Why She Stayed

Dec 10 2024 35 ep. 64 mins 11
Why She Stayed Podcast artwork

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.

  True Crime  Society & Culture
RSS feed Share
Copy RSS


Subscribe on Podcast Addict


Ep. 35: Will Trying to be Perfect Make Them Change?

Dec 10 2024 72 mins  
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.

Ep. 34: Cognitive Dissonance, Euphoric Recall, and What if He's Changing?

Dec 03 2024 75 mins  
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 H

Ep. 33: DV Survivor & Mass Shooting Survivor- Elle Gargano

Nov 26 2024 68 mins  
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

Ep. 32: Coercion, Reactive Abuse, and what if it's me "causing" this?

Nov 19 2024 76 mins  
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.

Ep. 31: Am I "Supposed" to Stay in an Abusive Situation?- Karen DeArmond Gardner

Nov 12 2024 60 mins  
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=

Ep. 30: "No one will ever believe you because you look too happy"- Savannah's Story

Nov 05 2024 76 mins  
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: @

Ep. 29: How to Help Someone Who's in an Abusive Relationship by Holding Space for Them

Oct 29 2024 52 mins  
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

How Abusers Weaponize Mental Health and Triangulation

Oct 22 2024 76 mins  
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.

How to Look Through the Lens of the Cycle of Abuse- Knowing Your Truth with Quinn Padilla

Oct 15 2024 71 mins  
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://

Psychological Abuse, Blindness, & Resilience Through Adversity- Sherrie Lynn Lilley

Oct 08 2024 74 mins  
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.