What compels someone to transform personal trauma into a powerful tool for change? A. Garcia, a resilient survivor of domestic violence, joins me to share her inspiring journey from survival to advocacy. Growing up in a home marked by violence and then facing similar patterns in her own relationships, A. Garcia found a pivotal moment of transformation upon becoming a parent. Committed to breaking the cycle of abuse for her daughter's sake, she recounts the harrowing experience of her daughter's abduction by a former partner, illustrating that the challenges continue long after leaving an abusive environment.
Our conversation takes a critical turn as we address the often-overlooked issue of teen dating violence. We emphasize the necessity of education in redefining harm in relationships, aiming to empower young people to recognize early signs of abuse. By advocating for relationship education in school curriculums, we hope to equip teenagers with the tools to navigate their feelings and understand consent, especially when faced with unsafe home environments. Through personal stories and encouraging self-reflection, we highlight how awareness can be a powerful force in preventing domestic violence from a young age.
A. Garcia also offers a deeply personal perspective on enduring long-term psychological abuse and the journey toward healing. By sharing her experience of fleeing violence while pregnant, she sheds light on the strength required to rebuild trust and identity amidst societal judgment and ongoing trauma. We explore the transformative power of self-advocacy and healing through therapy, visualization, and positive self-talk, emphasizing the importance of viewing one's experiences from a compassionate perspective. Join us for this eye-opening narrative that underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for growth and recovery even in the darkest situations.
Link to A. Garcia's profile: https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/agape/
1 in 3 is intended for mature audiences. Episodes contain explicit content and may be triggering to some.

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If you are in the United States and need help right now, call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text the word “start” to 88788.
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Cover art by Laura Swift Dahlke
Music by Tim Crowe