Two months after first opening up on social media about her personal, “terrifying” experiences as a victim of domestic violence, Hallmark actress Chelsea Hobbs, 40, is offering support and encouragement to others hoping to escape abusive relationships.
On October 31, 2025, Hobbs posted a video message on social media in honor of the final day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting, “The scary thing is, it doesn’t end on that day. It’s year-round.”
Hobbs, whose Christmas movies have included the October 26 Hallmark Channel premiere of “Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane” and 2023’s “Navigating Christmas,” bravely shared some of the things she’s learned since ending an unhealthy marriage.
Chelsea Hobbs Encourages Domestic Violence Survivors to Use Their Voices for Good
“I think we need to do better,” Hobbs told her followers in her October 30 video. “I think we need to be better advocates, educators. We need to use our voice if we have been in a domestic violence situation and we’ve navigated ourselves out.”
“I hope that you can find the bravery in yourself to use your voice to help other people,” Hobbs continued.
Noting that there are “millions of women” currently stuck in abusive relationships, the “Dream Moms” star also encouraged her followers to pay close attention to potential signs of abuse from women in their lives.
Hobbs advised those watching to take notice of anyone who “has withdrawn, that isn’t themselves, that isn’t getting out as much, (isn’t) partaking in activities as much, withdraws when their partner is around, or has just lost their spark.”
“If you have that gut feeling that something is not right,” she continued, “or you’ve heard them say things that indicate that something’s off, it might be deeper than you think.”
After Leaving Her Marriage, Chelsea Hobbs Began Sharing Her Own Journey Through Domestic Violence
HallmarkHobbs, who also appeared as Jonathan Bennett’s sister in 2022’s “The Holiday Sitter,” began sharing her own journey with fans in August, revealing that she’d left her marriage and “should’ve left sooner.”
In a social media post that detailed parts of her experience, the mom of four wrote, “This post took over a year to write. ❤️please read with care. I wrote it because I had to get it out in order to fully heal. I wrote it because I know it will help at least one of you.”
In her October 30 video, Hobbs encouraged those who’ve noticed changes in a friend or family member to not be afraid of “uncomfortable conversations,” reminding them that having hard talks — despite the fear it might risk their friendship — “could actually save a life and be exactly what someone needs.”
One in four women will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point in their life, according to the CDC, which is a stat Hobbs shared with her followers. However, she said she suspects the number is even greater because “domestic violence silences victims.”
Hobbs also pointed out that abuse isn’t always physical, but can be financial, verbal, and emotional. She also reminded anyone feeling stuck in an unhealthy relationship that are “so many resources” and that they can put their phone on “private browsing” to find them.
“You can do a quick Google and find out what is available to you today,” she said.
Chelsea Hobbs’ Followers Praise Her For Being So Brave & Helpful
Hobbs’ friends, family, and fans filled the comment section of her post with praise for being so brave and so helpful to women who may be in danger.
One person wrote, “So proud of you, Chels 💜 this is so important, your advocacy is so important. Love you, beautiful. 🙏”
“A very important message,” another wrote. “And I think it’s worth noting that oftentimes abusive people will come off differently, maybe even charming and charismatic when around or in front of others”
Hobbs, who now co-hosts the Creative Sisterhood podcast, replied, “yes exactly, they will often be very liked by their family and friends who don’t see the other side of them behind closed doors. This is extremely common.”
Another wrote, “You are such a beautiful person… inside and outside. Thank you for doing what you do. This is so important.”
If you or a loved one feel unsafe at home, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers immediate resources and help via its website or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Congratulations! You were so brave to make this decision. It took me many years to decide to leave. I know how scary the decision is to make. You did the thing.