When Dating Hurts

This is a rerelease of a story that was published about one year ago. This is part two of a two-part story. Deborah's narrative takes us to places many of us have never been before. She spent time in the US Navy and then the US Army. We go to Virginia, California, Kentucky, and even Afghanistan before her return to the US. Before heading into Afghanistan with the US Army, Deborah meets Scott, who does a brilliant portrayal of being everyone's best buddy while winning over Deborah's heart. It here where warning signs are on full display but are unfortunately missed. Upon her return from Afghanistan, while in the US Army, Deborah, learns, she is pregnant with her first child. At this point, the relationship takes a major turn for the worse. This story shows how a covert narcissist can take on many disguises and fool many people. But when a narcissist is called out, or is not being obeyed, life can become turbulent and dangerous for the person being targeted. In this story, we see how Scott handles himself when Deborah is not compliant. We also learn how Deborah manages to keep her mind together when she is put to the test time and time again. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell ⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠ NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠⁠VictimsVoice⁠⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a rerelease of a story that was published about one year ago. This is part one of a two-part story. Deborah's narrative takes us to places many of us have never been before. She spent time in the US Navy and then the US Army. We go to Virginia, California, Kentucky, and even Afghanistan before her return to the US. Before heading into Afghanistan with the US Army, Deborah meets Scott, who does a brilliant portrayal of being everyone's best buddy while winning over Deborah's heart. It here where warning signs are on full display but are unfortunately missed. Upon her return from Afghanistan, while in the US Army, Deborah, learns, she is pregnant with her first child. At this point, the relationship takes a major turn for the worse. This story shows how a covert narcissist can take on many disguises and fool many people. But when a narcissist is called out, or is not being obeyed, life can become turbulent and dangerous for the person being targeted. In this story, we see how Scott handles himself when Deborah is not compliant. We also learn how Deborah manages to keep her mind together when she is put to the test time and time again. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell ⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠ NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠⁠VictimsVoice⁠⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WARNING: This episode of WHEN DATING HURTS includes a description of an actual suicide. We issue a trigger warning about this. So, take care of yourself first. We are speaking with Shavaun Scott. You will want to take notes and tell others to listen to her story. Shavaun is a survivor, a psychotherapist, and an author. Her newly published memoir is entitled Nightbird. Like many survivors, Shavaun has been through the deepest depths of severe abuse. Today, she has not only ascended, she has taken years of suffering and transformed it into re-creating herself and saving others. This survivor story is certain to resonate with those who struggle with unhealthy relationships. If your friend or relative is in a relationship that worries you, this narrative will put a bright light on what can happen if steps are not taken. Please consider reading Nightbird by Shavaun Scott. Click this link and head to Amazon for a copy. Her memoir will resonate with anyone who has struggled with self-doubt, shame, and the quest for self-acceptance.  Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell ⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠ NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠⁠⁠VictimsVoice⁠⁠⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode marks the 20th anniversary of our daughter's murder at the hands of her abusive ex-boyfriend. She was killed on June 3, 2005. I speak with you about the loss of Kristin and those advances we have been doing since those dark days in our lives. Thank you for being a loyal listener to our podcast. Special thanks to our survivors who have offered to join us and tell their stories. And thanks to those who have read and shared the WHEN DATING HURTS book. We enter year 21 continuing to do tangible work that is helpful to others. Please remember to subscribe to this podcast, and I urge you to leave your comments on Spotify. Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠ NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠⁠⁠VictimsVoice⁠⁠⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story. We are honored to have Canadian Cait Alexander join us on WHEN DATING HURTS. She will tell us how Canadian court case delays can mean horribly violent predators go free. As if nothing ever happened. This means: no case, no trial, no punishment. This is due to a Canadian court decision to promote speedy trials. And Cait's story of horrific violence took place in Canada. Just imagine suffering brutally, but because the justice system is overburdened, monstrous predators have all charges dropped. Charges like assault of children, intimate partner violence, even murder! Cait's case never saw justice. Nothing at all. But Cait hasn't ended her campaign for reform. ⁠EVE, the End Violence Everywhere organization⁠ is bringing comprehensive support to today's survivors. Do yourself a favor and head to their website for more information. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell ⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠ NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠VictimsVoice⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story. We are honored to have Canadian Cait Alexander join us on WHEN DATING HURTS. She will tell us how Canadian court case delays can mean horribly violent predators go free. As if nothing ever happened. This means: no case, no trial, no punishment. This is due to a Canadian court decision to promote speedy trials. And Cait's story of horrific violence took place in Canada. Just imagine suffering brutally, but because the justice system is overburdened, monstrous predators have all charges dropped. Charges like assault of children, intimate partner violence, even murder! Cait's case never saw justice. Nothing at all. But Cait hasn't ended her campaign for reform. EVE, the End Violence Everywhere organization is bringing comprehensive support to today's survivors. Do yourself a favor and head to their website for more information. Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell ⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠ NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠⁠VictimsVoice⁠⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story. This story comes with warnings about all kinds of drug abuse, alcohol, abuse, plus many situations describing emotional and physical violence. These can be triggering to some. Your number one job is to protect yourself. We are not attempting to be shocking, we are sharing these stories so you can know how bad Domestic Violence can get. Simone lives in Australia. She gets top grades for hanging onto a man no matter what she faced with him. "Ben" gave her every reason to call it quits, to drop him, and move far away. But she was determined to save him, no matter what. She was completely devoted to fixing Ben and saving their marriage, but like every "fixer" thus far on this WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, she got more than she ever imagined. None of it good. Simone managed excellence in every facet of her life, but fixing Ben was beyond her vast capabilities. I don't know many partners who would have given a man this troubled this much grace. ADVICE: If a relationship doesn't feel right from the start, get out early. If you don't know how to get out, ask a domestic violence counselor. The ripple effects of a dangerous relationship can interrupt every facet of your entire life. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠⁠VictimsVoice⁠⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story. This story comes with warnings about all kinds of drug abuse, alcohol, abuse, plus many situations describing emotional and physical violence. These can be triggering to some. Your number one job is to protect yourself. We are not attempting to be shocking, we are sharing these stories so you can know how bad Domestic Violence can get. Simone lives in Australia. She gets top grades for hanging onto a man no matter what she faced with him. "Ben" gave her every reason to call it quits, to drop him, and move far away. But she was determined to save him, no matter what. She was completely devoted to fixing Ben and saving their marriage, but like every "fixer" thus far on this WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, she got more than she ever imagined. None of it good. Simone managed excellence in every facet of her life, but fixing Ben was beyond her vast capabilities. I don't know many partners who would have given a man this troubled this much grace. ADVICE: If a relationship doesn't feel right from the start, get out early. If you don't know how to get out, ask a domestic violence counselor. The ripple effects of a dangerous relationship can interrupt every facet of your entire life. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE • ⁠⁠VictimsVoice⁠⁠ – Everything they do empowers people to have happier, healthier lives beyond all forms of abuse. • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend most of our time on the WHEN DATIGN HURTS podcast discussing ways to detect when a person might actually be an abusive predator. That's why survivors join us and why we discuss the warning signs. But we are not solving the problem, we are suggesting ways to not become destroyed by the problem: predatory abusers A transformation of the way people interact could make life better and safer. It could make life fair and equal. We are honored to include two members of the organization called, Gender Equity and Reconciliation International. In the discussion, they refer to their organization as GERI. Reverend Laurie Gaum and Tristan Johannes are facilitators of discussions with GERI. Reverend Gaum is also a minister with the Dutch Reformed Church. Both men are from Cape Town, South Africa. Listen closely, because their accents are rather heavy, but what they will tell us is quite easily understood. The GERI project brings people together from around the world to discuss and heal from trauma and other experiences related to gender and sexuality. GERI convene groups of men and women (and people of all gender identities and expressions) to work closely together. Their goal: heal from the past and begin rewriting the future of gender relation in the human family. Learn more about GERI at genderreconciliationinternational.org. There you can find more about them and see how to get their new book. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story. Sometimes we are attracted to the "bad boys", the ones who make things exciting and live on the edge. They don't listen to authority and make their own rules. Melanie had her eyes on one of the bad boys, John. He was different. He wasn't boring. And the flaws he had she was sure she could fix. As abusers go, John was never holding back. From the time they started dating–and during the time they were married with two children–John did whatever he wanted, when he wanted. It is one thing to be abused, but quite another when there are children involved. Melanie shared this story to teach us about the warning signs using real-life, examples. It is up to us to remember this lesson. This is Melanie's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story. Sometimes we are attracted to the "bad boys", the ones who make things exciting and live on the edge. They don't listen to authority and make their own rules. Melanie had her eyes on one of the bad boys, John. He was different. He wasn't boring. And the flaws he had she was sure she could fix. As abusers go, John was never holding back. From the time they started dating–and during the time they were married with two children–John did whatever he wanted, when he wanted. It is one thing to be abused, but quite another when there are children involved. Melanie shared this story to teach us about the warning signs using real-life, examples. It is up to us to remember this lesson. This is Melanie's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are fortunate to have dating abuse and domestic violence survivors identify our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast as a safe place to tell their stories of freedom. These successful escapes from horrible abuse are why listeners come to WHEN DATING HURTS for life-saving advice. It feels so good to know ascendance from abuse is attainable. MICHELE LOCKE This time, we are honored to listen to a different perspective. Michele Locke is a lawyer. She has also spent years as a judge who presiding over more than 5,000 cases involving families. She has seen it all and, at times, has felt she has seen too much. Listen to our important interview with lawyer and judge Michele Locke. This will dispell some of our myths about 'DV". If you have a unique viewpoint about dating abuse and domestic violence, this is the right place to join us and share with our listeners. