Ab*sive Father Joins HOLDEMAN MENNONITES To Slip Under the Radar

Рет қаралды 143,796

Күн бұрын

We have learned about people who grow up in a cultic environment who don’t have a good chance of breaking that cycle while they are still in the cult bubble. But what about the people who understand that ab*se not only goes unnoticed in these cults, but is even celebrated, and they join for this reason? Hannah’s story illustrates how when the outside world can clearly see a group where ab*se thrives, and they don’t want to get caught, they can take advantage of the group’s strict principles in the name of God, putting the most vulnerable at risk.
Hannah's book: a.co/d/7T4rodZ
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Any donations are welcome and appreciated to support the making of this podcast
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/ cultstoconsciousness
Venmo @sheliseann
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00:00:00 Intro
00:03:53 Similarities and differences Hannah is aware of between Amish and Holdeman Mennonites
00:06:57 Hannah's life before converting to Holdeman Mennonite
00:10:18 TW: CSA
00:12:32 A false hope for a secular life in the "outside world" again
00:13:22 Surprising things that weren't allowed
00:17:33 Were they allowed to work in the outside world?
00:18:51 What she learned in her private H Mennonite school
00:20:14 TW: CA
00:24:21 TW: CSA
00:28:27 TW: CA-How extreme corporal punishment is used to break a child's will
00:33:13 Strange rules around marriage & claiming a woman
00:35:34 What is the "holy kiss"?
00:40:46 The ins and outs of shunning
00:43:40 Why they can't drive SUVs
00:45:01 Hannah's mindset as a teenager
00:45:46 TW: CA & eating d*sorder- Locked away
00:50:18 TW: CA
00:52:13 TW: Suic*de mentions How Hannah escaped
00:58:48 How she was able to acclimate to the outside world at 17
01:01:23 How Hannah is doing now!
01:04:22 Linda, Listen
Theme Song Produced and Composed by Christian Guevara
*Disclaimer: Thanks for joining us at Cults to Consciousness. This storytelling podcast is meant to be for entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. We may discuss triggering topics and we ask that you make your personal mental health a priority. Lastly, the opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host.*

Пікірлер: 865

@katwitanruna Жыл бұрын

I shall always tell my story because one person in a class I gave a speech about child SA told me in the anonymous critique, “I thought I was the only one. Thank you.” Always speak up. Always talk about it. You never know who needs to hear it.

@monaalice9500 Жыл бұрын

One hundred percent agree. You are NEVER the only one.

@lindasoderberg9477 Жыл бұрын

You never know what's going on behind closed doors at someone's home. Appearances are that - only appearances!

@uniqueLeo08 Жыл бұрын

Wow 😢

@almetabeiler1491 11 ай бұрын

...,..,,,,..,,,........,....,..,,.,.,..

@greendragon4058 9 ай бұрын

That's the first step knowing that you're not the only one

@goatmealcookies7421 Жыл бұрын

"Well behaved women rarely make history." The search for knowledge is the most powerful form of " misbehavior." Kudos!

@SaraHinata Жыл бұрын

Yes! This is so true 💯!!

@thomkatt3385 Жыл бұрын

definitely #this 💚

@nickywal Жыл бұрын

Yes and many of those women have been religious, for the argument that Christian women were always good quiet little servants. When someone can go from being a widowed mother at 13, to putting their son on the throne and be deeply devout while doing it

@nerysghemor5781 Жыл бұрын

Depends on what you define as "well behaved." If you mean blindly submissive, I agree. But I think you can be dignified and still make history. :-)

@nickywal Жыл бұрын

@@nerysghemor5781 Sure and in some movements they had to be or their behaviour would be used against them, like the civil rights movement in the US. But we know, as soon as women start making a fuss, they're demonised and they're just shrill harridans or whatever. Sometimes you have to break the doors down

@care4jcutube Жыл бұрын

Her father is a monster who used religion to control and abuse. Please be safe. Thank you for sharing this story.

@lindasoderberg9477 Жыл бұрын

Spiritual/religious abuse houses so many other categories of abuse under it's "umbrella"!

@Cor6196 Жыл бұрын

In any other context, I was thinking, that criminal would be serving decades - if not life - in prison. So much violence is concealed within the "wall of separation" that protects religion from the oversight of the civilized state

@Iflie 11 ай бұрын

Yes, the abusive guys are just looking for the excuse and he ended up raping her of course. That's so often the extra control because he loves the abuse.

@nohorasims656 10 ай бұрын

@@Iflie He should be locked up

@Iflie 10 ай бұрын

@@nohorasims656 They all should be, but they create these communities where they blame the women. Amish, LDS, all fundamentalist religions, they all blame the victim.

@alisonbufarale3406 Жыл бұрын

Your sin will contaminate their food, but kissing a stranger on the lips isn’t contaminating. There is absolutely zero logic within these cults. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

@Haghenveien 8 ай бұрын

I'm from Spain. We do the two kisses. And we're used to kiss basicly everyone. For example, you meet someone for the first time, and you give two kisses on the cheeks (more to the air, specially if you're not well acqueintenced) Well, I can't imagine a single person in my country that wouldn't be gross out by this kissing on the lips thing. It's just disgusting in so many levels .

@amandathelesbian 7 ай бұрын

@@Haghenveienthat’s totally different. Kissing on the lips is way too personal.

