A GENTLE NOTE BEFORE LISTENING
This episode includes honest conversations about domestic abuse, coercive control, emotional, financial and sexual abuse, intimidation and non-fatal strangulation. Some of the content may feel difficult to hear, so please take care of yourself while listening.
KEYWORDS
Domestic abuse, coercive control, emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, survivor story, LGBTQ+ abuse, men and domestic abuse, warning signs, healthy relationships, recovery, asking for help
SUMMARY
In this powerful and honest episode of Thriving Not Surviving, Helen talks to Josh Munro, a domestic abuse advocate and survivor, about his personal experience of abuse and the work he now does supporting others.
Josh shares how emotional, financial and sexual abuse can develop gradually, often making it difficult to recognise what is happening while you're living through it. Together, they explore coercive control, manipulation, isolation, love bombing, breadcrumbing and the warning signs that a relationship may be becoming unsafe.
They also discuss domestic abuse affecting men and LGBTQ+ people, the challenges faced by support services, and why asking for help doesn't always mean you're ready to leave.
Above all, this is a conversation about hope, resilience and finding yourself again. If something in your relationship doesn't feel right, you don't have to wait until things become worse before reaching out. You deserve love, respect and to feel safe.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality or background.
• Abuse isn't always obvious. It can begin with criticism, manipulation, control and a gradual loss of confidence.
• Love bombing and breadcrumbing can create a confusing cycle of affection, disappointment and hope.
• Isolation from friends and family is a major red flag, particularly when your partner is influencing who you see or how often.
• Financial control, sexual coercion and intimidation are all forms of abuse — physical violence isn't the only warning sign.
• If you're constantly walking on eggshells, changing your behaviour to avoid your partner's reaction or feeling afraid, something isn't right.
• You don't have to be ready to leave before you ask for help. Sometimes the safest option is to gather information and make a plan.
• Trust your instincts. You deserve a relationship where you feel safe, respected, loved and free to be yourself.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Women’s aid- national domestic abuse helpline- 08082000247
NCDV- National centre for domestic violence- contact for non-molestation and occupation orders (will also do legal aid paperwork) 0800 970 2070
Men- Mankind Initiative- 01823 334244 & ASK MARC- midlands- 0121 289 6402 info@askmarc.org.uk
LGBT- Gallop- national- 0800 999 5428 - help@gallop.org.uk
Birmingham LGBT- west midlands- idva@blgbt.org/ 0121 643 0821
Stonewall housing- national- 0800 6 404 404
Clare's Law -Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
Bright Sky - App discussed as a way to record incidents, keep a diary and document evidence such as photographs and injuries.
Connect with Helen
Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
FB: Inspired Healing
LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
WhatsApp: +447971798462
NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
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