Why She Stayed

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Emma Katz to break down some of your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Katz is a UK- based domestic violence & coercive control researcher and a Substack Bestseller. During this episode, we discuss topics such as why abusers tend to use emotional abuse & coercive behaviors as their main form of control, examples of why they are doing it on purpose, and how they attack the mother-child relationship.Dr. Katz Links & Resources: 10 Reasons Why a Coercively Controlling Man is an Unfit Father: https://dremmakatz.substack.com/p/10-reasons-why-a-coercively-controlling"She's Not Innocent Either." Actually, Yes She Is Innocent: https://dremmakatz.substack.com/p/shes-not-innocent-either-actuallyBrowse all Dr Emma Katz's articles on Substack and find what you want to read: https://dremmakatz.substack.com/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Coercive-Control-Childrens-Mothers-Lives/dp/B0CM4L7HLH/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmakatz_phd/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@emmakatz_phdLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremmakatz/Website: https://dremmakatz.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.