Why Domestic Violence Survivors Don't "Just Leave"

Leaving an abusive relationship is often described as the end of the story. For many survivors, it's only the beginning of another journey—healing from what happened, rebuilding an identity, supporting children who experienced the trauma, and grieving the life they once imagined.On this episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with domestic violence survivor and author Yolanda Cope for an honest conversation about what it really takes to break free from abuse.Yolanda shares her experience of leaving her abuser, the impact domestic violence had on her children, and the misconceptions that continue to surround women who stay in abusive relationships. We also explore a side of leaving that isn't always discussed: grieving the relationship, family, future, and version of yourself you once believed you would have.Yolanda also shares how she began separating her identity from what happened to her and how her journey is now inspiring her upcoming book.This conversation isn't just about leaving. It's about what happens when survival is no longer the destination and you begin discovering who you are on the other side.Connect with Portia:
https://linktr.ee/portiabkrJoin us for The Colors of Our Grief at Kent State:
https://www.kent.edu/cci/colors-our-griefInterested in being a future guest on Groove with Portia?
Send your story or interview pitch to: [email protected]