Hello everyone! Today’s topic can be sensitive for some listeners, so please make sure you’re in the right headspace before we begin. This conversation is especially for women who are currently in abusive relationships or who have experienced abuse in the past.

My goal is to share information, understanding, and a message of hope, but please take your time. It’s okay to pause, feel, or step away if needed. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services right away.

Below are trusted resources in Utah and Australia, including crisis lines, shelters, and support services that offer confidential help and options for safety. You are not alone.

For everyone:

Yourtoolkit.com is the site Sim was talking about for victim/survivors of FDV. It is set up for Australians, but the majority of the information is for anyone in an FDV relationship and wants to leave. It also has a quick exit button that you can use you are on the site around your abuser and need to switch browsers quickly, it will immediately switch it to the news.

Books Sim recommends:

Coercive Control - Evan Stark (it's the OG in academia)

See What You Made Me Do - Jess Hill

Why Does He Do That - Lundy Bancroft (the one I, Nikki, am currently reading)

No Visible Bruises - Rachel Snyder

Utah: 24/7 Hotlines & Immediate Support

National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) — 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Online chat at thehotline.org (free, confidential 24/7).
Utah Domestic Violence Coalition LINKLine — Call or text 1-800-897-LINK (5465) for free confidential support and referrals statewide.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: Survivors can reach out for help any time day or night. Download the free app or call 801-587-3000 to chat or talk confidentially to a trained therapist.
Rape Recovery Center (Salt Lake City) — 801-467-7273 (24/7 crisis line).
SVS (Supporting Voices of Survivors) — Provides safe shelter, advocacy, counseling, and ongoing support services.

Australia: National Support Lines (24/7)

1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 | Online chat and video support. Confidential counselling and information for domestic, family, and sexual violence.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service (South Australia) — 1800 800 098 (24/7 confidential support, info, safe accommodation options).
Family & Domestic Violence Helplines (Western Australia) — 1800 007 339 for women, 1800 000 599 for men, plus referral and support.
SALSWA: Sexual Assault Legal Service (free, NGO). salswa@wlswa.org.au Phone: 08 9272 8855
Full Stop Australia — Free, confidential counselling and advocacy for people impacted by domestic and family violence.
Kids Helpline (for younger listeners or those supporting youth) — 1800 55 1800 (free counselling for ages 5–25).

Ep 85: There IS a World Beyond Abuse - with Dr. Simonetta Cavilli