@tpaige3 7 ай бұрын

Right?? What kind of sense does that make?

@stinkbug4321 4 ай бұрын

I kiss on both cheeks, both ass cheeks.

@stinkbug4321 4 ай бұрын

@@HaghenveienI kiss on both cheeks, both ass cheeks.

@HolldollMcG Жыл бұрын

I am afraid to imagine how his narcissist rage was transferred to the other children. This stuff has to stop. We have to stop letting men put themselves above women, children, and other people whom they seem lesser.

@emilyrln 11 ай бұрын

Abolish unjust hierarchy in general! But yeah, statistically speaking it's men putting themselves on top.

@rhondatallent2396 10 ай бұрын

AMEN!

@giulsomino Жыл бұрын

I'm Italian and we absolutely do not kiss friends or strangers on the lips. 😳 It's more like a general kiss gesture in the area of your cheeks, basically it's only cheeks touching if anything at all. I wouldn't even mind a kiss on the cheek from my close friends honestly, but absolutely not from strangers or people I barely know. Plus you're not even forced to do that in general. You can just hug if you want to, or just say hi. Shake hands with strangers. I'm appalled that people would use this an excuse to justify these kind of gross, forced and unjustifiable practices.

@sky-pv7ff Жыл бұрын

I first noticed that some old American and British movies had family characters kissing on the lips. It was grossed me. I have seen people do that. At first, it was only white people, but within 15 years minorities have also been doing it. 🙈

@savvygood Жыл бұрын

The Mennonites call it “the holy kiss”. I used to go to a Holdeman Mennonite Church. And it was very brief and light kiss, meant to be between sisters in the church. It’s our tradition.

@sky-pv7ff Жыл бұрын

@savvygood why on the lips and not the hand. I hate the man made religion. I remember when I was a kid, we went to a catholic church. You can say it was a Puerto Rican one. We aren't Puerto Rican, so during service, they would kiss each other of the cheeks. We didn't participate, and the Baptist church I have been to shake hands, which I prefer.

@savvygood Жыл бұрын

@@sky-pv7ff it is a practice taken from the Bible. There are 4 passages, one of which is Romans 16:16, that mention greeting each other with a kiss. It’s meant to be a symbol of love, acceptance, and unity. And is only practiced between members of the same sex. If you visited, and weren’t a member, no one would offer a kiss to you, you’d be met with a handshake.

@hannahprosser1004 Жыл бұрын

@@savvygood men and boys, women and girls. I see for some reason you are defending it, are you sure you're an ex? I also noted you said its 'our' tradition. If you are no longer a member of the cult, how could it still be your tradition? The kids are manipulated into believing they must do it. And if they do not, they'll be harmed and labeled bad & unruly, humiliated, shamed, ect. That goes along with ALL the rules. Its sickening. Your book says not one single word of it being lip to lip. And allowing all the pedos that live among them to kiss kids is truly horrifying. Fact: there are pedos there. They've always been there. Fact: those predos are lip kissing little boys and enjoying it. Fact: not all pedos are men. Fact: complete strangers from other states and even counties are kissing kids on the lips during their travels. Fact: germs spread easily through saliva and combined with a lack of education for the kids plus the brainwashing threat they'll go to hell if they do not comply, they are not given the knowledge to be able to make mass cult kissing ritual decisions in an educated manner. They are kids and should be protected before all else, but that isn't what is happening, now is it? Go ahead, tell me which things are incorrect because 100% of those cult kissing facts is correct and you know it, even if you don't like it.

@ninawernick6501 Жыл бұрын

I cannot shake the nauseous feeling that in the background, her father was standing around with other men from his cult bemoaning his troubles with his rebellious daughter and the lengths he has to go to to try and fix her and how hard it is on him, getting patted on the back and empathy, only to then go home and gleefully abuse her. Bloody hell.

@hannahprosser1004 Жыл бұрын

That is exactly what happened. It was even done in front of me. My mom participated in things like that too.

@kerryallen4665 Жыл бұрын

It’s horrendous. I’m not a violent person but I’d like to make those abusers pay.

@lanakeeton8102 10 ай бұрын

There's a place in hell for these monsters.

@Katiebell52 Жыл бұрын

She is so brave! What a smart idea to call for help. I am glad she broke the cycle with her girls and that she has sweet dogs to help her with her PTSD.

@katwitanruna Жыл бұрын

Break the silence. Break the cycle.

@ninamontrosse5588 Жыл бұрын

They did this to me and I tried to tell

@ninamontrosse5588 Жыл бұрын

I'm trying this isn't ok

@katwitanruna Жыл бұрын

@@ninamontrosse5588 Keep speaking up. The offender may not go to prison but you never know when someone else is in earshot who thinks they’re all alone.

@katwitanruna Жыл бұрын

@@ninamontrosse5588 Where are you? How old are you? If you are in the US, so long as you are over 18, you are allowed to leave the situation. It may not be easy but there are resources.

@katwitanruna Жыл бұрын

@@ninamontrosse5588 No, it’s not. If you are under 18 and in the US check in with your local CPS.

@christiannafziger7427 Жыл бұрын

I just cant express how thankful I am that my grandfather left the mennonites, saved me soooo much trouble. I commend you for your choices and admire your strength.

@pirbird14 Жыл бұрын

My mother left the Mennonites but brought her oppressive morality with her. When we moved to the big city, I met students who were interested in leftists politics and taught me about human rights. It was such huge breath of fresh air!