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This survivor story comes with several content warnings: There are disturbing domestic violence-related acts, mentions of sexual activities, emotional and physical abuse, violent behavior, stalking, and other post-break-up acts. These can be triggering. This is part three of a three-part story. Anita started listening to the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast about seven months ago. That is when she was dealing with post-separation abuse and stalking from her ex. Her story will sound like many other others you have heard here. But is vastly different in many other ways. Today, she is a single mother of a seven-year-old daughter and joined us to tell her story. We thank Anita for sharing with us. Her courage to reveal her story is remarkable. She tried to make things work, but was unfortunate to have fallen for an abusive predator. She learned the hard way, but by sharing, our listeners can learn by paying attention to her telling of her story. This is Anita's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This survivor story comes with several content warnings: There are disturbing domestic violence-related acts, mentions of sexual activities, emotional and physical abuse, violent behavior, stalking, and other post-break-up acts. These can be triggering. This is part two of a three-part story. Anita started listening to the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast about seven months ago. That is when she was dealing with post-separation abuse and stalking from her ex. Her story will sound like many other others you have heard here. But is vastly different in many other ways. Today, she is a single mother of a seven-year-old daughter and joined us to tell her story. We thank Anita for sharing with us. Her courage to reveal her story is remarkable. She tried to make things work, but was unfortunate to have fallen for an abusive predator. She learned the hard way, but by sharing, our listeners can learn by paying attention to her telling of her story. This is Anita's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This survivor story comes with several content warnings: There are disturbing domestic violence-related acts, mentions of sexual activities, emotional and physical abuse, violent behavior, stalking, and other post-break-up acts. These can be triggering. This is part one of a three-part story. Anita started listening to the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast about seven months ago. That is when she was dealing with post-separation abuse and stalking from her ex. Her story will sound like many other others you have heard here. But is vastly different in many other ways. Today, she is a single mother of a seven-year-old daughter and joined us to tell her story. We thank Anita for sharing with us. Her courage to reveal her story is remarkable. She tried to make things work, but was unfortunate to have fallen for an abusive predator. She learned the hard way, but by sharing, our listeners can learn by paying attention to her telling of her story. This is Anita's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This survivor story comes with warning signs about adult, profane language, hard, drug usage, violence, and descriptions of situations that might have a triggering effect on some listeners. The WHEN DATING HURTS podcast is showing how terrible dating abuse and domestic violence can get. This is part three of a three-part story. This story about Natalie will have a common theme: when we either do not know, or do not pay attention to, warning signs, we can be overtaken by abusive predators, whether they are men or women. These monsters want to control us for whatever ill-conceived uses they want to make of us. We will see how Natalie's relationship with her father set her on a path specifically with men, where she was seeking love but receive nothing that came close to it. But that didn't stop her from trying. Natalie is a brave person to come to us with this story. It is her hope we can learn from the mistakes she made. THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS STORY: When we recorded this story, the name, "Natalie", was a created name. If you follow the links below, you will find her actual name. "Pseudo" Pseudo is a 366-page graphic novel about Cat, Ted and Spider. If you'd like a signed second edition, please leave a note when you order. "Bad Boys" Bad Boys is a 399-page tragicomic and heroic graphic novel about finding the way back from trauma-induced numbness to an open heart. In a tangle of lovers, sectarian 12-step groups and cannabis, Cat and Ted hack the system and learn to move from a life of fear – to one of trust. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This survivor story comes with warning signs about adult, profane language, hard, drug usage, violence, and descriptions of situations that might have a triggering effect on some listeners. The WHEN DATING HURTS podcast is showing how terrible dating abuse and domestic violence can get. This is part two of a three-part story. This story about Natalie will have a common theme: when we either do not know, or do not pay attention to, warning signs, we can be overtaken by abusive predators, whether they are men or women. These monsters want to control us for whatever ill-conceived uses they want to make of us. We will see how Natalie's relationship with her father set her on a path specifically with men, where she was seeking love but receive nothing that came close to it. But that didn't stop her from trying. Natalie is a brave person to come to us with this story. It is her hope we can learn from the mistakes she made. THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS STORY: When we recorded this story, the name, "Natalie", was a created name. If you follow the links below, you will find her actual name. "Pseudo" Pseudo is a 366-page graphic novel about Cat, Ted and Spider. If you'd like a signed second edition, please leave a note when you order. "Bad Boys" Bad Boys is a 399-page tragicomic and heroic graphic novel about finding the way back from trauma-induced numbness to an open heart. In a tangle of lovers, sectarian 12-step groups and cannabis, Cat and Ted hack the system and learn to move from a life of fear – to one of trust. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This survivor story comes with warning signs about adult, profane language, hard, drug usage, violence, and descriptions of situations that might have a triggering effect on some listeners. The WHEN DATING HURTS podcast is showing how terrible dating abuse and domestic violence can get. This is part one of a three-part story. This story about Natalie will have a common theme: when we either do not know, or do not pay attention to, warning signs, we can be overtaken by abusive predators, whether they are men or women. These monsters want to control us for whatever ill-conceived uses they want to make of us. We will see how Natalie's relationship with her father set her on a path specifically with men, where she was seeking love but receive nothing that came close to it. But that didn't stop her from trying. Natalie is a brave person to come to us with this story. It is her hope we can learn from the mistakes she made. THE BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS STORY: When we recorded this story, the name, "Natalie", was a created name. If you follow the links below, you will find her actual name. "Pseudo" Pseudo is a 366-page graphic novel about Cat, Ted and Spider. If you'd like a signed second edition, please leave a note when you order. "Bad Boys" Bad Boys is a 399-page tragicomic and heroic graphic novel about finding the way back from trauma-induced numbness to an open heart. In a tangle of lovers, sectarian 12-step groups and cannabis, Cat and Ted hack the system and learn to move from a life of fear – to one of trust. