Jessica Ramos
The Strength to Leave & Turning Pain Into Power
Episode 201
Jessica Ramos is a 31-year-old registered nurse and passionate advocate for domestic violence awareness, drawing from her personal journey of survival and healing. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Jessica’s life has been shaped by her strong foundation in faith and education, which she received through attending Catholic school from preschool through college. As a teenager, she built some of her best memories at Ramona Convent Secondary School in Alhambra and her first job at Marie Callender’s in Monterey Park, where she later returned during the holidays, embracing the joy of reconnecting with her roots.
Growing up in a home with divorced parents, Jessica and her sister experienced financial struggles, but both parents shared a mutual belief in providing a strong education and a safe environment. Jessica’s focus on academics led her to complete a Bachelor’s in Nursing and establish a solid career, but it wasn’t until later that she realized her academic success had been driven by a deeper need for love and affection, stemming from unresolved childhood wounds.
At 25, Jessica purchased her first home, only to find herself in an emotionally abusive relationship that would alter the course of her life. What began as a seemingly innocent relationship quickly turned toxic, leading to a cycle of emotional, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. While she was excelling in her career as a nurse during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica faced a very different kind of nightmare at home—one marked by manipulation, gaslighting, and coercion. The relationship slowly stripped her of her voice, dignity, and sense of self.
After enduring years of trauma, Jessica finally found the strength to escape. She sold her home, took a leave of absence from work, and began the long process of rebuilding her life from the wreckage of an abusive relationship. Although her case against her abuser was dismissed in court, Jessica’s journey to healing had only just begun. With the support of loved ones, therapy, and access to resources like EMDR, somatic exercises, and organizations such as Peace Over Violence and East LA Women’s Center, Jessica has taken back control of her life and found the strength to speak out about her experiences. Now, Jessica shares her story as a domestic violence survivor to spread awareness and help others who may be going through similar struggles.
She hopes that by highlighting the early signs of abuse, the importance of self-worth, and the red flags to look out for, she can prevent others from enduring what she did. Her advocacy work is driven by her belief that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their background or education, and that life after abuse can still be full of hope, healing, and beauty. Jessica’s courage and resilience have transformed her into a voice for change, and through her journey, she has embraced the stronger, wiser version of herself. Her story is a reminder that healing is possible, and she is grateful for the opportunity to share her experiences in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others.
Jessica Ramos Takeaways
Resilience Through Faith and Community Support
The guest emphasizes the importance of leaning on faith and community during difficult times. After experiencing significant trauma and loss, she found strength in her faith, which provided her with hope and a sense of safety. The support from therapy, advocacy groups, and close family and friends played a crucial role in her healing process. This highlights the power of community and spiritual resilience in overcoming personal struggles.
Understanding the Complexity of Abuse
The interview sheds light on the complex nature of abusive relationships, particularly how they often escalate subtly over time. The guest reflects on her experiences of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, noting that the signs were not always clear at first. She discusses the manipulative tactics used by her abuser, such as emotional gaslighting and love-bombing, which can make it difficult for victims to recognize the abuse. This complexity underscores the need for education and awareness around the dynamics of abusive relationships.
The Importance of Acknowledgment and Healing
The guest shares her journey of coming to terms with her experiences and the ongoing nature of healing. She recognizes that healing is not a linear process and that it involves confronting difficult emotions and memories. Her story serves as a reminder that acknowledging past trauma is a vital step towards recovery. It emphasizes the importance of seeking help and using available resources to navigate the healing journey.
Empowerment Through Voice and Sharing
By sharing her story, the guest empowers herself and others who may be in similar situations. She expresses the importance of finding one’s voice and advocating for oneself after experiencing abuse. Sharing her experiences serves not only as a cathartic release for her but also as a beacon of hope for others who may feel isolated or trapped. This act of vulnerability can inspire others to seek help and take steps toward their own healing.
Navigating Legal and Emotional Challenges
The interview illustrates the challenges faced by survivors when navigating the legal system after experiencing domestic violence. The guest recounts her frustration with the legal processes, including difficulties in obtaining protection and the inadequacies of law enforcement responses. Her story highlights the systemic barriers that often prevent survivors from receiving justice and the emotional toll that these challenges can have on their recovery.
Finding New Paths and Building a Future
The guest discusses her ongoing journey of self-discovery and the importance of rebuilding her life after trauma. She reflects on the activities and interests that she is rediscovering, which contribute to her healing and personal growth. This aspect of her journey emphasizes that it is possible to find joy and fulfillment again, even after experiencing severe trauma, and that taking steps towards personal happiness is a crucial part of the healing process.
Jessica Ramos Quotes
“And I think the saying just really, it resonates now more than ever because after everything ended and like my case was dismissed and I had to end up selling my home and take a leave off of work and I felt like I had nothing, you know, and I felt just like I didn’t want to go on and I basically had no other option but to really just like lean on my faith.”
“I was safe, even though I felt like I had nothing left, like I was safe and I wasn’t harmed.”
“I think it can’t be expressed enough… it’s really hard to see and the importance of having people who can see it who care about you and who’ve been through there to sort of let you know.”
“And I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not gone through that.”
“I think a lot of it was just unhealthy… chasing relationships or you know seeing like your mom struggling financially and not knowing how to help her because you’re a kid.”
“I try not to bash anyone because I know that they did their best, you know, with what they could.”
“Honestly, I don’t remember having any resentment. I think a lot of it was… they did a really good job of still making us feel like we weren’t missing out on a whole lot.”
“I think you just sense the anxiety and just the uneasiness that came with visitations… a lot of chaos, I think surrounding us, growing up in Alhambra was always really nice.”
“Growing up, especially if it being like one of your first relationships, you don’t know how to act and maybe that person doesn’t know really what’s helping.”
“I think it was very innocent and fun. I experienced a lot of, you know, things with that person… we grew up together.”
“I knew I was gonna probably go back with him so why was I gonna explain to them what happened during the argument if I know that I’m gonna probably let him back into my house tomorrow?”
“It was just like, I think back and I’m like, why didn’t you just kick out this person?”
“I feel like I wouldn’t have probably been able to like afford school if I didn’t have that side job.”
“Even though I felt like I had nothing left like I was safe and I wasn’t harmed.”
“I know that I can’t always say yes, and I know that in the moment they’re not always going to accept or understand the bigger picture.”
“There is hope and never to stop fighting because… find your voice.”
Show Notes
Music Credits Intro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG Stinger Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library Outro Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

Jessica Ramos
Ramona Convent Secondary School
A pivotal part of my life, this all-girls Catholic school in Alhambra provided a strong educational foundation and lifelong friendships. The supportive environment shaped who I am today and helped me navigate challenges, including legal issues, later in life.
Marie Callender’s
More than just a restaurant, this place holds sentimental value for me. Working there through college gave me financial support and a sense of community. During holidays, it feels heartwarming to help families celebrate together, making it a cherished spot in my heart.
Main Street
This area symbolizes my youthful adventures with friends during high school. We would wander around, exploring shops and enjoying each other’s company. It was a time filled with innocence and fun, creating lasting memories that remind me of my roots in the San Gabriel Valley.