Episode 84: Domestic Violence and Emotional Abuse: Recognising the Signs

<p>Content warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, drug use and stalking.</p><p>Belinda sits down with Lauren Jane, founder of Find My Wild, to have an important and honest conversation about domestic violence and emotional abuse.</p><p>For years, Lauren was in an abusive relationship without recognising that what she was experiencing was domestic violence. She shares the moment her doctor helped her understand what was happening, what it took to leave with her children, and the challenges of rebuilding her life afterwards.</p><p>We also talk about recognising the signs of emotional and coercive abuse, how unhealthy patterns can become familiar, learning to trust yourself again, and the way Lauren realised she had started to become her own abuser through how she spoke to and treated herself.</p><p>Lauren’s experience ultimately led her to create Find My Wild, a survivor-led not-for-profit organisation and support platform in Australia providing free resources, community and guidance for people experiencing, leaving, or rebuilding their lives after domestic violence and emotional abuse.</p><p>In this episode, we discuss:</p><ul><li>The early warning signs of emotional and coercive abuse</li><li>The moment Lauren realised she needed to leave</li><li>What life can look like after leaving an abusive relationship</li><li>Rebuilding your identity and learning to trust yourself again</li><li>How unhealthy behaviours can become familiar and feel normal</li><li>Why asking “Why didn’t you just leave?” can be so damaging</li><li>Lauren's WILD framework for supporting someone experiencing abuse</li><li>The story behind Find My Wild and its free app</li><li>WILD Conversations and Lauren’s next chapter</li><li>Creating safety, financial independence and a plan for leaving</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>If this episode brings someone to mind, consider sharing it with them gently. Sometimes simply knowing that someone believes you, sees you and is there when you’re ready to talk can make an enormous difference.</p><p><br /></p><p>Podcast Sponsor:</p><p>Evolution Botanicals specialises in functional mushrooms, tonic herbs, and superfoods to support energy, immunity, focus, strength, gut health and wellness. Visit: <a href="https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/andadd" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://evolutionbotanicals.com.au/andadd</a> BTS10 for 10% off your first order.</p><p><br /></p><p>Connect with Belinda:</p><p>Website: <a href="http://www.belindaanderson.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.belindaanderson.com.au</a></p><p>(sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates on retreats, podcast episodes, and insights to help you heal, grow &amp; thrive).</p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/belinda.anderson</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/belindaandersonau</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Connect with Lauren :</p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/find.my.wild_by_lauren_jane/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/find.my.wild_by_lauren_jane/</a></p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.findmywild.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.findmywild.com.au/</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@find_my_wildbylaurenjane" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@find_my_wildbylaurenjane</a></p><p>Book: <a href="https://www.findmywild.com.au/copy-of-your-journey" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.findmywild.com.au/copy-of-your-journey</a></p><p>Free Support App: <a href="https://findmywild.lovable.app/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://findmywild.lovable.app/</a></p><p>Domestic Violence Hotline: 1800RESPECT (1