Authors Against Abuse: How Writers Are Using Storytelling to Shatter Silence and Support Survivors {ep. 186}
October 22, 2025
Writers can change the narrative on abuse. Learn how I Know Why She Stayed and the Authors Against Abuse initiative empower authors to support survivors. Survivors Kasey Rogers and K. J. “Kat” Harrowick share how writing became a tool for healing after financial abuse.
Summary
As writers, we know words can heal, connect, and transform lives. But what happens when writing becomes a literal lifeline?
In this moving episode, Alexa speaks with Kasey Rogers and K. J. “Kat” Harrowick, co-founders of I Know Why She Stayed—a nonprofit organization using storytelling and authorship to change how the world understands domestic and financial abuse. Through their initiative Authors Against Abuse, they’re inviting writers, editors, and publishers to join a growing movement: using our creative gifts to support survivors, raise awareness, and build a more compassionate literary community.
For anyone in the Women in Publishing Summit community—where so many of us write to heal, to empower, and to give voice to the voiceless—this conversation is essential listening.
In this episode, Alexa and her guests discuss:
- The hidden, pervasive issue of financial abuse and coercive control
- How Kasey and Kat’s lived experiences inspired their advocacy work
- How writing became a healing tool for survivors of financial and domestic abuse
- The mission of I Know Why She Stayed and why it’s so relevant to the author community
- The Authors Against Abuse initiative and how writers can get involved
- How the literary world can support survivors through storytelling, workshops, and advocacy
- The creation of the Power Pen, a discreet safety resource for women at risk
- Why financial literacy and independence are key themes writers can help amplify
- Ways authors and creatives can donate, volunteer, or collaborate to make a tangible impact
- Their ongoing research study measuring the effectiveness of their program
Speaker Bios
Kasey Rogers
Author, survivor, and co-founder of I Know Why She Stayed, Kasey transformed her experience with financial and emotional abuse into advocacy. Her memoir For Better Selves explores trauma, recovery, and empowerment through writing.
Author, survivor, and co-founder of I Know Why She Stayed, Kasey transformed her experience with financial and emotional abuse into advocacy. Her memoir For Better Selves explores trauma, recovery, and empowerment through writing.
K. J. “Kat” Harrowick
Co-founder of I Know Why She Stayed, Kat is an author and curriculum designer focused on helping survivors rebuild self-worth and financial literacy. Her work challenges how society perceives abuse and economic control.
Co-founder of I Know Why She Stayed, Kat is an author and curriculum designer focused on helping survivors rebuild self-worth and financial literacy. Her work challenges how society perceives abuse and economic control.
Resources & Links
- Organization: I Know Why She Stayed
- Patreon: Support on Patreon
- Instagram: @iknowwhysheStayed
- Join the Study: [email protected]
- Authors Against Abuse Initiative