Beyond the Statistics

She once believed she was trapped in a cycle of abuse, feeling hopeless and alone. But after escaping that dark chapter, this anonymous author found love and healing in ways she never imagined possible. Join me as I share an anonymous submission of someone who  endured an abusive relationship, recounting her journey of overcoming the trauma and finding happiness again. Listen to the harrowing experiences she faced, including animal cruelty and inappropriate behavior involving a child, and learn how recognizing the warning signs can help you break free from an unhealthy relationship.

In this touching episode, she also shares her story of finding love after leaving abuse behind. It's a testament to the power of self-discovery and growth in overcoming fears and building trust, ultimately leading to true love and happiness.  Please take note that in addition to the usual trigger warnings, this episode also includes child abuse and animal abuse. 

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

This is part 3 and the conclusion of an anonymous submission previously released on "Another Situation" podcast in October 2021. 

She never thought it could happen to her, but the author found herself trapped in an abusive relationship filled with unpredictable rages, constant gaslighting, and emotional manipulation. In this powerful and emotional episode, she shares her personal journey and the red flags that were present early on, escalating into a toxic cycle of abuse. The author reveals how she even recorded one of these rages to confront her ex-partner, only to be met with defensiveness and further threats.

This story takes a darker turn as the author discusses surviving a narcissistic relationship and the devastating impact it had on her life. She was made to question her own sanity, her parenting abilities, and even her faith, all while being told that she was the cause of the problems in the relationship. But through seeking help and connecting with others who have been through similar experiences, she found the strength to trust her instincts and recognize when something was off in a relationship.

The road to recovery wasn't easy, but the author shares the steps she took to break free from the emotional roller coaster caused by covert narcissistic abuse. Escaping the control and manipulation of her ex-partner took time, but the resources that helped her heal and move forward are invaluable. By sharing her story, the author hopes to empower others to recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship and find the strength to leave and rebuild their lives. Join me on this journey of healing and self-discovery, and find hope in knowing that you are not alone.

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

Have you ever found yourself trapped in a toxic and manipulative relationship, unable to see the red flags waving right in front of you? Join me in this eye-opening episode as I uncover the anonymous author's harrowing journey through emotional abuse, brainwashing, and the complex push-pull dynamic that left her constantly trying to become the partner her significant other wanted.

But there's light at the end of the tunnel. As we follow the author's path to healing, we discover the support and strength she found in an unlikely source: the friend her partner had cheated with. Through this connection, she has regained a sense of self and hope for the future. Tune in to this powerful conversation and remember – we're all in this together, and we've got each other's backs.

This is part 2 of an anonymous submission previously released on "Another Situation" podcast in October 2021.

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

This is part 1 of an anonymous submission previously released on "Another Situation" podcast in October 2021. 

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where something just doesn't feel right, but you can't quite put your finger on it? This episode shares an eye-opening story of a woman who, after separating from her husband, entered into a new relationship with a man who was also going through a separation.  She mentions the  numerous red flags she overlooked as their relationship progressed, such as his still-living-with-his-ex-wife situation, requests to keep their relationship a secret, and constant comparisons between her and his ex-wife.

Join me as I discuss the problematic dynamics that began to develop between the woman and her partner, including his neediness, unrealistic expectations, and how his ex-wife's lies affected their relationship. I also dive into a particularly intense argument that signaled the beginning of a seven-month relationship between the man and a friend she had introduced him to. Learn how to recognize signs of an unhealthy relationship, set boundaries, and establish a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Don't miss this crucial conversation about navigating the complexities of a relationship with someone recently separated from their partner.

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

Chairman Mark Brooks of the United Kingdom's, Mankind Initiative,  joins me in today's episode. The charity provides direct support to male victims of domestic abuse via a national helpline. The staff and volunteers also assist in providing education and bringing awareness to the issue of domestic abuse in men. Mark presents statistics, current legal and political actions, and deficient areas in the realm of domestic abuse. While his information is UK based, most of it can be applied worldwide.  His presentation is clear, concise, eye-opening, and motivating. 
 

•  Visit The Mankind Initiative at https://www.mankind.org.uk/ 
• The confidential number is 01823 334244 

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

Imagine being a strong, athletic law enforcement officer, yet feeling trapped and powerless in an abusive relationship. That was the reality for Ben Bjarneson, who bravely shared his experience with domestic violence as a homosexual man. I discuss the three cycles of violence, which include the tension building, acute explosion, and honeymoon phases, and also explore the four stages expanded by psychcentralcom. Listen closely as I uncover the stark differences between a non-abuser's guilt and an abuser's guilt, and understand the impact on their victims.

Ben's courageous story serves as a powerful reminder that anyone can be exposed to domestic violence, regardless of their appearance or profession. 

If you are in Australia and need help, contact DV Connect Womensline at 1800 811 811 -OR- Mensline at 1 800 600 636 -OR- 1800respect. If you need immediate help, contact the police at 000.

Sources:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUiPWe0Wxzw
• https://play.qagoma.qld.gov.au/dear-queensland/letter/96/
• https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_bjarnesen_could_you_be_a_victim_of_domestic_violence
• https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=mJoosKPkfjKliSfV&v=831915884002715
• https://www.benbjarnesen.com/
• https://www.dvafoundation.org/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSO-SDj-8ag
• https://au.news.yahoo.com/domestic-violence-survivor-speaks-out-about-community-with-one-of-the-highest-rates-of-abuse-102039636.html
• https://hopeandsafety.org/
• https://psychcentral.com/
• https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/
• https://nomore.org/learn/bystander-scenarios/

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

What happens when love turns fatal in a same-sex marriage? Discover the tragic story of Anna Marie Cochran-Rintala and Cara Rintala - the first case of a woman being charged with murdering her same-sex spouse in Massachusetts.  Join me as I delve into the unique challenges that the LGBTQ community faces when dealing with domestic violence, such as threats to out their partner to family, jobs, or the public, and how previous trauma from bullying or hate crimes may deter them from seeking help.