@nickywal Жыл бұрын

@@pirbird14 There was a really interesting Mormon stories interview where the woman was already pretty woke for a Mormon, went on her mission and was partnered with someone who actively called themselves a feminist etc. She left the mission early and the church not much later because of that and them casually explaining to a black man that ol'Joey boy said black people were cursed

@asherthedisaster4724 10 ай бұрын

i have the exact same sentiment about my grandma

@ruthieguenther 10 ай бұрын

I’m an X holdermen and new Hannah growing up we knew something had to be going on in that home but had no idea until a few years ago what the truth was ! God Bless you Hannah for bringing this all to light !! I’m sorry for all you went through !! 😢

@hannahprosser1004 10 ай бұрын

Hi Ruth! ❤

@ruthieguenther 10 ай бұрын

Hi Hannah I’m so glad your doing ok after all you have been through I’m proud of you for being so brave and getting your story out there ! 😊🤗

@a.s.3267 8 ай бұрын

So people knew something was wrong but said and did nothing? That's why the culture of abusers getting away with it continues. 🙈🙉🙊

@dewuknowHIM 7 ай бұрын

Hannah....your SOOO brave....I'm behind you honey.

@h0rriphic 3 ай бұрын

@@hannahprosser1004 Hannah, Thank you for being so generous with yourself and your story. You have touched so many lives in unimaginable ways. You have a bright and beautiful future and I hope you continue to live your best life. You deserve whatever your heart desires and you are clearly brave enough to go out and seek it. May your life be filled with love and music. Sincerely, Bunny

@janemeachin6831 4 ай бұрын

The bravery it takes to tell your story cannot be overstated. And to do it to help other people feel not so alone is such a gift.

@hannahprosser1004 4 ай бұрын

Thank you ❤

@AlabasterClay Жыл бұрын

Wow, Hannah is such an unusual person. To have the determination at such a young age that "she would NOT be property," and thus would refuse to walk behind her father. It boggles my mind that she would take the beatings that followed without changing her behavior in order to avoid the abuse. I'm glad she survived. She could have actually been killed for that rebellion. Amazing strength of will.

@rivkahmiri513 11 ай бұрын

Exactlly!

@katwitanruna Жыл бұрын

I have seen this over and over. Whenever children or wives are considered property, abuse seems to crop up. I believe it is because that puts those people into the category of Thing as opposed to Human. My father’s mother wrote me out of her will because he didn’t have one and all of his estate (mainly hospital bills) went to me. She stole things from his estate because in her mind, given he was her child, everything he had belonged to her. He was in his fifties when he passed.

@brandy4530 Жыл бұрын

This is exactly right. When people are considered property they are dehumanized. People treat animals however they want, and only in extreme cases will people step in and stop it. It’s the same mindset in communities where women are considered property.

@tamaratamtammorris8151 Жыл бұрын

That's awful! A similar thing happened to a friend of mine, and it left her in a terrible state from which she never fully recovered, financially and otherwise. It was a horrible situation all around.

@katysummer9418 11 ай бұрын

First victims get abused then not believed and then victim shamed. What a sick world! I admire every woman who speaks up.

@leahflower9924 10 ай бұрын

That's why people often can't just "move on" from trauma...rational part of the brain might say trust again but the survival brain is ready to treat everyone as a potential perpetrator

@NotAnotherKuromi 9 ай бұрын

@leahflower9924 I think not just purpotrator but rnabler too, the amount of people who know a child is being abused, or see the signs but deliberately choose to not do anything letting the abuse continue is awful. If a child is brave enough to speak ip amd ask for help, then get let down to suck a painful extent, then of course trusting people would be more diffocult. I also think it has an even worse impact if the adult is supposed to protect the child, or is seen as a reliable leader by the community.

@jazmineraymond7495 8 ай бұрын

@@NotAnotherKuromiA lot of the time even if you report they will do nothing, I tried to report my mother, they said I didn't have enough to go on to even look into it. When I was a child CPS was called more than once and they always left and did nothing. Sometimes it's just nearly impossible.

@barbsilvey3276 Жыл бұрын

How is this amazing young woman not an ax murderer??? My soul hurts so much. I ordered her book. She is one of my newest heroes. Stay brave, sister. You are saving hundreds. ❤️

@vaska1999 11 ай бұрын

Less than 30% of those who were abused in childhood go on to abuse others. Most victims grow up to be compassionate people.

@pan_el 11 ай бұрын

@vaska1999 thank you 4 acknowledging this❤

@TibiSum Жыл бұрын

I was exposed only to a small amount of physical violence and did not try to get help for that, not even knowing it was wrong because it was called spanking (it was with a wooden spoon). What I did try to get help with was my sadistic mother tormenting me. I begged to be heard so many times, once I realized it wasn't normal. CPS had come in around the time my sister was hospitalized for an unexplained illness, but they left us there and my mom made my dad stop hitting us, not to keep us safe, but because she didn't want CPS back. I then became her target. She managed to convince me, my family and the school psychologists that I had a severe intellectual, emotional and mental disabilities. She would do things to me so that I looked like I was unable to cope with the basics and make false reports. Anyway, I was suffering so much and when I asked literally every adult I could for help, they thought I was being negative and confused and they told me to respect her and get ahold of myself. Not one person helped. I'm writing this because I see that pain of not being believed. I live with PTSD and one of the things that puts me into flashbacks is being around other people who are ignoring each other's needs, like the bus or grocery stores. It gives me major panic attacks and takes me back to not being seen and believed ass a child. I've been posting in these a lot because my family was isolated. We were not allowed to do normal things. The abuse was covert and hard to see and the damage of just that alienation and difference has been a life long struggle for me. I relate to years of no TV, of being an object, of sibling abuse. I relate to having to deprogram the conditioning of my family unit. I believed that I could not work or do anything on my own for so long, that at 46, I am first learning to drive a car. I was told I couldn't do stuff like that.

