by Michael Neely | Aug 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence
For years I thought I was an anomaly (a pastor and a male survivor of a 15-year domestic violence marriage). I had no idea how much abuse was hiding in the shadows of the church and the faith community. It was always there but abuse thrives and hides in the darkness...
by Michael Neely | Aug 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence
On average, a DV survivor leaves 7 times before they leave for good. Seven times. That number used to frustrate people who didn’t understand. Now I see it differently. Each time someone leaves, they’re building courage. Testing the waters. Learning what...
by Michael Neely | Aug 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence
The silence we call “holy” might be the thing keeping us stuck. In faith communities, there’s an unspoken rule: certain struggles stay private. We smile on Sunday. We say “I’m blessed” when we’re barely holding on. We’ve...
by Anonymous Survivor | May 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence, Leaving
In January of 2023 I left my husband of almost 40 years. When I left my house that day I had no idea that I would never sleep under that roof again. There are many reasons why my marriage failed, too many to share here. My scars are not the physical but emotional....
by Anonymous Survivor | May 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence, Leaving
Finally things got to the point when I could no longer stay. I left hoping that our marriage could be repaired and I could safely come back home, but that was not my story. In 2025 our marriage ended. Starting over at an age when most are starting to think about...
by Anonymous Survivor | May 1, 2026 | Domestic Violence, Leaving
Reach Out Speak Out became a lifeline during those first difficult weeks and months. They came along and helped with some of my practical needs. When my transmission died, they found a mechanic to fix it and covered the cost. They helped support me financially so that...
