Hope when there was none

Melinda Kunst

After leaving a toxic relationship over a decade ago I embraced a journey to share my story and help others that are healing from emotional traumas, learn about self-care, and find empowerment to re-invent themselves. Here you will hear about the journey of courageous Survivors and many experts that share a passion for helping and inspiring others to awaken the beauty of life without abuse. Thanks for tuning in! I hope your day is filled with blessings, magic, and miracles!

  1. 4d ago

    When an Abuser Is Released: Safety and Support

    When someone who has harmed you is released from jail or prison, it can bring back fear and uncertainty. You don't have to wait for something to happen before seeking support. Ask about available release notifications, review any protective orders, and consider creating a safety plan with a qualified advocate. You cannot control another person's choices, but you deserve information, support, and options. Find help and info here- National Domestic Violence Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.thehotline.org/⁠⁠ Safe Horizon- ⁠⁠https://www.safehorizon.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizations Sexual Assault Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.rainn.org/⁠⁠ Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) provides advocacy services for Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ⁠⁠http://www.adwas.org/⁠⁠ Suicide prevention- ⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/⁠⁠ Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

  2. 5d ago

    Law Enforcement and DCS: Navigating the Systems When You're Already Overwhelmed

    A Note About Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Domestic Violence Calls Domestic violence calls can be unpredictable and dangerous for law enforcement officers and first responders. When they arrive on scene, they may have limited information and must assess a situation where emotions are running high and safety is a concern. I have tremendous respect for those who respond to these difficult calls. I also want to acknowledge the survivor on the other side of that interaction. Someone experiencing abuse may be frightened, overwhelmed, or struggling to explain what has happened. Their emotions may be misunderstood, and a situation may initially appear to be a simple case of “he said, she said.” But domestic abuse is not always something we can fully understand by looking at one incident. There may be a history of intimidation, coercion, threats, or control that isn't immediately visible. My hope is that we can extend understanding to everyone involved while remembering the importance of listening carefully, gathering information, and considering the broader circumstances. We can recognize the risks first responders face while also ensuring that survivors have an opportunity to be heard without assumptions or judgment. Navigating law enforcement or the Department of Child Services can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with abuse. You may be frightened, exhausted, or unsure what questions to ask. If you can, keep records, ask for explanations, and seek support from a qualified advocate. And remember: a survivor's circumstances can be complicated. Listen before you judge, and look at the whole picture. Find help and info here- National Domestic Violence Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.thehotline.org/⁠⁠ Safe Horizon- ⁠⁠https://www.safehorizon.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizations Sexual Assault Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.rainn.org/⁠⁠ Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) provides advocacy services for Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ⁠⁠http://www.adwas.org/⁠⁠ Suicide prevention- ⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/⁠⁠ Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

  3. 6d ago

    Victim Impact Statements: Having Your Voice Heard

    If you've been given the opportunity to provide a victim impact statement, remember this: you don't have to perform your pain. You don't have to cry, sound angry, or find perfect words to prove that what happened mattered. Your statement can simply reflect the impact on your life. How do you start? Share "Who, what, and when" the incident or incidents happened. Take your time. Pause if you need to take a break. Creating this may stir up all sorts of feelings. Your voice matters, and you deserve to understand your options. Stay safe and God bless, Mel Find help and info here- National Domestic Violence Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.thehotline.org/⁠⁠ Safe Horizon- ⁠⁠https://www.safehorizon.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizations Sexual Assault Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.rainn.org/⁠⁠ Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) provides advocacy services for Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ⁠⁠http://www.adwas.org/⁠⁠ Suicide prevention- ⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/⁠⁠ Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

  4. Oct 29

    When Abuse Comes From Family Members When Home Doesn't Feel Safe

    Abuse within a family can involve threats, humiliation, physical harm, and financial control. It may also involve using family gatherings, children, or inheritance as leverage. You can love a family member and recognize that their behavior is negative. You can care about someone without giving them unlimited access to you. A hard part of family abuse can be the response from other family members. Some may not believe you. Others may insist that you reconcile or forgive and forget. If you need legal advice or need to talk with someone. Please reach out to a licensed professional, domestic abuse advocate, or law enforcement if you are in immediate danger. Tune into the Hope when there was none podcast for more on this and other topics. Find it on your favorite listening platform. Stay safe and God bless, Mel