@phantomvampyressshadowkiss4690 Жыл бұрын

Oh my that's just horrible. I'm so sorry that you had to endure such awful emotional and mental abuse. I hope you can continue to heal from that and have a better life.

@maryeckel9682 Жыл бұрын

Emotional abuse...and I would say physical because it affected your overall ability to function. I'm so sorry you experienced that. What happened to your sister? Did your mom try to make people think she was sick, too?

@TibiSum Жыл бұрын

@@maryeckel9682 I think she munchausen'd the first time with my sister, but can't verify. She stopped breathing when I was 6 and she was 4 and there was a lot of attention from it over a 6 month hospital stay. My mother was sick as a child and wasn't helped, so I think she was starting to develop behaviours to fill that need. She's a smart sadist, though, so CPS coming in around that time taught her immediately not to be obvious. My mom was legit sick, but instead of seeking appropriate care, from the appropriate people, she blew all that up, too. If someone else was sick, she would break her toe, etc. Attention had to be on her. She was insane with rage when my Dad had a relatively benign cancer situation later in life. Same goes for any deaths in the family. Thanks for saying that about physical. It was. She dysregulated my central nervous system on purpose so I would be a wreck and it has been a lifelong journey to learn to self soothe. I couldn't sleep for most of my life and am on meds now for all of that. She did that all so she could virtue signal caregiving and get sadistic pleasure in me reacting to what she was doing. It was so covert, so she could pretend to care while creating scenarios where I was suffering. None of this stuff is ok, from cults, to munchausen's or any abuse. Taking over someone's sense of self before they aree self aware and then throwing them into the world to be devoured is just not ok. None of us knew safety. Cults, bad homes, all of it is terrible that childhoods were stolen, self concept was smashed, being sheltered so living in the world is hard....

@InsoIence Жыл бұрын

Oh my dearest person, I'm so so sorry. Abuse is abuse. I can somewhat relate. 'Spanked' by my parents with leather flogger (made by my grandfather for punishing children), belt, hand, slipper. You know, sure, it's not the worst of the worst but it's absolutely horrible. They fought each other for hours and then were bringing me in to vouch for either of them. Whichever side I picked (based on arguments), I was left behind to fight the other person on my own. The things I heard and felt caused my possible Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Bordeline Personality Disorder. I was told that I won't learn or won't be anything too. I wasn't supposed to pursue things I enjoyed, I was supposed to conform. You are so eloquent and aware. Don't you stop being you, don't stop going. You are worth so much more than any of that crap that you have been conditioned to believe.

@leahflower9924 10 ай бұрын

Look up family scapegoat identified patient and Bowens family systems theory you'd be shocked how much of this is projection!

@HinekoAkahi Жыл бұрын

I am always amazed at the resilience of people who grow up in this sort of environment, who never really know any different, and are still able to question their world, to come out swinging at the inconsistencies. Just. Wow.

@SoliRhymesWithJulie Жыл бұрын

I am always so impressed, amazed, etc., at anyone who is able to speak out against their mistreatment. Stay well, Hannah. Stay well, Shalise.

@myopinions1 Жыл бұрын

Abusive parents find abusive communities that won't stop them from abusing their kids or report them.

@katieharville6863 Жыл бұрын

I’m 70 and not from a Mennonite family but so much of her story matches my story. I do get triggered but it’s easier for me to listen than it was for me to do therapy. So I watch your interviews. I am seeing this woman as such a strong woman and I’m proud of her. I was able to chuckle one time as horrible as it is, my father tried to hit me once but he was smallish and not too strong. As a preteen girl, I caught him and told him, no you’re not. I can still only think of bits and pieces of my childhood

@jacquelineleitch7050 Жыл бұрын

I wonder if the dad was looking for a close knit strict community to take strict control of his abusive behaviours in actuality. It would be interesting to know where the dude got his abusive behaviours and why her mother got along with it. This dude belongs in jail. Jailing more people like this would help.

@function0077 9 ай бұрын

There is a saying, "There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect." My guess is he went church shopping, consciously looking for a group that did not bind him (e.g. professionally, etc.) but bound his victims (e.g. his wife & children). This father is irredeemable.

@themisfitamish Жыл бұрын

*I wasn't property* you got that right.

@zxy78267 11 ай бұрын

This one had me in tears. What Hannah went through was literally torture. Criminals who are in prison have more rights than she did! Her father should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The investigation wasn't thorough. I realize that certain evidence was lacking, but they should have done more. I feel like the right to practice any religious beliefs is good, but it also allows people to get away with a lot. Hannah, I wish you continuing healing. I'm so happy to hear that you have a family and are free.