As I examine the controversy surrounding Cara's case, I'll attempt to make sense of the underlying dynamics of domestic abuse that might have escalated to murder, and how prejudice against or misunderstanding of the LGBTQ lifestyle may have influenced how the case was handled.  Don't miss this heart-wrenching and eye-opening episode that sheds light on the complexities of LGBTQ relationships and the struggles faced by victims of domestic violence.

Sources:

• https://obits.masslive.com/us/obituaries/masslive/name/annamarie-rintala-obituary?id=12266167
• https://www.northwesternda.org/home/news/judge-sets-4th-murder-trial-cara-rintala-september-2023
• https://www.gazettenet.com/The-Annamarie-Cochrane-Rintala-you-never-knew-5341770
• https://thecinemaholic.com/annamarie-rintala-murder-where-is-cara-rintala-now/
• https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2013/05/28/cara-rintala-murder-trial/
• https://www.nepm.org/regional-news/2021-11-23/rintala-released-on-50-000-bail-as-prosecutor-focusing-on-the-next-trial
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozINDqTfq0I
• https://ncadv.org/blog/posts/domestic-violence-and-the-lgbtq-community
• Women & Crime podcast Episode 120
• Crime Junkie podcast 10/21/2019 episode

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

What if the person you thought was your soulmate turned out to be your worst nightmare? That's what happened to Alex Skeel, who survived years of brutal domestic abuse at the hands of his girlfriend, Jordan. In this powerful and emotional episode, I follow Alex's journey from a seemingly perfect relationship to the harrowing realization of his predicament and the courage it takes to break free from the grip of abuse.

This episode assists in recognizing that abuse and victimhood are not defined by gender, and the changes needed to better support and advocate for all victims of domestic violence. Don't miss this inspiring story that will resonate with anyone who's ever faced the darkness and found the strength to emerge victorious.

Sources: 

• https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6080402/alex-skeel-jordan-worth-domestic-abuse-bbc-three/
• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6716559/Abused-girlfriend-Alex-Skeel-reveals-injuries-Jordan-Worth.html
• https://medium.com/@criminalmatters/the-alex-skeel-domestic-abuse-case-e699b80343cf
• The BBC special, “I Survived: The Case of Alex Skeel and his abusive girlfriend” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz9CVFKRK6s
• Private Stories Podcast with Psychologist Dr. Becky Spelman interviews Alex Skeel 
• https://vocal.media/journal/the-alex-skeel-domestic-abuse-case

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

How can one tragedy change the law and potentially save thousands of lives?

In this episode of the 1 in 3 Podcast, we explore the heartbreaking story of Clare Wood, whose murder by former partner George Appleton led to the creation of Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.

Host Ingrid takes listeners through Clare’s life, her relationship history, and the systemic failures that prevented her from knowing the extent of her partner’s violent past. After Clare’s death, her father, Michael Brown, launched a relentless campaign for reform — ultimately changing how domestic violence information can be shared with potential victims.

This episode examines:

•  The warning signs of coercive and escalating abuse 
•  Failures within criminal justice and information-sharing systems 
•  The nationwide manhunt following Clare’s disappearance 
•  How Clare’s Law works today 
•  The real-world impact of domestic violence disclosure policies 

More than a true crime story, this episode explores how policy reform emerges from advocacy, grief, and determination — and how awareness of Clare’s Law may help prevent future domestic violence tragedies.

Subscribe to the 1 in 3 Podcast for conversations on domestic violence awareness, prevention, survivor advocacy, and systems reform.

⭐ Share this episode and leave a review to help more listeners learn about Clare’s Law and available protections.

 Sources:

• “It’s Murder Up North” podcast by Jenny Hacking. Episode titled Clare Wood. 
• https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/mum-whose-murder-changed-britain-22543641
• https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/timeline-clare-wood-murder-884985
• Crimes That Shook Britain; S5, Ep 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdkOwkYfils
• https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/12/murdered-mums-unsent-letter-killer-boyfriend-says-still-scare-10907243/
• https://www.thehotline.org/
• Domestic Violence & Abuse · Emergency Injunction Service (ncdv.org.uk)
• https://criminalinjurieshelpline.co.uk/
• https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/survivor-resources/ 

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe

Doc shares his personal experience of domestic violence to prove it also happens to men. Content includes various forms of abuse, animal cruelty, child molestation, and child abuse. 

This podcast is intended for mature audiences. Some listeners may find the content distressing as episodes may include discussions of violence, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, including emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and physical. In many cases, names have been changed to protect those involved. Please note that the statements and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect my own.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need immediate support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting START to 88788. If you're outside the United States, crisis resources are available at BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com/GetHelp.

Connect with Beyond the Statistics:

🌐 Website: https://www.BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast.com
💜 Join the Beyond the Statistics Community: https://www.patreon.com/BeyondTheStatisticsPodcast
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and X: @BeyondStatsPod

If today’s conversation meant something to you, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. And if you’d like to continue the conversation beyond the episode, I’d love to have you join us in the Beyond the Statistics Community.

Every story shared helps another survivor know they are not alone.

Music: Tim Crowe