Maddie Penwell and Brittany Schock with Colleen Rice, executive director of the Domestic Violence Shelter in Richland County, Ohio. Credit: Brittany Schock

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Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence and abuse. Please listen with care. If you or someone you love needs support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text BEGIN to 88788. In Richland County, you can reach the Domestic Violence Shelter 24/7 at 419-774-5840 or visit thedvshelter.com.

MANSFIELD — How do you begin again after abuse? What does it take to rebuild trust, safety, and self-worth when they’ve been stripped away?

In the latest episode of Better Together, we sit down with Colleen Rice, executive director of the Domestic Violence Shelter in Richland County, for a powerful conversation about trauma, healing, and what it takes to rebuild after abuse.

Colleen shares insight from her years of advocacy — from why survivors stay, to the ripple effects of childhood abuse, to the role of community support in the healing process.

Listeners will learn about the invisible barriers survivors face, the importance of believing and supporting those affected, and how each of us can be part of creating a culture where safety and dignity are the standard.

Mentioned in this episode:

  • The role of traumatic brain injury in abuse
  • Financial and emotional barriers to leaving
  • Creating a culture of prevention, not just reaction
  • What to do if you suspect someone is being abused
  • How self-love and community support go hand-in-hand

If you or someone you love needs support, this episode also includes vital local and national resources. Because as Colleen reminds us — no one should go through this alone.

The Village Voices

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Brittany Schock is the Regional Editor of Delaware Source. She has more than a decade of experience in local journalism and has reported on everything from breaking news to long-form solutions journalism....