The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard

It’s one of the most common — and misunderstood — questions people ask about domestic violence. In this episode, I’m joined by Nathaniel Fields, CEO of the Urban Resource Institute, to break down what survivors are really weighing when they decide whether to stay or leave.

We talk about the realities many people never consider — including why survivors may stay to protect their pets, how immigration status can make leaving more dangerous than staying, and why shame and fear often keep people trapped in unsafe homes.

Nathaniel also explains how survivor-centered systems work, why punishment alone doesn’t stop violence, and how programs like PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) and intervention initiatives are designed to interrupt cycles of harm before they repeat.

This conversation goes beyond awareness to explain what actually helps survivors reach safety — and why domestic violence is a community issue, not a personal failure.

If you’ve ever wondered why leaving isn’t simple, or what real prevention looks like, this episode provides answers.