In this episode, titled "Avoidance Kills: A Discussion With Mary Byler," Amanda and Billy explore the impact of avoidance, a term used within the Church of God in Christ Mennonite for shunning. Mary Byler, founder of The Misfit Amish, discusses how the practice of avoidance, or shunning, within high-control Anabaptist communities perpetuates harm by isolating individuals and suppressing important conversations about abuse, trauma, and healing.
Mary shares her personal journey of leaving a plain-dressing community and the work she now does to support others through her organization. She emphasizes how avoidance not only affects those who are shunned but also creates a culture where the most vulnerable are silenced. Throughout the episode, Mary discusses her advocacy work, which includes educating professionals like child advocacy centers on how to better serve survivors of abuse from these insular communities.
This conversation sheds light on the psychological and emotional toll of avoidance, illustrating how it can cause lasting damage to individuals and communities. By tackling this issue head-on, Mary provides crucial insights into why addressing, rather than avoiding, these issues is vital for healing and justice.
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