In Part 2 of Abbey’s story, we continue through the final years of her marriage — the escalation of physical abuse, the unrelenting emotional and mental manipulation, and the ways her ex-husband used financial control and parental alienation to keep her trapped.

Abbey shares the moment she knew she had to leave, the dangerous reality of planning an exit from a violent partner, and the complicated aftermath of reclaiming her life after more than two decades of abuse.

This episode dives deeper into the patterns of coercive control, trauma bonding, and the hidden barriers that keep survivors in abusive relationships far longer than the outside world understands. Abbey’s story is painful, powerful, and ultimately a testament to the strength it takes to break free.

⸻

Trigger Warning

This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, physical abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, and parental alienation. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

⸻

Resources & Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, support is available:

National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)

Call: 1-800-799-7233

Text: START to 88788

www.thehotline.org

Love Is Respect (teens & young adults)

www.loveisrespect.org

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

www.ncadv.org

RAINN (sexual abuse & assault)

www.rainn.org

For international help:

Search “domestic violence hotline” + your country.