@savannah5333 Жыл бұрын

I used to work in a hardware store and this Mennonite guy walked in wearing overalls and a straw hat. And no joke said "I've been in here a few times and I think your pretty, you don't look like you wear too much makeup." And I said thanks and he looked me dead in my face and said "Do you like sex?" And I was just like "Are you even allowed to ask me that?!" And he walked away. But I've never been so shocked in my life.

@foodfornot Жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness 😳 Yikes! Unfortunately when these communities shelter the generations so severely you often get these perverted weirdos completely lacking in social skills.

@avamenza6119 Жыл бұрын

Thats a real WTF experience

@emilyrln 11 ай бұрын

What the fresh hell??

@dahliacheung6020 9 ай бұрын

What a shithead. I was once stopped with a, "Hey!" by a random man at a vending machine only for him to ask, "you down for some skull fucking?" I was a minor and this has stuck with me, probably because days later I was raped by a different stranger. Sorry for commenting about something that doesn't have to do with Mennonites but I'm just so very tired of the kind of speech and behavior that insists that women are subhuman sex objects. It's disgusting and horrific.

@jodecesaro1921 7 ай бұрын

Should have said bondage, do u want tied up and peed on?

@totonow6955 Жыл бұрын

I've had Mennonite friends. One of those was beaten mercilessly. He was somewhat broken still at his now advanced age. His life had improved but he still had to be Mennonite. I hope he finally escaped. Love always to Hannah.

@Crows_Nestt Жыл бұрын

It's so cool to see someone talking about the holdeman mennonites. I rarely ever see anyone talking about them

@Pippis78 Жыл бұрын

She's such a strong person. Even though all the abuse and terror she was NEVER "BROKEN". She just fought and waited her opportunity to get away.

@TDruzhok Жыл бұрын

I love that in your thumbnails you always see your guest's faces! It's so amazing that even though you are the host of the podcast & channel, you never take the spotlight away from the people you bring on these episodes ❤

@bethanyestes5126 Жыл бұрын

I love that she was rebelling from the beginning. Fighting spirit.

@gwynnemcmaster4237 Жыл бұрын

What a strong, inspirational woman. She knew she was her own individual and deserving of personal autonomy from such a young age. Questioning her religion and lack of education was gutsy and a brave act.

@ecoquilting7077 Жыл бұрын

The no-courtship juxtaposed with lip kisses for all is really a mind bender for me. Just when I'm thinking oh, yeah, it's so all the men can get kisses, then she says it was only same-gender kisses-- how many corners can my mind bend around? Si now I'm overwhelmed with how tailor made that is for pedophiles, where even in that brief moment of close priximity they can read who would make a likely victim and begin grooming them for longer more private "greetings". Yuck!

@pollsfriend Жыл бұрын

My dad grew up very conservative Mennonite, and he talks about how some of the older men in his church and in other congregations practiced the holy kiss. And how he got roped into it sometimes even though it repulsed him. And he said everyone knew there were certain men to try to avoid because their kiss was less holy and more lingering than others. 🤮

@ecoquilting7077 Жыл бұрын

@@pollsfriend *shudder*

@phantomvampyressshadowkiss4690 Жыл бұрын

🤮 that's sickening

@savvygood Жыл бұрын

For women, it’s just a quick light kiss on the lips. I’ve never experienced a “lingering” kiss. No purse in the lips at all.

@ecoquilting7077 Жыл бұрын

@@savvygood Out here, a person can say "sorry, I don't shake hands" and be thought merely a little odd, but life goes on... I wonder, if a little Mennonite girl spoke up saying she didn't do "quick, light, no purse kisses" would she be considered just a little odd, or would she mark herself as someone requiring "discipline"? Perhaps various-sized sticks would be used on her instead of dry lips?

@mariapark2374 11 ай бұрын

I was raised in California when children were considered property. My alcoholic celebrity Dad wood get caught driving drunk at 2am with me (at 5 years old) and the CHP would laughingly escort him home without a single citation. This happened at least 35 times. I remember bringing home material from a school presentation on Alateen and my Mother yelling at me and ripping it up and forbidding me to mention it to my Father. It never occurred to me to tell anyone about the sexual abuse. Good for you for questioning the situation and breaking free.

@sofie1065 Жыл бұрын

What a brave woman! The Mennonites originally came from the Netherlands. I am Dutch. Some people here talk about the Mennonites as such a cute little piece of heritage from our country. I had my doubts. Unfortunately I was right. So sorry.

@GaliciaSekulska Жыл бұрын

You're voice is heard, your heart is felt, your soul is seen. Thank you 🙏 ... the true meaning of being a light worker.

@vivstevens9525 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Hannah for telling your story, so evil a life you lived. Your courage in taking that phone and making that call, so glad you had the book to get that number from. All the best for your life in the years to come.

@jeanwerschem3076 Жыл бұрын

Curious if her her Dad missed his phone...go looking for it? She didn't call until around 1:00 a.m.

@Aelffwynn 11 ай бұрын

@@jeanwerschem3076people aren't always that concerned about their phones. Especially years ago before we did everything on our phones.

@robbob1866 Жыл бұрын

Listening to her talk at the end about how she didn't know basic stuff reminded me of myself. I was very neglected, isolated and had the old school type of parents that believed that kids should be seen and not heard. I didn't know anything about anything and it was always so scary to be asked something that I had no idea about. Like music or movies or tv shows. It's terrible for a child not to be able to speak openly to their parents. I'm so glad Hannah made it out, and I hope she is well

@CajunA79 2 ай бұрын

I know...my parents were like that.