  5. Oct 28

    Starting Over: Rebuilding After Abuse

    Leaving an abusive relationship doesn't mean all the challenges are over. You may need to find housing, rebuild your finances, find employment, and help your children adjust all while processing what you've experienced. You don't have to rebuild your entire life overnight. Sometimes, progress is simply taking the next safe step. You are not behind, and you don't have to do it all alone. Find help and info here- National Domestic Violence Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.thehotline.org/⁠⁠ Safe Horizon- ⁠⁠https://www.safehorizon.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizations Sexual Assault Hotline- ⁠⁠https://www.rainn.org/⁠⁠ Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) provides advocacy services for Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ⁠⁠http://www.adwas.org/⁠⁠ Suicide prevention- ⁠⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/⁠⁠ Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

  6. Oct 25

    Positive Ways To Deal With Toxic People

    What does a toxic person look like? First of all this person may be someone in your family. Do you feel as though you are always to blame? Are you the Scapegoat?  Dealing with someone that is toxic can be draining. Here are some tips for dealing with someone that is toxic in today's episode. Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you are a parent or friend of someone trapped in an abusive relationship and need to know how to help. My goal is to share awareness, offer empowerment, and educate others about emotional traumas and domestic abuse. Here I will share my story and also stories of courage and healing from Survivors, Coaches, to Therapists/Counselors. Find me here- https://linktr.ee/melindakunst Find help and info here-  National Domestic Violence Hotline- https://www.thehotline.org/  Safe Horizon- https://www.safehorizon.org/ https://www.domesticshelters.org/  https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help  https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations Sexual Assault Hotline- https://www.rainn.org/

    Positive Ways To Deal With Toxic People

  7. Oct 24

    "Am I the problem?" When the Survivor is unsure if they are a victim

    Abuse can happen between anyone. Whether this is between you and a family member, friend or intimate partner. Answer me this: Do you make excuses for this persons poor behavior? Do you dread seeing them or feel exhausted with them or after seeing them? Is there always the same excuse for why they hurt you? Does this person say that "they" are the victim? If this person makes you cry, intimidates you, or hurts your feeling more than once a month this is a RED flag. More on today's episode.Stay safe and God bless! Find me here- ⁠https://linktr.ee/melindajkunst⁠ Find help and info here- National Domestic Violence Hotline- ⁠https://www.thehotline.org/⁠ Safe Horizon- ⁠https://www.safehorizon.org/⁠ ⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/⁠ ⁠https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help⁠ https://safeandtogetherinstitute.com/international-domestic-violence-resources/ ⁠https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations/international-organizations Sexual Assault Hotline- ⁠https://www.rainn.org/⁠ Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services (ADWAS) provides advocacy services for Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. ⁠http://www.adwas.org/⁠ Suicide prevention- ⁠https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/⁠ Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453 National Center on Elder Abuse- ⁠https://ncea.acl.gov/suspectabuse#gsc.tab=0

  8. Oct 23

    With Friends Like These: The Stockholm Syndrome Story

    What is Stockholm Syndrome? It's defined as feelings of trust or affection felt in many cases of kidnapping or hostage-taking by a victim toward a captor. First coined after a hostage situation in 1973 by Criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Bejerot. On August 23, 1973, Jan-Erik Olsson attempted to rob the Normalmstorg bank and took four bank employees hostage. After the hostages’ were released, authorities found that they had developed strong emotional bonds towards those that held them hostage. They said they were treated kindly and weren't physically harmed. Similarly survivors of abuse may also do the same. A survivor may feel: - Helpless - Isolated - That they are unable to break free - Feel guilt for leaving or thinking of leaving What can you do? Find support through a licensed counselor or therapist for a diagnosis. You may need medication. Find safe housing and know you aren't alone. Do you relate to this? Please stay safe and God bless, Mel

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About

After leaving a toxic relationship over a decade ago I embraced a journey to share my story and help others that are healing from emotional traumas, learn about self-care, and find empowerment to re-invent themselves. Here you will hear about the journey of courageous Survivors and many experts that share a passion for helping and inspiring others to awaken the beauty of life without abuse. Thanks for tuning in! I hope your day is filled with blessings, magic, and miracles!

Information

  • Creator
    Melinda Kunst
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    549
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Melinda Kunst
  • Show Website
    Hope when there was none

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