The Courage to Speak: How JoJo Dries Built a Lifeline for Abuse Survivors

From Silence to Impact: JoJo Dries on Surviving Abuse and Creating Change

⚠️ Content warning: This post contains discussion of childhood sexual and physical abuse.

When JoJo Dries stepped onto the TEDxDetroit stage and opened with, “What if the person who was supposed to protect you became the person you needed protection from?”—I froze. You don’t forget a line like that. And after hearing her full story, you understand why she had to tell it.

In our interview, JoJo took us beyond the speech. She shared the truth about growing up in what appeared to be a perfect family on the outside, while surviving horrific abuse behind closed doors—from the very people who were supposed to protect her. For 20 years, she endured physical and sexual abuse from her father. What made it even more devastating was the silence. The denial. The disbelief from those closest to her.

But this isn’t just a story about trauma. This is a story about reclaiming power.

Why She Finally Left—And How She Rebuilt

JoJo didn’t walk away from her family until the age of 29. She talks about how, for years, fear, obligation, and emotional manipulation kept her stuck. The turning point? When her father violently attacked her for refusing to kick her boyfriend out of their home. That was the moment she said, “Enough.”

She left with nothing but trash bags and faith—and the belief that the universe would catch her if she jumped. And it did. She built a new life. Reunited with her now-husband. And eventually created On The Wings of Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

But the angels in the name? They’re not donors. They’re the ones who didn’t survive.

Why She Speaks Now

JoJo could have chosen a quiet life. But instead, she chose to be a voice for others still trapped in silence. And she knows what’s at stake. She’s lost friends. She’s been threatened. And yet—she continues to tell her story. Because for someone out there, hearing it might be the beginning of their escape plan.

During our conversation, she reminded me that trauma survivors don’t need fixing—they need support, safety, and to know they aren’t alone.

How You Can Help or Get Help

JoJo’s organization operates with a "no red tape" model—designed to remove the overwhelm for those in crisis. Whether someone needs shelter, legal support, or simply a human to talk to, her team is ready.

👉 Visit On The Wings of Angels

Donate or Volunteer

Need help right now? Use the survivor intake form on their site.

Final Thoughts

JoJo’s story may be hard to hear—but essential to tell. It reminds us that survival is not just about making it through. It’s about using what tried to destroy you to build something that helps others rise.

If this episode moved you, share it. Someone in your world might need to hear it more than you know.

FREE RESOURCE IF NEEDED:

How to Talk to Someone You Suspect Is Being Abused - A Guide From On The Wings Of Angels

CLICK HERE