8. PTSD, Family Court, and the Double Bind: Why Leaving Abuse Doesn't Mean Your Children Are Safe

"I laid on the bathroom floor for over two hours. My cats found me first." This episode explores what PTSD can look like years after leaving an abusive relationship, the triggers that strike without warning, the panic attacks, and the guilt of watching trauma affect the healthy relationships that were supposed to feel safe. It breaks down what PTSD actually looks like in abuse survivors and their children, including infants, and shares the devastating statistics about how abuse rewires developing brains. It then tackles one of the most painful and least talked about realities of leaving abuse, the family court. With 58,000 children a year ordered into unsupervised contact with abusive parents, and mothers who allege abuse losing custody 73% of the time, this episode asks the question that demands an answer: Why are survivors forced to choose between protecting their mental health and protecting their children? This episode closes with a tribute to Peyton, Evelyn, and Olivia, children whose lives were lost at the hands of those meant to keep them safest. Survivors deserve a world where leaving does not mean losing. Send us Fan Mail The personal experiences shared in this podcast are the opinions of the individuals sharing them and are not intended to serve as professional advice or constitute accusations about any other person, organization, or group. We encourage you to seek professional support and assistance. The topics discussed in this podcast may be distressing and triggering for some listeners and could impact your mental health. The content of this podcast is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. For more information and resources, please visit hanginthere.net.