Sophora Acheson traces her experiences of childhood violence, financial instability, financial abuse, recovery and advocacy in this riveting personal story of survival. She describes moving from Texas to California with her teenage mother after physical abuse by her biological father. Her stepfather, whom she called her Dad, was involved with drugs, gang activity, violence and criminal behavior. Sophora was exposed to weapons, overdoses, threats and domestic violence from an early age. As a teenager and young adult, she entered into a relationship with Josh, whose behavior included manipulation, gaslighting, theft, drug use and financial exploitation. Josh used Sophora's money, opened or financed accounts in her name and failed to pay rent or any financial responsibilites. The relationship ultimately led to violence, jail time for Josh and bankruptcy for Sophora. With support from friends and her now-husband, Sophora pursued education as she struggled to rebuild her credit and sense of worth and purpose. She now works in victim services as a director and advocate, centering on preventing future harm while giving victims a strong voice. She is also an author and is releasing a memoir in '27 about the complexities of family violence and new approaches to prevention.

Restorative Pathways Website:

www.financialabusehelp.net

Dr. Lisa Fontes, Author of the best selling book, "Invisible Chains", discusses in depth the insideous abusive behavior of coercive control in marriage and romantic partnerships. She describes coercive control as a "liberty crime" that substantially reduces the target's freedom. "Invisible Chains" was written to make the subject of coercive control accessible to survivors, families, clinicians, doctors and legal professionals. Lisa details the many ways forced dependancy can manifest through withholding resources, financial harassment and financial sabotage. She explains in simple terms the tactics used by abusers: love bombing, boundary testing, intermittant reinforcement, religious control and social isolation of their victims. Lisa emphasizes survivor groups, domestic violence advocates, education and self compassion as a roadmap out of a relationship of coercive control.

Dr. Lisa Fontes Web Site:

Book: Invisible Chains: Overcoming Coercive Control in Your Intimate Partnership:

www.financialabusehelp.net

Renown author and broadcaster, Elizabeth Gagnon, also internationally known as "Miss Liz", shares her personal history of survival and her transition into becoming an advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence through her platform, Miss Liz's Teatime, the wildly popular global podcast and YouTube show. Elizabeth describes a childhood defined by instability, addiction and lack of safety in Ontario, Canada. She details severe trauma including child abuse and a lengthy marriage characterized by extreme domestic violence and financial exploitation. Elizabeth explains how she transformed her experiences into a mission of service through storytelling a community engagement. Her "Miss Liz's Teatime" has evolved from local community tea parties in 2015 to a global virtual presence. Over seven years, Elizabeth has conducted more than 700 interviews covering topics such as grief, mental health and various forms of abuse and recovery. She has authored several books and and provides guidance for survivors of domestic and financial abuse based on her lived experience.

Miss Liz's Tea Time Web Site:

Miss Liz's Tea Time Podcast Listen:

Miss Liz Shop for Books & Media:

www.financialabusehelp.net