Episode 91: “I Went from Surviving to Thriving Under God”

Welcome back to Murder, Blood, and Psychopath, where we dive deep into the dark corners of humanity. Today, we have a powerful episode that’s a bit different from our usual themes of crime and psychology. We’re focusing on resilience, survival, and empowerment, particularly in the face of domestic violence. That’s right. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of abuse and to empower those affected to find their voice and strength. We’re honored to have a special guest with us today—Eileen, who has an incredible story of survival. Eileen’s journey is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving under God and transforming pain into purpose. She’ll be sharing her personal experiences, but we also want to highlight some important statistics and information that can shed light on the broader issues at play.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story. Let’s start at the beginning. Can you tell us about your experiences and what made you feel like you needed to survive?  Of course. Growing up in a household where domestic violence was prevalent shaped so much of my life. It was difficult, but I learned early on that my voice mattered, even if it felt small. I became a teen parent at a young age, which added layers of challenge. That’s incredibly brave of you to share. Statistics show that Latino teen parents often face significant barriers to higher education. Did you feel those pressures?  Absolutely. Many of my friends who became parents young dropped out of school. It felt like there was a cycle of expectation that we wouldn’t achieve much. But I was determined to break that cycle, not just to survive but to thrive. That determination is inspiring, Eileen. For our listeners, it’s important to understand that statistics can be staggering. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. And the risk factors for teens can be higher, particularly for those in marginalized communities. And during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we focus on prevention and education. Eileen, how did your faith play a role in your journey? My faith was my anchor. When I felt most vulnerable, I found strength in my relationship with God. It wasn’t easy, but I saw my worth and purpose through prayer and community support. I wanted to empower others, especially those in similar situations. That’s a powerful testament to the healing power of faith. You mentioned community support—how important was that for you? It was everything. Finding groups that understood what I was going through helped me feel less alone. I started volunteering, sharing my story, and listening to others. It created a ripple effect of empowerment. Speaking of empowerment, we want our listeners to know about resources available for those experiencing domestic violence. Organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline provide confidential support and information. And for teens and young adults, there are educational programs designed to break the cycle of violence and promote healthy relationships. Yes, education is key. It’s vital for young parents to know that there are options, scholarships, and support systems available to help them pursue higher education. Eileen, what advice would you give to someone currently experiencing domestic violence or feeling trapped?Don’t lose hope. Reach out for help, whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or a professional. You deserve to be safe and to thrive. It’s possible to rewrite your story. That’s a beautiful message, Eileen. Thank you for being so open and vulnerable with us today.

Before we wrap up, we want to remind our listeners that October is about awareness and action.  If you or someone you know is in danger, please reach out for help. There’s strength