Coercive Control, Validation, and Power: How Aimee Says Supports Survivors with Anne Wintemute
Description
In this episode of Perfect Prey, I’m joined by Anne Wintemute, co-creator of Aimee Says, an innovative AI platform designed specifically to support victims and survivors of coercive control. Aimee Says helps survivors understand abusive communication patterns, validate their lived experiences, and assist with documentation—particularly in high-stakes situations such as custody and family court.
We explore why victims and survivors are not harmed because of character flaws, but because abusers intentionally target people who are kind, empathic, agreeable, and giving. Anne explains how Aimee Says was built around expertise in coercive control, narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, and power-and-control dynamics—and why that specialization matters.
What we cover
- What Aimee Says is and how it supports survivors of coercive control
- Why validation and being truly heard are foundational to healing and decision-making
- How Aimee helps identify gaslighting, financial abuse, intimidation, and coercive patterns
- Using Aimee Says to support documentation, journaling, and preparation for legal processes
- Key differences between Aimee Says and general AI tools, including safety, trauma-informed guardrails, and survivor-centered design
- Privacy, confidentiality, and safety considerations for survivors navigating digital tools
- How tools like Aimee Says can reduce isolation and help restore agency and clarity
Why listenIf you are a survivor, protective parent, clinician, attorney, or advocate, this episode offers a grounded, accessible explanation of how coercive control operates and why survivors so often feel confused, minimized, or silenced. You’ll also learn how thoughtfully designed tools can help survivors feel validated, supported, and better equipped to navigate complex systems.
Guest bio (short)Anne Wintemute is the co-creator of Aimee Says, an AI-powered platform developed to support victims and survivors of coercive control through validation, pattern recognition, and trauma-informed guidance. Her work focuses on increasing access to expert-level support while prioritizing survivor safety, autonomy, and confidentiality.
Learn more about Anne Wintemute and Aimee Says:
Anne Wintemute on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-wintemute-897077106Canvas Rebel interview: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-anne-wintemute/Aimee Says – Our Story: https://www.aimeesays.com/story
Connect with Dr. Christine:
Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/
Official site: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCocchiola-coercivecontrol/videos
TEDxTalks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp2qByKOue4&t=24s
If this episode landed for you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more trauma-informed conversations, and consider leaving a review — it helps other survivors find validation and safety.
— Dr. Christine Cocchiola & guest Anne Wintemute

















