Leaving Safely, Starting Over: Domestic Violence in Divorce with Stephanie Seal
- Josephti Cruz
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Domestic violence is a heartbreaking reality that many people face during divorce. In a recent episode of Cover Your Assets, we spoke with licensed psychotherapist Stephanie Seal about what this experience can actually look like, how to recognize the signs, and what to do if you or someone you love is in a dangerous situation. This conversation isn’t filled with clinical terms or distant advice. It’s real, honest, and grounded in what people are truly going through behind closed doors.
Stephanie shares that domestic violence isn’t always physical. It can show up as emotional manipulation, psychological abuse, or controlling behavior. Some examples are threats, gaslighting, constant criticism, or isolating someone from friends and family. These moments don’t always feel violent in the moment, but they are. They chip away at a person’s sense of safety and self-worth. Stephanie also explains the cycle of abuse—how it builds from tension to explosion to apologies and promises. That emotional rollercoaster is exactly why so many victims struggle to leave.
Leaving is not just hard emotionally. It can be dangerous. Stephanie stresses the importance of safety planning before taking that step. This means lining up a place to stay, setting aside cash, gathering documents, and having a phone or way to communicate that isn’t being tracked. If there are children involved, it gets even more urgent. She recommends keeping a journal of incidents, taking photos if there’s physical evidence, and talking to a medical professional or attorney when possible. These records matter if you need to take legal action.
What stayed with us most was Stephanie’s reminder that abuse is never your fault. You are not responsible for changing the person hurting you. You deserve safety. You deserve support. And you are not alone. Whether you’re just starting to question what’s happening in your relationship or already putting together a plan to leave, there are people who can help. This episode is for anyone who needs to hear that hope and help are out there.
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