, host Tara Woodlee sits down with Dr. Denise Healy and Dr. Jennie Victoriano of Streets2Schools—the visionaries behind one of California’s most impactful Batterer Intervention Programs (BIP), fully compliant with Penal Code 1203.097. Together, they explore how a fully online, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive program can interru...

What if your partner wasn’t just breaking your heart—but your bank account too? In this powerful episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, BTSADV’s CEO Tara Woodlee sits down with our Vice Chair Midori Davidson to shine a light on one of the least talked about—but most damaging—forms of abuse: financial control. From being denied access to bank accounts to having every purchase questioned, financi...

Letters to My Younger Self: How I Took Back My Story After Domestic Violence Hosted by : CEO Tara Woodlee  Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors, we sit down with an author and survivor BB Gabriel who shares how she transformed her trauma into healing—one word at a time. After escaping her abuser, she faced relentless triggers that left her feeling tra...

Important Update: Survivor Sister Retreat has been cancelled On this Episode of Through Eyes of Survivors:  Host: Tara Woodlee, President & CEO of Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence Guest: Lauren Hill, Board Secretary of BTSADV In this powerful episode, Tara Woodlee sits down with Lauren Hill to discuss the real story behind Denim Day and the ongoing battle against victim blaming...

In this powerful episode of *Through the Eyes of Survivors*, hosted by Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV) President & CEO Tara Woodlee, we’re joined by Margaret Jefferson as she shares her deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and healing after losing her child to domestic violence. Margaret’s journey is one of unimaginable pain, but also of strength and determinati...

🎙 Welcome to an Uncensored Episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors Title: Murder Plots, Prison Deaths & Legal Loopholes: The Dark Truth Behind DV In this gripping and uncensored live episode, hosts Tara Woodlee (President of BTSADV), Amanda Johnson (Director of Operations & Podcast Producer), and volunteer Mia Caicedo expose the dark and often overlooked realities of domestic violence—and...

In this episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors , we are joined by Ly Marlow, an advocate for domestic violence awareness and founder of Saving Promise. Together, we dive deep into the importance of recognizing healthy relationships and how they serve as a foundation for well-being. Ly shares her personal experiences and insights, as well as resources available to help individuals identify and cu...

In this powerful episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors , we welcome Torey Ivanic, a survivor of sexual assault by her gymnastics coach who has turned her pain into advocacy. Torey shares her deeply personal journey of healing and empowerment, and how she has channeled her experience into creating change for others who have faced similar trauma. Torey also discusses her work with ARISE , formerl...

In this special episode of Through the Eyes of Survivors , our host and CEO Tara Woodlee, along with her husband Jim Woodlee, are joined by Volunteer Director Amanda Johnson and her husband Gary Johnson for an open and heartfelt conversation about love after abuse. Together, they share their personal journeys of healing, rebuilding trust, and finding love after surviving traumatic relationships. T...

Welcome to Through the Eyes of Survivors, hosted by Tara Woodlee, President of Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV). This episode brings an impactful conversation on the intricate journey of parenting as a domestic violence survivor. Join Tara as she welcomes guests Crystal Behe, a BTSADV volunteer and support line advocate, and Amanda Johnson, BTSADV’s Community Organizer and Volu...

In this emotional episode of the Break the Silence Podcast, host Tara Woodlee is joined by Janelle Hunt, founder of Made On What I Know. Janelle bravely shares her healing journey with grief after enduring abuse, offering a heartfelt reflection on the complexities of overcoming both emotional and physical trauma. Together, they explore the process of navigating grief, the power of healing, and how...

In today's conversation, we delve into the crucial role of personal energy within abusive relationships. How do survivors summon the courage to break free? Kat Adams discusses the emotional challenges and strategies for transitioning from mere survival to empowerment, drawing inspiration from real-life stories of resilience. Join the movement to rewrite the narrative around abuse. If you or someon...

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of "Through The Eyes of Survivors." Tara Woodlee, president of Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), hosts this powerful episode that sheds light on the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors and their families. BTSADV is dedicated to providing survivors and families who have lost a loved one to domestic violence with access...

In this empowering episode, we explore the transformative journey of domestic abuse survivors through the lens of EMDR therapy, life coaching, and traditional therapy. Our expert panel of therapists and coaches delve into the science and benefits of EMDR therapy, share practical tips for overcoming trauma, and discuss the unique role of life coaching in helping survivors reclaim their power and pu...