Courage in Crisis

RESOURCES:
Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-GET-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Leslie's Quick Start Guide: www.leslievernick.com/start

The Hidden Depths of Addiction

• Discovery of her husband's addiction
• Struggles with expectations of respect and family values, especially within the church setting

Facing Anger and Abuse

• Anger and threats escalate
• Irrational anger
• Psychological and physical toll of the marriage

The Impact on Children

• Tansil's fear and realization of the impact on her children
• Protective actions taken to shield her children from the abuse

Recognizing Red Flags

• Reflection on early warning signs before and soon after marriage
• Importance of identifying and not ignoring red flags in relationships

The Turning Point: Seeking Safety

• Seeing the truth
• Initial steps towards seeking help and legal separation

Legal Separation and Its Aftermath

• Hiring an attorney and filing for legal separation
• Emotional and practical challenges of separating from an abusive spouse
• Experiences with victim services and legal protection

Support Systems and Conquer Community

• Participation in Conquer and the support gained from the community
• Key lessons and validations received from fellow survivors
• Importance of staying anchored in reality and implementing safety plans

The Role of Faith and Church

• Challenges with pastoral support and their often inadequate response to abuse
• Importance of faith and prayer in Tansil's journey
• Positive and negative experiences with church leadership

Final Thoughts and Advice

• Encouragement to listeners to trust their gut instincts and prioritize safety
• Advice on not dismissing red flags and recognizing one's own worth
• Final reflections and call to action for women in similar situations to seek help and support