top of page
My Battle for Freedom
Before I start, let me say that I am so happy I've come this far and that I am finally at a point in my life where I can write about and share my story. Hopefully, my story hits home with someone and brings attention to DV, coercive control, and post-separation abuse! I pray it helps make a difference. Every one of us that has experienced domestic violence, especially with children in the mix, is watching the most heartbreaking events unfold before our eyes. If we victims/sur
Kari Janiszewski
Jul 715 min read
The Exception
I was orphaned at eight years old when my father murdered my mother and committed suicide. As a kid, I was very intelligent and an exceptional wrestler. I placed in the top 6 at nationals for six consecutive years. At 19, I started using cocaine and struggled with it for about 12 years before switching to opiates. That's when life spiralled hard. For another 13 years, I battled addiction. I got clean 14 months ago, and I am now raising my three pre-teen children as a single f
Richard Cortez (Rich)
Jun 251 min read
Reduced to Body Parts
Sarah Elizabeth Bloom is a writer, death doula, rare disease advocate, and survivor of extensive childhood, interpersonal, and medical trauma. Her early life was marked by childhood sexual abuse, repeated victimization, bullying, and traumatic experiences that profoundly shaped her understanding of suffering, resilience, and human connection. Throughout adolescence and adulthood, she endured further experiences of violence, coercion, and life-threatening situations. Alongside
Sarah Erwin
Jun 252 min read
Sorry Satan, This Soul Is for the Savior
Coming from childhood abuse and growing into domestic abuse, discovering my aunt's homicide from domestic violence, and after a long court battle being informed of my high school friend's homicide resulting from domestic violence, I've risen from the trauma and written a book, started a podcast, and traveled the US to speak about my story on others' platforms to give hope, strength, and light to those still suffering in silence and in the darkness. WHAT THEY BUILT AFTER Heali
Kerie Hamilton
Jun 251 min read
Gaslighting
Long story. Fifteen years in and out of court. WHAT THEY BUILT AFTER Psychotherapy for five years, weekly. I did a full circle, from putting stamps on envelopes as a volunteer to owning an incorporation.
Patti
Jun 251 min read

A Little Hope in Your Inbox
Subscribe to receive inspiring survivor stories, educational resources, reflections, and the latest from RefinedBy.
Because sometimes, one story is all it takes to remind us we're not alone.
bottom of page