Broken bones, psychological, emotional, financial abuse, intimidation and control: The domestic violence survival story of MJ Vess, Founder of VictoryLife House

Light 'Em Up

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 '𝙀𝙢 𝙐𝙥.

Thanks to you, our loyal listeners -- we now have a footprint in more than 65 countries!
We take a deep dive on: The Criminal Justice System, Crime Scene Investigation and Leadership. Our mission is to enlighten, educate and empower others with the truth.
Like it or not, the truth disturbs, the truth divides … but ultimately, the truth delivers.

October will be here before you know it. It is designated Domestic Violence Awareness month -- we are doing our part to get the word out ahead of time.

Today we have the distinct honor and privilege to sit and talk with MJ Vess -- a friend of mine – and an anti-domestic violence abuse advocate.

Her experience resonated deeply with me and I’m confident that her personal testimony that she’ll share with you will be impactful and helpful as well. She is the founder of VictoryLife House – a support center that connects survivors of domestic abuse to the professionals that they need at a reduced rate. MJ is one survivor among countless millions with a story that is similar but not exactly the same. She is a survivor from of a marriage that was highly abusive.

A marriage that was plagued with deep seated mental, emotional and spiritual abuse – just to mention a few areas. MJ said it has taken her four years to get to the point to where she can now share openly from her heart without any fear of what others may say or think.

Today our outreach effort is geared towards re-educating the public on the fact that:

Domestic violence is a pattern of: coercive, controlling behavior that can include: physical, emotional psychological, sexual, or financial abuse. Explained further -- using money and financial tools to exert and exact control. Some abusers are able to exert complete control over a victim’s every action without ever using violence or only by using subtle threats of violence.

Domestic violence is more than just physical violence. It can include sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse. Domestic violence intimidates, assaults, and often is an attempt at controlling a partner. All types of abuse are devastating to victims.

Domestic violence is a pervasive, life-threatening crime that affects millions of individuals across the United States and worldwide regardless of age, economic status, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, or education level.

Sure, high-profile cases of domestic violence will attract headlines, but thousands of people experience domestic abuse every day. They come from all walks of life -- and it is through no fault of their own that they suffer. Abusive partners make it very difficult for victims to escape relationships.

Sadly, many survivors suffer from abuse for decades and even more tragically, many are killed at the hands of their abusers.

● Domestic violence is first and foremost a pattern of power and control.
● Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence or IPV (Interpersonal Violence).
● 1 in 3 women will be a victim of domestic or sexual violence at some point in her lifetime, and each day an average of three women die at the hands of someone who claimed to love them.
We hope this episode will help to perhaps save at least one life. Everyone has a voice and every voice has the power to give hope. The motto of VictoryLife House reads, “Life without abuse is an option. Choose life!”

MJ was a victim, and now is a survivor and woman of valor. Follow her lead!

Thanks so much for tuning in! We hope you enjoy this episode!

Executive Producer
Phil Rizzo