What does domestic violence really look like behind closed doors? In this raw, unfiltered conversation, host Ingrid sits down with fellow survivor Tiffiny Newton for a candid exploration of abuse dynamics that goes far beyond what most people understand.

Together, they unpack the subtle warning signs that precede full-blown abuse – the love bombing, future faking, and gradual escalation of control that can feel deceptively like love. "It's the green screen of relationships," Tiffiny explains, describing how abusers create an illusion before revealing their true nature. Their discussion reveals how technology has become a powerful tool for abusers, with surveillance cameras, GPS tracking, and digital monitoring creating virtual prisons.

The most chilling revelations come when they discuss how abusers weaponize vulnerabilities. Those personal insecurities and past traumas shared in intimate moments? They become ammunition for devastating psychological attacks later. Both women describe living in constant fight-or-flight mode, where even "good times" become torture because of the anxiety about when the next explosion might occur.

Perhaps most valuable is their practical wisdom about escape. From creating code words with trusted friends to secretly moving belongings to storage units, they offer survival strategies for the most dangerous phase of abuse – when a victim decides to leave. "Focus on what the next 48 hours looks like," Tiffiny advises, breaking down overwhelming fear into manageable steps.

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches, this episode serves as both a wake-up call and a lifeline. Whether you're questioning your own relationship, supporting someone you love, or simply want to understand this pervasive issue better, you'll gain insights that could save lives. Remember Tiffiny's powerful closing message: "You are not ever supposed to be in a position where you feel less than who you really are."

Tiffiny's Links: 

https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/tiffiny-newton/

https://www.tiffinynewton.com

1 in 3 is intended for mature audiences. Episodes contain explicit content and may be triggering to some.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need help right now, call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text the word “start” to 88788.

Contact 1 in 3:

• Send your emails to 1in3podcast@gmail.com
• Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @1in3podcast
• Check out the website https://www.1in3podcast.com/

Thank you for listening!

Cover art by Laura Swift Dahlke
Music by Tim Crowe