In this solo episode, Sam examines the deeply uncomfortable overlap between domestic violence and high-control religious environments. Specifically, how the same systems that teach women what love looks like also teach them not to recognise abuse when it's happening to them. From submission doctrine to male headship theology, Sam unpacks how religious frameworks don't just fail to protect women from coercive control, they actively provide the language that legitimises it. It's a sharp, necessary episode that pushes back on the tendency to treat domestic violence and religious trauma as separate issues, and reinforces why survivors navigating both deserve support that understands the full picture of what they've been through.

Resources

Australia:

• 1800RESPECT - National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support. 24/7. Call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au
• 13YARN - Confidential crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A safe place to yarn, no shame, no judgement. 24/7. Call 13 92 76
• Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline - National telephone support for LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual, domestic or family violence. Call 1800 497 212

New Zealand:

• New Zealand Shine - free 24/7 helpline and live webchat: 0508 744 633 / 2shine.org.nz
• Are You OK - free 24/7 family violence information and support: areyouok.org.nz
• Shakti - free 24/7 multilingual crisis line specifically for migrant and refugee women at 0800 742 584

US / Canada:

• United States The National Domestic Violence Hotline - 24/7, free and confidential. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or live chat at thehotline.org
• Canada ShelterSafe - sheltersafe.ca — national directory with an interactive map to find the nearest shelter or crisis service by location.
• Hope for Wellness Helpline - free 24/7 for Indigenous Peoples across Canada, call 1-855-242-3310 or connect online.

Connect

• You can find out more about Sam on her website - www.anchoredcounsellingservices.com.au
• To connect with Sam on Instagram - @anchoredcounsellingservices
• Want to contact with Sam about the podcast or therapy? Use this contact form.
• Also check out The Religious Trauma Collective