Don’t Make This Mistake: Words That Hurt (and Heal) Abuse Survivors

Don’t Make This Mistake: Words That Hurt (and Heal) Abuse Survivors

Author: Mandi Pratt August 25, 2025 Duration: 8:02
“Why didn’t she leave?” It may sound harmless, but this one question shifts blame onto survivors and lets perpetrators off the hook. The truth is, language shapes how we view abuse — and the words we use can either hurt survivors or help them heal. Hear how to spot victim-blaming language, reframe it to encourage accountability, and use your words to create safer, more supportive spaces. Through real-life examples and practical tips, you’ll discover how even small shifts in language can make ...

Hosted by Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate, Aware And Prepared comes from a place of hard-won experience. Mandi’s own life took a dramatic turn years ago when the FBI arrived at her door with news that her abusive ex-partner was wanted for multiple bank robberies, a story that played out publicly in the news. That moment, rooted in a past of domestic violence, sparked a transformation from feeling vulnerable to becoming empowered. This podcast is the result of that journey. Mandi now focuses on teaching women and other vulnerable populations practical, street-smart skills for safety and situational awareness. Each episode blends personal reflection with actionable advice, moving beyond theory to discuss real-world applications. The conversations here span personal health, mental resilience, physical fitness, and the cultural dynamics that impact our daily security. It’s not about fear, but about building confidence through preparedness. Tune in for honest talks that acknowledge life’s complexities while offering tangible steps toward stronger, more aware living. You’ll find a unique mix of advocacy, personal storytelling, and essential guidance in every episode of this podcast.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Aware And Prepared
Podcast Episodes
What's the Real Difference Between PTSD and Complex PTSD? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
What is complex PTSD, and how is it different from PTSD? As a complex PTSD survivor herself, Mandi breaks down the real distinction in this episode, timed around Complex PTSD Awareness Day (September 2nd). Mandi shares w…
Teaching Kids Boundaries: Prevention Skills That Start Early [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
What if the best time to prevent abuse and assault isn't high school, but preschool? Lacey and Sydney from the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault join the show to talk about the Butterfly Effect Program, a curricu…
How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt: A Guide for People Pleasers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:39
What happens when you say no and someone doesn't like it? Psychotherapist and "Queen of Boundaries" Dana Skaggs joins Mandi to break down why boundary setting feels so scary, especially for survivors and recovering peopl…
Is Resilience Something You're Born With, or Something You Build? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
Is resilience something you're born with, or something you build? Kelly Edmondson, has spent 25 years as a nurse watching patients face unthinkable trauma, and then lived it herself after losing her son. In this episode,…
Why EMDR Works: What It Is and How It Helps Trauma Survivors Heal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
Why has EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) been one of the most effective tools in the shortest time for trauma survivors? In this episode, Mandi breaks down what she learned at the Conference on Crimes…
What's Available to You Through This Community [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:12
Mandi, the host, takes a second to remind you what's available through this community. First, the free podcast and a weekly companion email that goes along with it and brings the episode link straight to your inbox Secon…