54: Why Leaving an Abusive Marriage Isn’t That Simple? | The Reality of Domestic Abuse

Not all abuse leaves bruises. Some wounds take years to heal. In this deeply personal episode of From The Heart, Cici Leuenberger Jueco, founder of Divorce for the Philippines Now, shares the painful reality behind more than a decade of surviving an abusive marriage. From the shocking moment she says, “Unang araw pa lang sinampal nako,” to years of emotional, psychological, financial and physical abuse, Cici opens up about the fear, silence, and hope that kept her trapped—and what finally gave her the courage to fight for her freedom. She also shares the heartbreaking reality of seeking help, only to be told to “Tiisin mo na lang,” revealing the challenges many survivors face when the very systems meant to protect them fall short. In this conversation, we discuss: How domestic abuse often begins long before the violence becomes visible Why leaving an abusive marriage is far more complicated than most people think The lasting impact of emotional, psychological, financial, and physical abuse The barriers many survivors face when seeking help Why she continues to advocate for divorce in the Philippines And her message to anyone who feels trapped in an abusive relationship. This is not simply a conversation about divorce. It’s a conversation about safety, dignity, justice and the courage to choose yourself after years of surviving. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, we hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone—and that help and hope are possible.