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story with Julie, who lives in Brazil. Julie was in a toxic relationship for 20 years! Like many stories, we hear, she didn't recognize this as abuse because, although it seemed like it, he never actually hit her. She knows better now that it was abuse. Had he hit her, she feels she would have left this relationship a lot sooner. Many of us cannot understand how anyone could remain in this kind of a relationship, especially for 20 years. But abusive relationships are full of rewards and punishments that knock a person down and then pull a person up. This is trauma bonding. We thank Julie for sharing, because the more we know, the better we can stay out of abuse of relationships like this one. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story with Julie, who lives in Brazil. Julie was in a toxic relationship for 20 years! Like many stories, we hear, she didn't recognize this as abuse because, although it seemed like it, he never actually hit her. She knows better now that it was abuse. Had he hit her, she feels she would have left this relationship a lot sooner. Many of us cannot understand how anyone could remain in this kind of a relationship, especially for 20 years. But abusive relationships are full of rewards and punishments that knock a person down and then pull a person up. This is trauma bonding. We thank Julie for sharing, because the more we know, the better we can stay out of abuse of relationships like this one. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two part story with Teresa. Teresa's story includes many of the themes heard in other episodes of the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. Like the many warning signs she did not heed. She is a quite generous, patient person, who finds herself locked into a relationship with a man who uses her in every way. You will hear how her husband, Aubrey, took full advantage of Teresa frequently, and yet her response was always to be unselfish, hoping if she treated him well, maybe he would come around. He never did. At this time, Teresa has taken what she's learned and is paying it forward to help today's survivors. This is Teresa's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two part story with Teresa. Teresa's story includes many of the themes heard in other episodes of the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. Like the many warning signs she did not heed. She is a quite generous, patient person, who finds herself locked into a relationship with a man who uses her in every way. You will hear how her husband, Aubrey, took full advantage of Teresa frequently, and yet her response was always to be unselfish, hoping if she treated him well, maybe he would come around. He never did. At this time, Teresa has taken what she's learned and is paying it forward to help today's survivors. This is Teresa's story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part three of a three-part story. This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode comes with warnings about adult language. Lindsay is a podcast host. But not just any podcast host! Oh, no! Lindsay is on a mission. She aims to inform women about the multiple pitfalls of dating abuse and domestic violence on her "Bitch is a Bad Word" podcast. Lindsay is a force for good. A super heroine. She's an unstoppable voice who will give you straight talk about the realities of what can happen when you are unaware of abusive predators lurking behind attractive exteriors. He might look attractive, have money, be funny/smart, but what you see isn't always what you will be getting. Lindsay is here to smarten all of us up. Lindsay is speaking from experience. You'll see what I mean in this compelling episode on the WHEN DATIGN HURTS podcast. Here are ways to get in touch with everything Lindsay is doing: SUBSCRIBE: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword CONTACT: biabw@caliber-studio.com WEBSITE & MAILING LIST: https://www.caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadword NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • 10 WARNING SIGNS • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a three-part story. This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode comes with warnings about adult language. Lindsay is a podcast host. But not just any podcast host! Oh, no! Lindsay is on a mission. She aims to inform women about the multiple pitfalls of dating abuse and domestic violence on her "Bitch is a Bad Word" podcast. Lindsay is a force for good. A super heroine. She's an unstoppable voice who will give you straight talk about the realities of what can happen when you are unaware of abusive predators lurking behind attractive exteriors. He might look attractive, have money, be funny/smart, but what you see isn't always what you will be getting. Lindsay is here to smarten all of us up. Lindsay is speaking from experience. You'll see what I mean in this compelling episode on the WHEN DATIGN HURTS podcast. Here are ways to get in touch with everything Lindsay is doing: SUBSCRIBE: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword CONTACT: biabw@caliber-studio.com WEBSITE & MAILING LIST: https://www.caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadword NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • 10 WARNING SIGNS • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a three-part story. This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode comes with warnings about adult language. Lindsay is a podcast host. But not just any podcast host! Oh, no! Lindsay is on a mission. She aims to inform women about the multiple pitfalls of dating abuse and domestic violence on her "Bitch is a Bad Word" podcast. Lindsay is a force for good. A super heroine. She's an unstoppable voice who will give you straight talk about the realities of what can happen when you are unaware of abusive predators lurking behind attractive exteriors. He might look attractive, have money, be funny/smart, but what you see isn't always what you will be getting. Lindsay is here to smarten all of us up. Lindsay is speaking from experience. You'll see what I mean in this compelling episode on the WHEN DATIGN HURTS podcast. Here