Bonnie Mae is a Shameless Mom to two sons ages 10 and 12, as well as a survivor and warrior of an abusive relationship that spanned 10 years. She has a passion for advocating for the needs and safety of her children as well as herself. She has an associates degree in human services.  She used to think she wasn’t using putting her degree to good use - until recently. She recently took the bold, brave steps to become an educator and speaker to youth and young adults  - teaching around all issues related to domestic violence.  She teaches the warning signs of abusive behavior, offers advice on how to safely get out of abusive relationships, and coaches around the impact of abuse on one’s life.   She speaks at various organizations, as well as middle and high schools. Bonnie reached out to me a few months ago when I said I wanted to broach the subject of domestic violence on the show.  I’m deeply honored that she took the brave step to share her story and her lessons with us all.  Her story will have ripple effects that she will never see - that may well save lives of other Shameless Moms. Listen in to hear Bonnie share: How she internalized emotional abuse and believed she as worthless as her husband told her she was Why she stayed with an abusive partner for 7 years - and how abusers manipulate their victims Her rock bottom moment and how she finally got her kids and herself safely out of her husband’s grip The steps leading up to her terminating her ex-husband’s parental rights How she talks to her kids about their family’s abusive past The impactful new direction her past is giving to her current life Her top recommendation to women currently in abusive relationships Resources mentioned: Connect with Bonnie on Instagram Connect with Bonnie on Facebook Thank you to our sponsors: Open Fit: Join the Open-fit 30-day challenge and get a special extended 30-day free trial membership to Open-fit when you text SHAMELESS to 303030. Cheers: Visit Cheers Health and Enter promo code SHAMELESS at checkout to Get 10% off your first order and a free gift. Swanky Badger: You can go create your own personalized Father’s Day gift today by going to swanky badger dot com, forward slash SHAMELESS and you’ll get 10% off your first purchase. That’s Swanky Badger.