Why She Stayed

Today I am joined by Lindsay Abernathy host of Bitch Is A Bad Word podcast as she shares her personal story of surviving domestic abuse. We discuss topics of love bombing, future faking, how control escalates over time financially, emotionally, physically, and much more. Please see links below to connect with Lindsay or to check out her podcast: Instagram: @bitchisabadwordpodTiktok: @bitchisabadwordApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bitch-is-a-bad-word-a-domestic-abuse-survivors-guide/id1780948251YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord

I am honored to have Lundy Bancroft on the show with me to talk about some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding domestic abuse and the mind of the abuser. Lundy Bancroft is the author of the book "Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" as well as many other books and has worked extensively in batterer intervention programs. He has over 30 years of experience working with abusive men and their families and is a leading voice in the field of domestic abuse and advocacy. For Lundy's books, recourses, and more visit his website at: https://lundybancroft.com/

On this episode, guest Ashley Maland and I discuss topics such as red flags, why you feel like you cannot leave, abuser's who frequently discard, healing your strong attachments to them, how to trust yourself again, and dating struggles post-abuse. Ashley's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theashleytaylorcoAshley's Podcast: https://thisiswhereweheal.com/Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26Lundy Bancroft Daily Wisdom Book referenced in today's show: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Wisdom-Does-That-Encouragement/dp/0425265102

On this episode, Martha shares her story of enduring an abusive relationship that included many layers of mind games, emotional abuse, triangulation, and coercion. We discuss how abuser's attempt to reverse victim and offender at every turn and cause us to act in uncharacteristic ways the more they break us down. Martha's Instagram: @marthacgagnonGrace's Instagram: @gracestuart26

On this episode, I am re-sharing my story to capture within one episode to discuss topics and themes that may help you recall things from your own experience or make new connections. Thank you to this incredible community and I look forward to this next year to come with all of you!My Instagram and Resources: Instagram: @gracestuart26https://www.thehotline.org/https://www.domesticshelters.org/

Morgan shares her story of the constant mix of hot and cold behaviors of her abuser and how she did not know it was abuse for so long. We talk about the infidelity that took place and how victims are gaslit into not trusting the information that is right in front of them. We also speak about how Morgan found the strength to leave while 8 weeks pregnant with their third child and the challenges she faced post- separation.Morgan's Coaching Page: @consideritjoylifecoachMorgan's Website: https://www.consideritjoylifecoach.com/Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26

On this episode, I am joined by Courtney Gilmartin who is a legal strategist and protective mom advocating for change in New Jersey & the family court system. We have a general discussion about entering the court system as a mother and provide some practical tips & resources to keep in your toolbox of information.For further information & support you can check out these links:NJ Protective Moms - Resource page has A TON of free resourceshttps://www.njprotectivemoms.org/resourcesHolding Hope Foundation - offers scholarships to protective moms https://holdinghopefoundation.com/Courtney's Booking Page https://calendly.com/courtneygilmartinMonarch Consulting Grouphttps://www.monarchconsultinggrp.com/Courtney's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/courtney.gilmartin/Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26

On this episode, Mandy shares her survivor story about how she met her abuser at a young age and was quickly swept into a relationship where possessiveness, monitoring, and the pressure to be "perfect" were constant. We will discuss what made this cycle so confusing and the challenges she faced while leaving including having to record conversations just to keep track of her own memory.Mandy's TikTok: @m__sealeNo Instagram ProvidedGrace's Instagram: @gracestuart26

On this episode, Rose shares her survivor story of navigating an abusive relationship with emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual coercion, escalating physical crossing of boundaries, and leaving with children. She shares how her abuser would use shared- dreams they had of the future to keep her in the cycle including faking change in an attempt to get her to return to the relationship. If you want to connect with today's guest you can get in touch through her Instagram page: @rooted.and.bloomingGuest's Instagram: @rooted.and.bloomingMy Instagram: @Gracestuart26