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Studies show that since the start of the COVID-19 quarantine, domestic abuse is up by 30 to 40 percent worldwide. Abusers are using the global crisis to increase their sense of power and control, and women are trapped at home with abusive partners, making them more vulnerable to frequent abuse. This is something that enrages me and that I\\u2019m so passionate about shedding light on.

Domestic abuse isn\\u2019t just a quarantine issue. Far too many women (and men) suffer abuse from their partners daily, and I felt compelled to do something to bring awareness to this topic. I reached out to our Adult Chair community and asked if any survivors would be willing to share their stories of abuse and triumph \\u2014 and in this episode, I am interviewing two incredibly brave and strong women who are sharing how they escaped and rebuilt their lives after abuse.

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In this episode, the women share:

• Their stories of abuse and the insidious pattern of how their abusers slowly whittled down their self-esteem
• How verbal abuse can turn into physical abuse
• Their turning point, when they realized it was time to leave
• How they left, even without a place to go (it IS possible, and there is help for you!)
• The triumph and increased sense of self after they escaped
• Advice for others currently trapped in abusive relationships

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This episode is powerful, raw and real, and I\\u2019m incredibly grateful to these women for sharing their very important stories.

The thing about abuse is that it puts you in a fog where all your energy is going towards survival. Each woman I interviewed shared about her \\u201cturning point\\u201d moment where she moved from being on the defense into a place of being on the offense, shifting from just trying to survive to consciously figuring out how to get out.\\xa0

I can\\u2019t imagine being quarantined with an abuser, but I pray this will be a turning point for many. I hope this episode shows you you\\u2019re not alone and gives you the hope and encouragement you need to know that you CAN leave and you can find a beautiful, empowered, triumphant life after abuse.

If you are in danger, please tell someone.\\xa0

The Adult Chair community (closed Facebook group linked below) is always here for emotional support.

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If you need help, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

https://www.thehotline.org/

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Deaf or hard of hearing, use TTY 1-800-787-3224

If unable to speak, text LOVEIS to 22522

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If you are in an emergency situation, please call 911.

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\\u201cI stopped at a payphone at a convenience store a block away from the police station. I called the police, it\\u2019s almost midnight, and I told them \\u2018I can\\u2019t go home.\\u2019\\u201d - Kathleen, domestic abuse survivor

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\\u201cI didn\\u2019t have anything, but I had the determination to get out of it.\\u201d - Lea, domestic abuse survivor

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\\u201cI would look in the mirror, and being a faith-based person, I would say to myself \\u2018God did not have you be born for this.\\u2019\\u201d - Kathleen

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\\u201cThere are others out there not only that have walked in those shoes, but are willing to help you reach those resources.\\u201d - Lea

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\\u201cPay attention to how your partner makes you feel. If it feels bad, pay attention...if someone\\u2019s making you feel less than or talking down to you, it\\u2019s not ok.\\u201d - Michelle Chalfant

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Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

https://www.thehotline.org/help/\\xa0

A Guided Meditation on Worthiness

https://theadultchair.com/portfolio_page/a-guided-meditation-on-worthiness/

Episode #139 Cultivate Self-Worth

https://theadultchair.com/podcasts/139-cultivate-self-worth/

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The Adult Chair Private Facebook Group (safe place to connect, get emotional support and share your story)\\xa0

https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/

The Adult Chair

https://theadultchair.com\\xa0

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Stay Connected

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.chalfant

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleChalfantFanPage/

The Adult Chair Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

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EPISODE CREDITS:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.

He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.

Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com\\xa0

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