are ways to get in touch with everything Lindsay is doing: SUBSCRIBE: YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bitchisabadwordpod/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bitchisabadword CONTACT: biabw@caliber-studio.com WEBSITE & MAILING LIST: https://www.caliber-studio.com/bitchisabadword NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • 10 WARNING SIGNS • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode comes with warnings about illegal drug usage, alcoholism, excessive violence, and adult language. Susan's story is about a young woman trying her best to keep everything together with John from the time she was a teen. When she met John back then, he seemed like someone she loved and wanted to marry, settle down with, and raise a family. There were plenty of warning signs along the way, but Susan put them aside thinking she could bring out the best in John, But he was a flawed individual, to say the least, and the use of illegal drugs like meth and heroin drove him to be someone who could never be called upon to act responsibly. Like so many of our abuser/survivor stories, John was already an abuser, but his drug usage made him many times worse. Even with three children at home, he was about as awful as any man could become. There is much to be learned in Susan's story. Throughout she stays the course of trying to keep everything together, but it's almost too much to handle. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We should have created an episode like this a long time ago. We mention warning signs in many of our episodes, but we have not actually listed them so they are easy to find. That is why we created this particular episode. The one question we are asked most frequently is: "How will I know if I'm in an abusive relationship?" That's when the warning signs are most useful to know and ask ourselves. This episode discusses the warning signs I use in my speeches, and they appear on the whendatinghurts.com website. You will recognize examples from everyday life. But how many have you already experienced? Later in this episode, we will also share many of the terms that are used when discussing the dating abuse and domestic violence issue. We expect this WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode to be shared throughout the world. It does the most complete job, thus far, in explaining terms and expressions used most often. Be sure to share this with someone you care about. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we are fortunate to have Sarah rejoin us on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. We are seeing a trend, which I like a lot. Survivors we have spoken with previously are returning and giving updates. You see, once a person has left an abusive relationship, some time later they understand more clearly what they had been enduring. For us, having them report back in is quite valuable. Their wisdom is lifesaving. In this episode, Sarah updates a toxic relationship with Johnnie (who popped up with text messages after six years of silence. That relationship is discussed in three previous WHEN DATING HURTS episodes. And for the first time, Sarah also discusses a relationship with another abusive man that was also unhealthy. It ended within the past year. Our thanks to Sarah for unselfishly adding to her story. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story with Shannon. At the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, we are fortunate to have loyal listeners from all around the world. We also have survivors who have bravely asked to be interviewed. These survivors have been from Canada, Australia, England, Argentina, Switzerland, and the United States. Today, we add Ireland to our list. We spoke with Shannon who came to us from Dublin, Ireland We thank Shannon for bringing us this story. It holds similarities we have found in most abusive relationships. We see the same kinds of warning signs, traps, and techniques used by abusers. We also see escalation in unhealthy behavior throughout. Good people fall into traps when they are caught unaware... no matter where they call home. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two part story with Shannon. At the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, we are fortunate to have loyal listeners from all around the world. We also have survivors who have bravely asked to be interviewed. These survivors have been from Canada, Australia, England, Argentina, Switzerland, and the United States. Today, we add Ireland to our list. We spoke with Shannon who came to us from Dublin, Ireland We thank Shannon for bringing us this story. It holds similarities we have found in most abusive relationships. We see the same kinds of warning signs, traps, and techniques used by abusers. We also see escalation in unhealthy behavior throughout. Good people fall into traps when they are caught unaware... no matter where they call home. NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode comes with warnings about alcoholism, drug usage, violence, and the use of profane adult language. This is an update to a three-part narrative with Candi Rose. Candi contacted us nearly a year after her first interview, and she asked to return and tell more about the abuse she suffered. We appreciate her for wanting to rejoin us and fill in more about the dark days with Ashton. Candi Rose is her actual name. Her full name is Candace Rose. She was bullied in high school to the point where her mother moved her into a different school. There she fell in with the wrong crowd. Things became worse as she made a series of unfortunate decisions. Her lack of experience, wisdom, or good judgment landed her in jail as a convicted felon. Once released what did she do to make a living? She became a stripper. The twists and turns of Candi's life will have you tightly holding on. But, as with every survivor story, there is an abuse and there is as ascendence out to freedom and safety. To download Candi's free ebook, just click this link. This is Candi Rose's story. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode comes with warnings about alcoholism, drug usage, violence and the use of profane adult language. This is three one of a three-part narrative with Candi Rose. Candi contacted us and asked to return to tell about the abuse she suffered. This interview took place about nine months after parts one and two. We appreciate her for wanting to rejoin us and fill in more about the dark days with Ashton. Candi Rose is her actual name. Her full name is Candace Rose. She was bullied in high school to the point where her mother moved her to a different school. There she fell in with the wrong crowd. Things became worse as she made a series of unfortunate decisions. Her lack of experience, wisdom, or good judgment landed her in jail as a convicted felon. Once released what did she do to make a living? She became a stripper. The twists and turns of Candi's life will have you tightly holding on. But, as with every survivor story, there is an abuse and there is as ascendence out to freedom and safety. To download Candi's free ebook, just click this link. This is Candi Rose's story. