Episode 9

full
Published on:

31st Dec 2025

Prepared, Not Panicked: Why a Safety Plan Matters

If you’re living in hidden abuse, it can be hard to know what you actually need — especially when nothing looks obviously “dangerous.”

Maybe there are no bruises.

Maybe things only feel scary during conflict.

Maybe you’ve been told you’re overreacting.

But Brave One… your safety is still worth preparing for.

This isn’t panic. This isn’t drama. This is wisdom.

In this episode, I gently walk you through:

• What a basic safety plan looks like

• Why it can matter even before things escalate

• What to quietly gather over time

• How to think clearly when fear or confusion cloud judgment

• The difference between preparing and panicking


Your courage doesn’t mean walking in danger —

it means caring for yourself as you take your next brave step. 🤍

#Validated #ownvoiceheal #hiddenabuse #covertabuse #narcissisticabuse #psychologicalabuse #emotionalabuse

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ONE WOMAN™ Note

If you know a woman who might be living in hidden abuse, you can help her stay safe.


Invite her over for coffee so she can watch from a safe device.


Be her voice in the comments.

Subscribe for her until she can subscribe for herself.


ONE WOMAN helping ONE WOMAN… changes everything. 🤍

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In This Episode

00:00 Introduction to Safety Planning

00:54 Understanding the Need for a Safety Plan

01:44 Recognizing Escalation and Preparing for Safety

03:40 Steps to Create a Safety Plan

06:31 Preparing Essentials for a Quick Exit

07:57 Ensuring Children's Safety

08:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

08:56 Disclaimer and Professional Advice


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Disclaimer

I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.

This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.

If you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. You are worthy of such support.


Music Credit & License

Intro/Outro music: “Lofi Background Music-337568” by [Artist] — licensed via Pixabay.

Licensed under the Pixabay Content License (free for commercial use; no attribution required). Content ID registered; used with license.

Listen for free

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About the Podcast

Validated: Own. Voice. Heal.
Faith-rooted support and practical tools for women facing hidden abuse.
Validated is a podcast for women navigating hidden psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial abuse—especially in relationships that look “perfect.” If you're walking on eggshells, doubting your reality, or asking, “Am I overreacting?” you’re in the right place.

☕️New episodes release every Wednesday at 4:45 AM PT, starting Nov 19. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Here, you'll find:
🌱 Hope when you feel isolated – You're not alone, and you're not crazy
🌱 Tools to recognize the patterns – Finally see what's been so hard to name
🌱 Faith-rooted truth – Scripture and encouragement for your healing journey
🌱 Language for your story – Words for what you've struggled to explain
🌱 Courage for your next steps – Whether you stay, work through it, or walk away

I'm Valerie—a voice advocate who chose to leave a marriage that was breaking me emotionally and psychologically. I share my story, the truths that carried me, and practical wisdom to help you move from silence to strength.

This is where you finally get to stop pretending everything is fine...this is where God meets you in your pain and helps you find your voice.

Listen & Subscribe
🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306
🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


Disclaimer

Just a reminder: I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.

This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.

Every situation is unique; if you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. If you ever feel unsafe or are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a trusted crisis resource in your region. You are worthy of such support.

About your host

Profile picture for Valerie Pratt

Valerie Pratt

Valerie is a voice advocate and host of Validated: Own. Voice. Heal., a faith-rooted podcast for women navigating hidden abuse—psychological, emotional, spiritual, or financial. After walking through her own experience and choosing a different future, she blends lived wisdom, careful research, and gentle, practical tools to help women name what’s happening, make empowering choices, and move from silence to strength. Each episode offers clear teaching, real-life examples, and “tiny brave step” prompts, alongside free journals and guides in the Validated Vault. Valerie’s aim is simple: give you hope when you feel alone, truth to steady your mind, and courage for your next brave step. Validated shares education and support; it is not therapy, counseling, or legal advice.