Leaving Domestic Violence, Grief and the Love of a Solo Mum- with Zoe Marshall

This episode talks about domestic and family violence, including sexual violence, as well as grief and loss. Please look after yourself while listening.

Zoe Marshall was barely an adult when two things happened at once. Her mum, a solo mum and her whole world, was dying of cancer, and she'd just met the man who would go on to abuse her.

This week I sat down with Zoe, author, speaker, podcast host and founder of Arise, to talk about how abusive relationships actually start, and why strong, smart women still end up in them. Zoe shares what it was like to be controlled down to what she wore and how she did her hair, the pros and cons list that finally helped her see it clearly, and what it really takes to leave when you have no money, no car and nothing that's yours.

She also has a message for anyone who has a friend or sister who keeps going back. Please don't stop answering the phone.

Then we get into the good stuff. Zoe talks about being raised by a solo mum, and her words for every single parent worried they're putting too much on their kids honestly made us both cry. We also talk about identity, people pleasing, why healing is never really "done" and how to start when you don't know where to begin.

This one is raw, honest and full of hope. I hope it lands for you the way it did for me.

Find Zoe:

Ariise

Content note

This episode talks about domestic and family violence, including sexual violence, as well as grief and loss. Please look after yourself while listening.

If you need support:

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (24/7)