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is two one of a three-part narrative with Candi Rose. Candi Rose is her actual name. Her full name is Candace Rose. She was bullied in high school to the point where her mother moved her into a different school. There she fell in with the wrong crowd. Things became worse as she made a series of unfortunate decisions. Her lack of experience, wisdom, or good judgment landed her in jail as a convicted felon. Once released what did she do to make a living? She became a stripper. The twists and turns of Candi's life will have you tightly holding on. But, as with every survivor story, there is an abuse and there is as ascendence out to freedom and safety. To download Candi's free ebook, just click this link. This is Candi Rose's story. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a three-part narrative with Candi Rose. Candi Rose is her actual name. Her full name is Candace Rose. She was bullied in high school to the point where her mother moved her into a different school. There she fell in with the wrong crowd. Things became worse as she made a series of unfortunate decisions. Her lack of experience, wisdom, or good judgment landed her in jail as a convicted felon. Once released what did she do to make a living? She became a stripper. The twists and turns of Candi's life will have you tightly holding on. But, as with every survivor story, there is an abuse and there is as ascendence out to freedom and safety. To download Candi's free ebook, just click this link. This is Candi Rose's story. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com DISCLAIMER: The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story. In the story, Jill takes us back in time to the many setbacks. She experienced as a child. This woman learned early in life how to use her inner strength, it was all she needed to survive. Listen to Jill's story, and you will experience a woman who found inner joy that has been a constant source of peace. She will give us great advice about being your own person and never putting up with someone who treats you badly. That means never giving an abuser a second chance. You should have a pen and paper ready because there will be plenty of great advice about handling abuse, and handling an abuser coming your way. Throughout Jill's story, you will sense her joy. It is real. And you can experience the same kind of joy when you regain your freedom if you are being abused. Also, here is a link to an episode we have run a couple of times. It is entitled "What You Should Do Before Leaving Your Abuser". Jill will mention this WHEN DATING HURTS episode during her interview. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story. In the story, Jill takes us back in time to the many setbacks. She experienced as a child. This woman learned early in life how to use her inner strength, it was all she needed to survive. Listen to Jill's story, and you will experience a woman who found inner joy that has been a constant source of peace. She will give us great advice about being your own person and never putting up with someone who treats you badly. That means never giving an abuser a second chance. You should have a pen and paper ready because there will be plenty of great advice about handling abuse, and handling an abuser coming your way. Throughout Jill's story, you will sense her joy. It is real. And you can experience the same kind of joy when you regain your freedom if you are being abused. Also, here is a link to an episode we have run a couple of times. It is entitled "What You Should Do Before Leaving Your Abuser". Jill will mention this WHEN DATING HURTS episode during her interview. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is little chance we will ever get an abuser to join us on this podcast and do a recorded interview. But, we have heard enough about the minds of abusers to have insights into what we would hear. It would sound like the justification of actions taken purely to gain control over another person. It would be a relentless pushback. There would be no apologies. That is what you will hear in this episode. This episode, our fifth in this series, comes with content and trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, domestic violence, language, and graphic violence. This episode will talk about the Warning Signs of a potentially unhealthy (dangerous) relationship. But, this is from an abuser's point of view. The voice you will hear on this WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast episode was created by a computer program. It is not a real person's voice. The words spoken are a composite of beliefs and concepts expressed by dating and domestic abusers found within articles and interviews. They have been collected over nearly two decades. They have been reassembled as complete ideas and thoughts.   This episode illustrates how abusers portray themselves as victims. There is not one "portrait" that fits all abusers, of course, but many never take ownership of their words or actions, and they justify their abusive and destructive behavior.   Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part narrative with Lucy. This story comes with content warnings about drug taking. Using drugs or misusing alcohol does not cause domestic violence, but it does allow abusive behavior to become more frequent and more destructive. Lucy contacted me wondering if what she experienced years ago was actually abuse. She is a high-energy woman with great ambition, but Lucy admits she was no saint. She made some mistakes and paid dearly for them by losing the career she wanted so badly. She allowed herself to be controlled by two different men who sized her up and took full advantage of her unselfish nature. Time and time again, she gave way to the toxic behavior put upon her. Parts of this story you probably will not relate to – especially the about drug taking – but still there's a lot to be learned. In Lucy's story, you will see how the jealousy became worse. Verbal digs she received grew sharper. The isolation from friends and family became greater. And bizarre behavior was more frequent. Breaking off the second relationship required many attempts in the second part of this story. Her narrative is filled with warning signs we should share with those we care about. