Part 4

According to the hotline.org, "Abusive relationships are extremely complex situations and it takes a lot of courage to leave. Abuse is about power and control. When a survivor leaves their abusive relationship, they threaten the power and control their partner has established over the survivor’s agency, which may cause the partner to retaliate in harmful ways.

As a result, leaving is often the most dangerous period of time for survivors of abuse."

The True Crime Mamas podcast team walked away from Courtney's story seeking to understand why.  Why did Courtney stay?  Why didn't she leave her abusive relationship with DJ?  We were fortunate enough to meet domestic violence survivor Reba.  Reba courageously gave us insight by sharing her story.  This is part 1 of 2.

Music by Bryan Anderson
Cover Art by Marley Soden