@robbob1866 2 ай бұрын

@@CajunA79 I still haven't had therapy lol. I hope you have

@CajunA79 2 ай бұрын

@@robbob1866 Lol

@uniqueLeo08 Жыл бұрын

She still has her light despite the numerous beatings. She's so brave to make that phone call and to share her story that shines a light on her unfortunate terrible childhood. Her mom seemed to rebel in her own way by taking her kids to the library and allowing them to just READ! Knowledge is power for sure and the people obsessed with controlling others know this.

@DevonExplorer Жыл бұрын

What a brave, lovely young woman. That must have been so difficult to tell her story. When I came out of a cult it took a very long time to get over CPTSD and my story is nothing compared to this so I can't imagine the horrendous difficulties she faced. Bright blessings to you both. :)

@willowtdog6449 Жыл бұрын

It truly is so impressive to hear people talk about this sort of abuse publicly. It really is helpful to hear, even though what I have experienced is very minor by comparison. It's so complicated when it is family who harm us. This is such a great show! I love the way it centers and respects the survivors, while giving the necessary details about the harm happening to people in these high-demand groups.

@winros 4 ай бұрын

I grew up pentecostal... The worst that you could do is to question!! You would be considered a troublemaker!!

@chanaplotke6218 Жыл бұрын

Watching the trauma cross her face is very painful especially when she talks about her escape. I cried for her but admire greatly her daring escape and her survival.

@svetlanaherhorses6526 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Shalise for taking in those crazy yet relevant stories and thanks for the guests to be vulnerable and open to educate us. I feel so ignorant when it comes to the ugly side of the world. We can't stop the flood of truth, because it will flush away the harms.

@LifeSkillsJune2024 Жыл бұрын

So PROUD of her!!! That is SO DIFFICULT to leave and not to try to protect your abusers.

@55tmilam Жыл бұрын

I’m 6 foot 5, 290 lbs and I used to be a boxer. I so wish I could have had maybe an hour with her father!!!!!! He would have begged to expire!

@denize7139 11 ай бұрын

I wish that churches and other groups would value bodily autonomy and teach consent. As a grandmother of an autistic grandchild, I have learned so much about getting consent before a ‘lavish my love’ on my beloved grandson. It was so hard at first, but now that I understand him better, I would never touch him without his consent and he is only two. This conversation on Mennonite kissing has broadened my understanding to “Of course I shouldn’t be touching anyone without their unpressurized consent, regardless of my ‘good intentions’.” Thanks for making me a better person. ❤❤

@gtron7692 Жыл бұрын

Her dad was an actual doctor and did this?!? He was mandated by his profession to report suspected abuse yet treated his daughter and family this way. WTF???

@hannahprosser1004 Жыл бұрын

Yes. And he is still a doctor. He used to work in E.R.s but has been working out of the back of the same house where I was locked in for a long time now. He also does house calls.

@Jennyhicks33 Жыл бұрын

@@hannahprosser1004WOW!

@stevesmom9868 Жыл бұрын

@hannahprosser1004 so sorry to hear you went through all you did and everyone around you thought it was normal. I live right near Lancaster County PA and know lots of horrible things that happen in the Amish community here.

@BlackSeranna 11 ай бұрын

I had a psychologist explain to me that SA is an addiction. These evil people are addicted. And if you have ever known an addict, they don’t stop, not ever.

@jdane2277 10 ай бұрын

Jesus said ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Matthew 25:40

@MichaelYoder1961 Жыл бұрын

Compelling story and brave woman to go through all that and survive and thrive, in spite of the PTSD

@BrianWaraksa 11 ай бұрын

I’m appalled this monster isn’t in jail! This makes me sick to my stomach…literally….I feel like I’m going to vomit. You Hannah are a very strong person and I wish you the best. However, I was so hoping this would have ended with you saying your father was in prison for the rest of his life!

@DanMosqueda Жыл бұрын

My family is originally from the same part of Kentucky. I had no idea this was going on there. I’m so proud of you for standing up for yourself Hannah!

@stephanierenee78 Жыл бұрын

I just found your channel. It’s amazing! I’ve only watched a couple videos but they are so fascinating. I didn’t grow up in any religious settlement or community but I am a survivor of child SA and these women are incredible! They are so strong and brave, I could not imagine growing up in these situations

@andymackey Жыл бұрын

Hannah, your positivity, bravery, and strength are all so inspirational and give us hope that we can not only survive our pasts, but also thrive in creating our new life for ourselves. Good for you for never giving up in continually asking questions. Thank you for speaking up. 💜

@knowyourworth855 Жыл бұрын

Oh wow, I grew up Dunkard Brethren (similar to Mennonite) and we did the holy kiss thing. Ugh, I hated it! I never understood why it had to be directly on the lips. I could relate to her story so much.

@misme5086 Жыл бұрын

Hannah, sale those bags!!! I would 100% buy one❤. You are amazing and strong. Thank you for sharing your story.

@marenawhite3322 Жыл бұрын

Though I didn’t grow up in a cult, the army was my fathers cult. He took great pleasure in abusing us so he could and would have control of our family. I was treated worse because I also asked questions such as “why does the man always have to come first?” His response was never kind and he was always going after me for even dropping my head when he spoke to me. I fell into active addiction and almost killed myself over his denial of love for me. I continue to recover everyday from my abuses and addiction.

