

Why She Stayed
Grace Stuart
A podcast where we dive deep into what really goes on inside of domestic violence relationships that makes it so hard to simply "just leave". Through stories of survivors, and practical conversations with guests, I am going to put the microscope back on what the abuser is doing that causes us to become so trapped in the first place, and how each survivor was eventually freed. We will discuss what abusive relationships look like, sound like, and feel like for the purpose of educating and relating to one another in a much needed way.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ep. 33: DV Survivor & Mass Shooting Survivor- Elle Gargano
 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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 16min
Ep. 32: Coercion, Reactive Abuse, and what if it's me "causing" this?
 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep. 31: Am I "Supposed" to Stay in an Abusive Situation?- Karen DeArmond Gardner
 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 16min
Ep. 30: "No one will ever believe you because you look too happy"- Savannah's Story
 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Oct 29, 2024 • 53min
Ep. 29: How to Help Someone Who's in an Abusive Relationship by Holding Space for Them
 On this solo episode, I give all of my best tips for bridging the gap with a loved one who may be stuck in an abusive relationship. I give advice on what could be most helpful VS. harmful and how to stay hopeful in the midst of it all.Remember to always contact law enforcement in the case of an emergency, or call a DV hotline yourself for specific advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 17min
How Abusers Weaponize Mental Health and Triangulation
 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.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 12min
How to Look Through the Lens of the Cycle of Abuse- Knowing Your Truth with Quinn Padilla
 On this episode I'm joined by my guest Quinn Padilla where we talk about how to gain clarity by focusing on what the *cycle* of abuse really looks like and new perspectives to help you identify patterns and stay strong. We also discuss Quinn's personal story as a DV survivor. Quinn's Instagram: @itsquinnpadillaQuinn's Website: https://www.rellawellness.com/Article I cited: https://voicemalemagazine.org/abusive-men-describe-the-benefits-of-violence/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 14min
Psychological Abuse, Blindness, & Resilience Through Adversity- Sherrie Lynn Lilley
 On this episode, I am joined by Sherrie Lynn Lilley who is a DV survivor and owner of HEAL Creative Coaching. We speak about emotional & psychological abuse and how she navigated the trauma as a blind woman and as a mother of 5 amazing children. Sherrie's Instagram is @sherrielynnlilley  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 3min
"Reactive Abuse", Abusers Who Discard, Hoover, & Breaking Free- Shannon's Story
 On this episode we discuss topics of emotional & verbal abuse, abusers who initiate "breakups" as a form of manipulation, hoovering, anxiety they create, and how you can be pushed to a point of reacting to their mistreatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 10min
Abuse, Second Guessing Yourself, Withdraw, & The Strength to Stay Gone- Claire's Story
 On this episode we are talking about Claire's story and why it's so hard to break free from an abuser and then keep up the strength to stay gone. We also discuss projection, monitoring, accusing, and how they try to pull you back in and make you second guess your decision to leave at every turn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 


