Dana's transformation from abuse survivor to community leader shows how trauma can become purpose when channeled into helping others. After enduring 17 years of family court battles and multiple forms of abuse, Dana founded the Survivor Center to create the support system she wished she'd had during her darkest moments.
The Survivor Center began with online support groups connecting women across the country facing similar struggles with domestic violence. What started as informal conversations evolved into a structured "survivor support bootcamp" addressing every aspect of healing - from identifying different forms of abuse to processing childhood trauma through powerful exercises like writing letters to your younger self.
Dana's approach combines emotional healing with practical support. Beyond the therapeutic elements of the program, she provides court accompaniment, teaching survivors how to navigate the complex and often biased family court system. Drawing from her extensive personal experience, she offers crucial guidance on everything from how to present yourself effectively in court to avoiding retraumatization when facing an abuser in legal settings.
The work extends to prevention through youth mentoring, prison ministry for incarcerated women, and Dana's book "Savage Angel," which provides spiritual guidance while supporting the nonprofit's mission. Throughout all these initiatives runs a thread of profound empathy and lived experience - Dana knows exactly what survivors need because she's walked the same path.
What's most striking about Dana's work is how she transforms even the most painful experiences into tools for helping others. Her message resonates with unwavering hope: "If I made it through, you can too." For those trapped in cycles of abuse, these words and the support system behind them may be the lifeline they desperately need.
To connect with the Survivor Center, visit survivorcenter.org, call 386-450-1989, or email [email protected]. All proceeds from Dana's book "Savage Angel" directly support the organization's vital work.

Dana's 1in3 bio: https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/dana-hanuszczak/

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