@ryannath85 11 ай бұрын

Men are the head of the household. That's one reason in your words "they come first."

@clarantromillo 11 ай бұрын

Muy conveniente para usted su pensamiento, caballero. Muy conveniente

@JustMe1u2 Жыл бұрын

Hannah, I'm glad you found the strength and courage to escape the horror of what you had to endure, I hope and pray that there are people to help those left behind and are going through the horror's and nightmares no one should have to endure. Thank you for sharing your story.

@briannabennett6126 Жыл бұрын

Have yet to listen to this episode but soooo excited to see it… thank you for shedding light on these circles… I grew up Mennonite and the more I walk away from that kind of lifestyle the more I see just how culty it was and not very many ppl are talking about it and just see them as “good” people. I know soooooo many stories of abuse being shoved under the rug and it seems so prevalent in these circles…. Thank you for giving these victims a voice!

@Renata-nk7ux 10 ай бұрын

Sitting here in Germany on a sunny Sunday morning, it's hard to hear such sad Storys. My heard goes out to those brave women. I wish them all the very best for their future live. ❤

@fleetsma5119 Жыл бұрын

Hannah, thank you for sharing parts of your story with us. I am so sorry.

@Crows_Nestt Жыл бұрын

As someone who is still stuck in the holdeman mennonite cult(and is planning to leave as soon as possible), it's changed a lot in the past idk, 10 years I guess. The woman are allowed to wear store bought dresses, but they have to meet the modesty standards like having to cover your knees whether standing or sitting, not having too big of a neckline, etc They can wear short sleeved dresses, the sleeves are like regular t-shirt sleeve length, but for church or any kind of deal they have at church, they would have to be long sleeves. They still have to wear black shoes to church. The men i don't think have changed much, except for they are allowed to wear shirts with like designs on them for everyday. There's still no music, no jewelry, no tv, none of those things It's honestly really gross how they can just get away with stuff

@mountainmama7155 11 ай бұрын

I left 8 years ago. You can totally do it! It's hell at first, but after a few years, you will find your way and place in the world I promise, it's 💯 worth it! I will never never go back.

@jillschmidt4825 8 ай бұрын

Hannah, I’m very proud of you! I’m also an ex Holdeman and have not suffered abuse, but could relate with many other aspects of your story, such as being inquisitive about why we had to do certain things, and then getting push back for even trying to understand why. I’ve been out for many years and have found such a freedom in living for Christ without all the extra rules to wade through. Yes those first years are hard learning to integrate into society but isn’t it so worth it to be true to yourself and to what you believe in?! Stay strong my friend. You are not alone! ❤

@badlandskid Жыл бұрын

🤔 the afterlife will be a big surprise for those who perpetrate such atrocities I think.

@ajstutz69 11 ай бұрын

30:11 “the girl couldn’t hardly sit down” Gave me flashbacks to my upbringing in a Beachy Amish household. I used to get beat until I could barely walk, with whatever my dad could get his hands on, trying to “break my spirit”… freakin monsters!

@codirennke1109 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for standing up and being such a strong and unbreakable woman Hannah. I'm so proud of you for getting out. Sending love to you and I hope you live the rest of your life in peace. 💜

@SuzieQue42 Жыл бұрын

Wicked wicked man. Awful. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.

@peggystoutemorin4529 11 ай бұрын

This poor girl! My heart breaks for how she suffered. 😢 Such cruelty! Please live the absolute best life you can.

@jessicaunderwood4005 Жыл бұрын

WE HEAR YOU NOW AND WE BELIEVE YOU! Peace to you on your journey, keep going ❤

@creatureencounters3897 Жыл бұрын

Hannah, you should be so proud of yourself, all you have achieved, and over come. You are an astonishing human being. Thank you for sharing your story.

@adeleennis2255 Жыл бұрын

Hannah could do very well on the craft show and Renaissance fair circuit with her leather goods. I’m so glad she kept fighting even when she thought she was weak. True courage and bravery is when you push forward not knowing what will happen. Hannah is so strong. She refused to let her father break her. That’s just one piece in her success story. Sending positive thoughts to Hannah for more healing.

@SuzeeD4358 Жыл бұрын

These last several interviews have been very enlightening, I never knew that there were so many variation's of Amish/Mennonite denominations. Hannah's story is difficult, I'm so glad she's out and doing well.

@TDruzhok Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry, Hannah, that you went through all of the horror. I am also incredibly happy to hear that you are doing better now! I hope future brings many great things and healing towards you ❤

@venturini09 8 ай бұрын

You should do a part two, focusing on her life since her rescue.

@Aly11594 8 ай бұрын

I found this channel a few days ago now I'm hooked! Hearing these stories is heartbreaking 😢 It makes me realize how lucky I was to grow up the way I did. I can't imagine the hell these poor children endure each day. I pray they are healing & happy today.

@CultstoConsciousness 8 ай бұрын

Hi! Welcome to C2C! ❤️

@bonniemeyer1301 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Hannah. You are very brave to share your story. Also, your leather work is incredible!

