Healing After Domestic Violence with Melinda Kunst

Melinda Kunst is a trauma-informed life coach, sound healer, and advocate for survivors. She’s someone who knows firsthand what it means to break free from generational cycles of abuse and reclaim your voice.

 

Her story begins in a household marked by emotional volatility and fear. 

 

Growing up in an environment where abuse was normalized, Melinda internalized the belief that love came with control and pain. 

 

So when she entered a relationship that mirrored the chaos of her childhood, she didn’t immediately recognize it as abuse - because it felt familiar. 

 

Subtle manipulation soon escalated into surveillance, emotional degradation, and physical violence. 

 

Isolated and financially dependent, she lived under constant threat, often having to hide her own plans for survival.

 

What makes Melinda’s story so powerful isn’t just the fact that she escaped - it’s how she did it. Her departure wasn’t impulsive; it was the result of strategic preparation. 

 

She began quietly collecting loose change, hiding important documents, and planning what she called her “go bag.” 

 

She navigated her escape while under constant watch, eventually leaving in March 2009 after a final, terrifying incident involving her children.

 

But freedom was only the beginning. Life after abuse was messy, uncertain, and emotionally heavy. 

 

Melinda had to rebuild everything from the ground up - housing, income, custody, and even her self-worth. 

 

Her children, too, were deeply affected, carrying invisible wounds that showed up as anxiety, depression, and self-harm. 

 

As she began to rebuild, Melinda realized that healing was not a destination, but a continuous journey - one she would walk with intention.

 

Over time, Melinda discovered healing through sound, nature, and creative practices. She leaned into meditation, journaling, and movement. 

 

These tools became her foundation - not just for personal restoration, but for helping others. 

 

Today, she’s a certified trauma-informed life coach and speaker, helping survivors safely navigate their healing and rebuild their sense of identity after trauma. She’s also a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and speaks at organizations like St. Jude House to amplify awareness and support systems for those affected by abuse.

 

Melinda is the founder of The Survivor’s Café, a private online community where survivors of domestic violence can find connection, compassion, and practical tools for healing. 

 

She believes in creating spaces where survivors are seen, heard, and empowered not just to survive, but to thrive.

 

 

Key Takeaways from Melinda’s Journey

1. Trust the Voice Within – Your intuition knows when something is wrong. Even a quiet whisper can be your greatest ally toward freedom.

2. Abuse Isn’t Always Visible – Emotional, financial, and verbal abuse are just as damaging as physical violence. Don’t minimize your pain, what you’re experiencing is valid.

3. Preparation is Power – Leaving a dangerous situation takes courage and strategy. Small steps can build the foundation for a new life.

4. You Don’t Need to Have it All Figured Out to Begin – The path to healing starts with one brave decision. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.

5. Healing is a Journey, Not a Destination – It’s okay if it takes time. There will be setbacks, but with each step, you are moving forward.

6. Support is Out There – Whether it’s a shelter, a trusted friend, or an online community, you are not alone. The right support can change everything.

7. Your Story Can Light the Way for Others – What tried to break you can become your greatest strength. Use your voice, because someone