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part narrative with Lucy. This story comes with content warnings about drug taking. Using drugs or misusing alcohol does not cause domestic violence, but it does allow abusive behavior to become more frequent and more destructive. Lucy contacted me wondering if what she experienced years ago was actually abuse. She is a high-energy woman with great ambition, but Lucy admits she was no saint. She made some mistakes and paid dearly for them by losing the career she wanted so badly. She allowed herself to be controlled by two different men who sized her up and took full advantage of her unselfish nature. Time and time again, she gave way to the toxic behavior put upon her. Parts of this story you probably will not relate to – especially the about drug taking – but still there's a lot to be learned. In Lucy's story, you will see how the jealousy became worse. Verbal digs she received grew sharper. The isolation from friends and family became greater. And bizarre behavior was more frequent. Breaking off the second relationship required many attempts in the second part of this story. Her narrative is filled with warning signs we should share with those we care about. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a kind of bonus episode with Christy. We recorded parts one and two of her story. We edited them and figured that was that. But days later, Christy contacted me again wanting to tell of more incidents with her ex-husband. She also wanted to add more of her hard-earned advice. Our three interviews with Christy demonstrate how this selfless woman tried to keep her marriage intact with barely any assistance from her narcissistic husband. Christy was consistently the best, most generous wife and mother of three she could be. Her husband took full advantage of her with his power and control techniques. He took away most of her freedom in life. It took a strong will to break free. Be listening for the warning signs that could have steered Christy away from this terribly abusive man. Every survivor story is unique, but many of the warning signs in our survivor stories have similarities. Every one of our interviews illustrates the determination it takes to find freedom and restart a life. If you need to regain your freedom, start today. Seek assistance from a trusted friend, your church, your doctor, or domestic violence agencies in your area. Do something to save yourself. Abusive relationships are bound to get worse. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story with Christy. Our interview with Christy demonstrates how hard this selfless woman tried to keep her marriage intact with barely any assistance from her narcissistic husband. Christy was consistently the best, most generous, wife and mother of three she could be. Her husband took full advantage of her with his power and control techniques. He took away most of her freedom in life. It took a strong will to break free. Be listening for the warning signs that could have steered Christy away from this terribly abusive man. Every survivor story is unique, but many of the warning signs in our survivor stories have similarities. Every one of our interviews illustrates the determination it takes to find freedom and restart a life. If you need to regain your freedom, start today. Seek assistance from a trusted friend, your church, your doctor, or domestic violence agencies in your area. Do something to save yourself. Abusive relationships are bound to get worse. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story with Christy. Our interview with Christy demonstrates how hard this selfless woman tried to keep her marriage intact with barely any assistance from her narcissistic husband. Christy was consistently the best, most generous, wife and mother of three she could be. Her husband took full advantage of her with his power and control techniques. He took away most of her freedom in life. It took a strong will to break free. Be listening for the warning signs that could have steered Christy away from this terribly abusive man. Every survivor story is unique, but many of the warning signs in our survivor stories have similarities. Every one of our interviews illustrates the determination it takes to find freedom and restart a life. If you need to regain your freedom, start today. Seek assistance from a trusted friend, your church, your doctor, or domestic violence agencies in your area. Do something to save yourself. Abusive relationships are bound to get worse. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story with Anna Astwood. Anna is a survivor of teen dating violence. It happened about 25 years ago, but she has lived with it every day since. As a survivor herself of sexual assault and teenage dating violence from the ages of 12 to 18 years old, she knows the pain, the trauma, the guilt of what relationship violence brings. Most importantly, she knows the healing that can take place after trauma. Although not an easy task, Anna explains that by taking the steps to heal and being willing to be vulnerable and authentic with what she has experienced, will bring back the power and peace that was stolen from her many years ago. Listen for warning signs in her story. See how not feeling you can go to your friends or family only makes everything worse. Anna suffered emotional and physical abuse. She had to figure out, on her own, what to do about it: How to cope. How to live. Listen carefully, feel the experience, and learn from this true story from Anna Astwood on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. The "Love Doesn't Hurt" Mission Statement: Love Doesn't Hurt is a nonprofit dedicated to ending teenage dating violence and supporting those affected through education, empowerment and community support.  You can contact Anna Astwood at this link. Or email Anna: lovedoesnthurtinc@gmail.com. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story with Anna Astwood. Anna is a survivor of teen dating violence. It happened about 25 years ago, but she has lived with it every day since. As a survivor herself of sexual assault and teenage dating violence from the ages of 12 to 18 years old, she knows the pain, the trauma, the guilt of what relationship violence brings. Most importantly, she knows the healing that can take place after trauma. Although not an easy task, Anna explains that by taking the steps to heal and being willing to be vulnerable and authentic with what she has experienced, will bring back the power and peace that was stolen from her many years ago. Listen for warning signs in her story. See how not feeling you can go to your friends or family only makes everything worse. Anna suffered emotional and physical abuse. She had to figure out, on her own, what to do about it: How to cope. How to live. Listen carefully, feel the experience, and learn from this true story from Anna Astwood on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. The "Love Doesn't Hurt" Mission Statement: Love Doesn't Hurt is a nonprofit dedicated to ending teenage dating violence and supporting those affected through education, empowerment and community support.  You can contact Anna Astwood at this link. Or email Anna: lovedoesnthurtinc@gmail.com. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You will find many lists of warning signs if you google. You can also see a list of warning signs on the WhenDatingHurts.com website, if you like. Danielle's story has warning signs of a toxic relationship that will show up throughout. Listen to her interview and learn where she made mistakes. Danielle's story underscores that breaking free is never easy. It can take multiple attempts. From the outside, it looks so obvious: Just break up. Get your stuff. And get out of there. Right? But it hardly ever happens that way. Lasting freedom takes time and patience. And it is all worth it. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A couple of years back, I was interviewed by David Keck of the Process of Healing podcast. David was the unfortunate victim of a hate crime. It is not hyperbole to say it was a miracle he survived this. David has taken his personal tragedy, and his sympathetic outlook on life, to help others and bring hope, healing, and education to individuals who have endured personal trauma. This WHEN DATING HURTS episode is a comprehensive interview which I feel is quite worthwhile for the way in which it explains the whole situation surrounded my daughter's dating violence, murder, and the steps that followed it. We cover a lot of points. So, you might want to take notes. Here is David Keck of the Process of Healing podcast. The Process of Healing Podcast Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This will be our third interview with Mindy. She is a survivor who first appeared in the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast 18 months ago. During our first interview together, Mindy used a created name (Becca). Back then, she had very recently broken away from her abuser of eight years. Mindy was determined to stay away from him, and a year and a half later, she is successful. Six months after our first interview, Mindy gave us her "progress report". She remained zero tolerance against any communications with this toxic man: a predator who had emotionally and violently abused her. Today, a year after her first progress report, Mindy is back with with us for another report. She is a happy person. She managed to see the importance of putting more emphasis on getting her personal life together. She doesn't feel she needs a partner to complete her life. Mindy represents a model case for moving on and doing her best to never look back. Her future is getting the attention now. Mindy has a new boyfriend today. It's still early, at the three months mark, but there are signs this new boyfriend, "Dustin", understands the importance of fairness in a relationship, and the need to be honest at all times. Be sure to share Mindy's interview with someone you feel needs to see what it's like to have your freedom back–on your own terms. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story with Sarah. This story comes with warnings. There are of graphic descriptions of violence, use of adult language, and other disturbing depictions. So, please proceed carefully. We pick up where we left off with Sarah and part one. Things will become much worse. Sarah will have plenty of reasons to break up with Johnnie, but when she does break away, she weakens and goes back. This is quite common in these unhealthy relationships. Listen to Sarah in part two, the final episode of her story. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story with Sarah. This story comes with warnings. There are of graphic descriptions of violence, use of adult language, and other disturbing depictions. So, please proceed carefully. Sarah lives in the Midwest. From the time she was young, she was denied attention from her parents. Her mother was alcoholic. Her father not only used drugs, he manufactured them. Sarah will tell us about this and a lot more. Life was not kind to Sarah as she advanced through high school and college. She was always generous to everyone, even when she should have walked away from them. Especially her boyfriends. You will hear about Johnnie. He was her savior at first but then her abuser. For six years. Watch for the warning signs as you listen to Sarah. The isolation from friends, the speeded it up parts of the relationship, the shaming and the misguided blaming. It is on full display her in part one. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part two of a two-part story with Katie. Be sure you are ready to hear this story. As it proceeds, you will be hearing about horribly abusive physical violence and actual torture... Trigger warnings need to be expressed due to both the content and graphic descriptions. Katie's Story When Katie met Mark, he appeared as this attractive guy playing amazing bass fiddle in a rockabilly band. She loved his music and soon felt he was the one. As soon as they were introduced, they were an item from the start. Things happened fast as Mark and Katie seemed to click in all manner of speaking. But, as time wore on, she found herself to be his total support person, seeing to it that his career came first. She was doing everything imaginable to pay the bills and make ends meet. His sole purpose was to find stardom making his music. Mixed into the relationship came the warning signs that were missed when any person is not educated about them. The isolation. The jealousies. The various kinds of emotional abuse that creep in. And then came physical abuse, which was just horrible. Katie is fortunate to be alive today. Had Mark finished what he intended, he would have murdered her. This story is not for everyone. Be careful with those you share this story. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is part one of a two-part story with Katie. Be sure you are ready to hear this story. As it proceeds, you will be hearing about horribly abusive physical violence and actual torture... Trigger warnings need to be expressed due to both the content and graphic descriptions. Katie's Story When Katie met Mark, he appeared as this attractive guy playing amazing bass fiddle in a rockabilly band. She loved his music and soon felt he was the one. As soon as they were introduced, they were an item from the start. Things happened fast as Mark and Katie seemed to click in all manner of speaking. But, as time wore on, she found herself to be his total support person, seeing to it that his career came first. She was doing everything imaginable to pay the bills and make ends meet. His sole purpose was to find stardom making his music. Mixed into the relationship came the warning signs that were missed when any person is not educated about them. The isolation. The jealousies. The various kinds of emotional abuse that creep in. And then came physical abuse, which was just horrible. Katie is fortunate to be alive today. Had Mark finished what he intended, he would have murdered her. This story is not for everyone. Be careful with those you share this story. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices