Why She Stayed

On this episode, I am joined by Criminal Behavior Analyst, Laura Richards. Laura is an expert on domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual violence homicide and risk assessment. She trained at New Scotland Yard and the FBI Behavioral Analysis Units and is an advocate for victims and an author, producer and podcaster. Together, we sit down and discuss the importance of trusting your gut instincts, the reality of coercive control, the Gabby Petitio case, and much more. You can find all of Laura's links below for her podcast, recourses, trainings, and social media pages. Laura Richards Podcasts, Squad and YouTube can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@crimeanalysthttps://www.crime-analyst.comwww.patreon.com/CrimeAnalysthttps://wondery.com/shows/real-crime-profile/ For more information and resources, the following sites can be accessed: www.thelaurarichards.comhttps://www.dashriskchecklist.com/ Socials:Crime Analyst Squad: www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalystFacebook Crime Analyst PodcastInsta: @laurarichards999 and @crimeanalystThreads @crimeanalystTiktok: @crimeanalystpodX: @laurarichards99 and @thecrimeanalystGrace's Social Media:Instagram: @Gracestuart26Tiktok: @gracestuart

On this episode, I am joined by licensed therapist and author Leah Aguirre where we have an open conversation about "hidden" forms of abuse such as frequent criticism, belittling, and making you feel like nothing is ever good enough. We also discuss questions like "why does my abuser's ex say he wasn't abusive" and "how to not get confused when he starts acting nice again". Lastly, we talk about our takeaways from the Gabby Petito case and several other topics.Leah's Website, Links, & Socials: Book for pre-order: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/is-this-really-love-leah-aguirre-lcsw/1146033741Leah's group practice website: https://www.covecounselinggroup.com/Leah's Instagram: @leahaguirrelcswGrace's Instagram: @gracestuart26, @whyshestayedpodcast

On this episode, Naomi shares about the cognitive dissonance she experienced when she was working as a victim crime advocate not realizing that she herself was experiencing coercive control, abuse within her own marriage. We talk about her journey to gain clarity, how she left with children, and her abuser's famous words: "But I never hit you".Naomi's Instagram: @nar4124My Instagram: @gracestuart26

On this Episode, Liadan shares her abuse story and how confusion played a huge role in struggling to break free. We talk about continuous discarding as a form of abuse, triangulation, and how efficiently the abuser will turn the blame back onto you. This episode contains topics of emotional, verbal, & physical abuse. Liadan's Instagram: @liadanmairegunterLiadan's Website: https://www.therewiringlens.com/

Nicole shares her abuse story of a 10+ year relationship/ marriage that included emotional, mental, financial, and escalating physical abuse. We discuss how the constant ups and downs felt like "whiplash" and how she ultimately left while her daughter was only 5 months old. Guest information will be kept private for now. You can follow me on Instagram @gracestuart26 and Tiktok @gracestuart.

On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Christine Cocchiola. We discuss examples of how abuse can feel both hidden & obvious, how the perpetrator frames you as the "bad" one, & the dynamic when children are involved. Dr. Cocchiola's website, books, & links:FRAMED Book: https://narcfreepress.com/Website: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/Instagram: @dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol

Sasha shares her story of how she found herself in an intense cycle of abuse with a man who claimed to be "trauma informed" and emotionally mature, but was actually abusing and causing massive confusion behind closed doors. We talk about feeling like they are your best friend and worst nightmare at the same time, how the stress of abuse affects your physical health, and why couples counseling can make matters worse.Sasha's Website & Social Media:www.OurSacredSpaceRiverside.comBusiness Instagram: @OurSacredSpaceRiversidePersonal Instagram: @Lunallenawellness

On this episode, my guest Cory shares her abuse story about how she survived a cycle of fast love bombing, being hurt by the same person who "rescues you", how your body will start to reject them, and how she found the strength to leave with a young child.Follow Cory's Instagram: @coryannmichel

During this episode, I will be answering your most commonly asked questions about abuse and healing. We discuss questions such as:Can abuse be unintentional? Do I owe my abuser one last conversation?Best way to deal with the silent treatmentHow to stop comparing yourself to the next person they are withAnd more. See more Q&As covered through my Instagram: @gracestuart26