When someone leaves an abusive home, we tend to think of it as the end of the story. Advocates say it's often when the violence escalates — and when survivors are left to rebuild a sense of self after years of being told they had none.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, JoJo Dries joins The Metro to talk about the long work of healing after domestic violence. Dries runs On the Wings of Angels, a metro Detroit nonprofit meeting survivors with shelter, security, therapy and a community willing to stay. She spoke with Ahlem Mahdhi, a fellow at WDET through the U.S. State Department's Professional Fellows Program.

Editor's note: This episode includes descriptions of abuse. If you need help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.