For those who ask why someone might get involved - and stay - in a violent relationship, the answer is both simple and complex at the same time.  Domestic and family violence rarely happens out of nowhere. It is the result of slow, steady acts of oppression and control. A violent relationship rarely starts the way it ends.

In the first episode of There’s No Place Like Home, we introduce you to Laura*. When Laura* became involved with her perpetrator, she was intoxicated by him. She describes the early stages of their relationship as “very teenage, 90s, romantic comedy”. He was thoughtful, Laura* says. Kind. He paid attention to Laura* in a way that her previous partners hadn’t.

But ever so slowly, over time, the nature and tenor of their love story changed… And Laura* moved into a women’s refuge, in fear of her life.

This episode explores violence as a complex web of activity. It looks beyond cuts and bruises to the psychological nature of Domestic and family violence. With the help of experts, advocates, practitioners - and of course Laura* herself - we’ll seek to answer the question: How does a relationship go from passion and presents, to knowing your very existence is under threat?

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There’s No Place Like Home is a podcast by Future Women, made in collaboration with CommBank, which is supporting long-term financial independence for victim-survivors through CommBank Next Chapter.

Content note: This podcast includes descriptions of domestic and family violence and may be upsetting to some listeners. If you have experienced or are at risk of domestic and family violence and/or sexual assault, you can call the national counselling service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, or if you are not feeling safe, always call the police on 000.

*We have used a pseudonym to protect Laura*’s identity.

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