@andari02 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your story! It’s comforting knowing others are working through those daily challenges of living life “after”. ❤

@angiesunnie8469 Жыл бұрын

This women is so strong! This horrible experience and she still has a beautiful smile!❤❤❤

@trishayamada807 11 ай бұрын

I’m always amazed at people who want to be controlled as ADULTS. I can’t imagine as an adult asking for permission for a cell phone. F that nonsense. Then to inflict that onto children to try and make them weak minded and also controllable. I just don’t get it. I’m so amazed at her strength and courage to fight for her right to her life!!!! Way to go!!!! 🎉❤

@DLN19 Жыл бұрын

As so many others have said you are so strong and brave. It is so wonderful that after all you've been through you are able to smile while telling your story.

@misterdiffiCULT1 Жыл бұрын

This one was rough, but the fact she can speak on all this today, call it out, help others, and surmount all the difficulties... Hats off.

@silktish Жыл бұрын

As usual, Shelise, your interviewing skills are on point! Hannah, i am so proud of you for continuing to question through unspeakable abuse and for speaking out and writing about this. Your story will help so many people. I just bought your book.

@CultstoConsciousness Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! And thanks for supporting Hannah!❤️

@Jverburgh Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, Hannah. I did learn a lot.

@danihawkinspreissler8017 Ай бұрын

I am reading Hannah's book now and woah, it is heavy (I'm only half way through.). I cannot imagine everything you had to go to. And for you to continue to fight and fight and fight for the right to be your own person. Thank you for sharing your story. I will never understand how anyone can treat another human being the way you were treated. Not only by Ahaz but also the way you were treated by your mother and siblings.

@margeryk000 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your story, Hannah. You are a wonderfully brave woman.

@teresabeck-cs2gm 10 ай бұрын

I’m so glad that so many are speaking truth about what’s happening every one of you are brave and I respect what your doing to get your stories out there for all to acknowledge.

@narcabusesurvivor Жыл бұрын

God Bless You dear Hannah ... no child deserves to suffer. May your courage and resilience light the torch for many moving forward xxx

@Execprod5 Жыл бұрын

Great interview Hannah! You are such a brave and inspiring woman. Your children (and the dogs) are blessed to have you in their lives! Be well.

@teresalowe6566 Жыл бұрын

Hannah, I applaud your strength and courage. Coming from a similar background, I understand your struggle to make it make sense. I was also punished for asking questions. Not physically but emotionally, financially, and mentally.

@NoNameNumberTwo 10 ай бұрын

I appreciate Hannah sharing her story to educate and help others. #knowledgeispower 💗

@GoldenMom815 Жыл бұрын

I live in an area with many Amish and Mennonite groups. They range from extremely conservative like Eli’s old order Amish to Mennonites who wear jeans and shorts.

@cunningcorvid2586 Жыл бұрын

Hannah, you're a wonderful inspiration and I'm so glad to hear you're doing well now. It is tough, every day, to be reminded of things but grounding in what you love (as I'm sure you know already) is the best remedy. Love to her and everyone caught in this terrible cult.

@wiebkeposch13 Жыл бұрын

Soooooo brave. Under all these circumstances withstanding all that cruelty and being a messenger to the world. I am in awe for how strong and brave and hugehearted you are!

@MalikaBourne Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Hannah. I appreciate your sharing.

@melissacherry8920 9 күн бұрын

Hannah, thank you for sharing. I deal with trauma everyday too. I also have autism, which can be confused with PTSD. In fact they have a high comorbidity rate. The fact that you (Hannah) ask a lot of questions in childhood along with being an outsider makes me think you may be too. I hate putting labels on myself but me knowing this has helped me a lot. Others pick up on my oddities and I have been bullied and othered a lot but knowing why helped me cope. I also am nicer to myself because this is a full blown disability and sometimes it takes me longer to do the things I need too and I have to take breaks. It’s like missing an arm but everyone thinks you have an arm, ya know. I wish you the best and I sincerely hope my comment is taken the right way. Sending love and good vibes. You are not alone ❤

@hannahprosser1004 8 күн бұрын

Hi! I've never been tested but I also suspect that I'm on the spectrum. I always feel like I don't quite belong and other people don't seem to think in the same ways I do- except for those with a touch of 'tism! My closest friends are all diagnosed and I just assume I'm one of them too! 😂 I'm so sorry for what you've been through ❤

@patriciaschultz3005 Жыл бұрын

Hannah, you held true to your authentic self amazingly. You were so brave. I admire you.

@lynnettehendersen1317 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your life experience with us Hannah!! You’re so much more than a victim… you’re an inspiration, you’re a survivor and you’re an amazing, strong, beautiful woman who is going to make this world a better place just by being in it!!

@Mooba2 Жыл бұрын

I'm blown away by how brave Hannah is

@hikariyamato6595 11 ай бұрын

Thank you Hannah for being your future self’s best advocate. I hope your story will help give others in similar circumstances the strength they need to also become their own future self’s advocate.

@Beginnerreadsthebible Жыл бұрын

Im always so inspired by these individuals who have not only come out of a horrible upbringing, but they truly grab life by the horns and go for it- whether its writing a book or finishing school or whatever. ❤

@papabear2515 Жыл бұрын

Words are powerful,and freeing. Thank you for being a brave truth-teller!

@Jennyhicks33 Жыл бұрын

What an amazingly brave woman she is! Thank you for sharing your story! And I DEFINITELY want to be kept in the loop if she decides to sell her purses!