Why She Stayed

On this episode I am joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Dana Anderson where we discuss the dangers of non-fatal strangulation, what it is, what "counts", why it matters, and answering your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Anderson's website and social links: Instagram: dr.dana_andersonTiktok: @killerpsychologistWebsite: https://psychologydr.com/doctor-of-clinical-forensic-psychology/Further resources and videos: https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/identifying-abuse/being-choked-during-sex-is-rising-in-popularity-among-young-peoplehttps://www.familyjusticecenter.org/resources/survivors-perspective-the-impact-of-strangulation-during-sex-sexual-choking/https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/domestic-violence-op-ed-column/after-four-strangulations-i-googled-domestic-abusehttps://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/identifying-abuse/strangulation-is-the-highest-predictor-of-murderhttps://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/non-fatal-strangulation-is-what-domestic-violence-advocates-fear-the-most-right-now/https://www.dangerassessment.org/DA.aspx

On this episode I am joined by my guest Amanda where we discuss topics of emotional abuse, coercive control, sexual coercion and more. We also discuss how abusers use things like withdrawing or demanding intimacy as a way to control you and how porn use and spiritual manipulation can play a role in the cycle of abuse. See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more on guest information.

On today's episode, Cindy and I discuss the progression of abuse in her past relationship/ marriage and how strong cognitive dissonance can be when you are dealing with "two versions" of your partner. We also talk about their claims of change, and how intense euphoric recalls can be when you are trying walk away and what helped Cindy to overcome that.Cindy's Instagram: @cin.d.bin

On this episode, I am joined by Elle Gargano speaking about enduring a 9 year abusive relationship and all of the aspects that kept her feeling stuck including surviving a mass shooting during the time when she was still with her abuser. We speak heavily about emotional and mental abuse and how the confusion kept her feeling uncertain of her experience for many years.Elle's Socials and Website: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellegargano/TikTok: @ellegarganoWebsite: https://www.ellegargano.com/

Morgan shares her story of escaping a relationship that included extreme phases of "love" and devaluing. We discuss topics of coercion, reactive abuse, lying to escape his accusations, the addictiveness of the cycle, and overcoming self-blame.See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more episode clips and episode information.

On this episode I'm joined by Karen DeArmond Gardner where we talk about covert, emotional, mental, and spiritual abuse. She gives new perspectives on how to handle the intrusive thoughts and lies that tell us "but am I supposed to stay?"All Links for Karen's Socials and Website:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karendearmondgardner?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Healing-Domestic-Abuse-Reaching/dp/0825446945Website: https://anotheronefree.com/Facebook: Another One Free

On this episode, Savannah shares her story about mental, verbal, and physical abuse and why it felt so hard to leave. We talk about how "smaller" physical trespasses escalate over time and how the perpetrator may pretend they are not even happening. This is an episode for anyone who is in a cycle of "good and bad" who is looking to gain new perspective. Savannah's Socials:Tiktok: @therealmessmomIG: @therealmessmom

On this episode, Jess shares her story about how abusers can weaponize mental health claims as an excuse to accuse you and gain control in very covert ways. We also discuss how perpetrators who are very charismatic triangulate people around them to feed into the manipulation and lies.