What if the person you love slowly takes away your freedom — not with fists, but with control over your money, your choices, and your self-worth?

In this episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, Jared Melo shares his story of how emotional manipulation and financial control kept him trapped in a toxic relationship. From paychecks being taken, to credit ruined, to being told he was “crazy,” Jared walks us through the everyday red flags survivors often miss until it’s too late.

We unpack:

• How abusers control money to keep you stuck (“I’ll take care of the bills, don’t worry about it”)
• Why financial abuse often doesn’t look like abuse at first
• The shame and silence survivors feel when they can’t leave
• The turning point when Jared realized this wasn’t “love,” it was control
• How rebuilding self-trust and community helped him escape

This episode is for anyone who has ever asked themselves:

• “Why can’t I leave if he doesn’t hit me?”
• “Is it normal for my partner to take my paycheck?”
• “Am I crazy, or is this actually abuse?”

“signs of controlling partner”

“is it abuse if my husband controls the money”

“how do I leave a toxic marriage with no money”

“my wife controls everything I buy”

“financial abuse in marriage examples”

“how to tell if I’m being gaslit”

“emotional abuse signs in relationship”

If that’s you — you’re not alone. You’re not crazy. And there is a way out.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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