Podcast
WHEN DATING HURTS
Hosted by Evergreen Podcasts · EN
A "must-listen-to" podcast on dating abuse and domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence. .
Hosted by Bill Mitchell, author of the memoir, WHEN DATING HURTS (Amazon), this book is about the murder of his daughter by her ex-boyfriend.
Bill and his wife, Michele, lost Kristin to dating violence. She was brutally murdered in June 2005, just 20 days after her college graduation.
FACT: 1 in 3 WOMEN suffer serious physical violence at the hands of intimate partners during their lifetimes. Typically, it happens between the ages of 16-24. But can happen at any age. It doesn't need to happen.
Bill interviews experts with key experiences in dating and domestic violence:
• Actual survivors of intimate partner violence (dating abuse and domestic violence)
• "DV" agency counselors
• Law enforcement professionals
• Parents of children who were either lost to, or somehow survived, dating violence
After listening to the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, be sure to share it with those who need to hear it... Remember the 1 in 3 women statistic. It is real.
The WHEN DATING HURTS memoir (paperback, eBook, audiobook) is only available on Amazon.
Bill Mitchell's email: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com
The WHEN DATING HURTS website is HERE.
40episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
341. What Ghosting Really Is
3d ago00:13:05Tap to summarizeGhosting. This is a blend of survivor-centered education, psychology, and clear red-flag guidance. And it's all grounded in research. We call this: What Ghosting Really Is. This is not an interview with a survivor. It is not red flags wrapped into a story. It is the red flags you need to know so you will never be fooled by someone trying to "ghost" you in a relationship. It is a fairly short episode, so it is easily heard in one sitting. And so you can hear it again and again. You might want to take notes. This information can save someone's life. Host: Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →339. What Gaslighting Really Is
5d ago00:14:35Tap to summarizeGaslighting. This is a blend of survivor-centered education, psychology, and clear red-flag guidance. And it's all grounded in research. We call this: What Gaslighting Really Is. This is not an interview with a survivor. It is not red flags wrapped into a story. It is the red flags you need to know so you will never be fooled by someone trying to gaslight you in a relationship. It is a fairly short episode, so it is easily heard in one sitting. And so you can hear it again and again. You might want to take notes. This information can save someone's life. Host: Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →Rereleasing - 219. Anna Astwood - Pt 2 of 2 - Once a Dating Violence Victim. Today, an Active Survivor.
1w ago00:45:42Tap to summarizeWe decided to rerelease this story because it gathered so much attention when it first ran. 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. 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
Transcribe →Rereleasing - 218. Anna Astwood - Pt 1 of 2 - Once a Dating Violence Victim. Today, an Active Survivor.
1w ago00:34:20Tap to summarizeWe decided to rerelease this story because it gathered so much attention when it first ran. 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. 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
Transcribe →338. What You Need to Know About Coercive Control
1w ago00:15:23Tap to summarizeCoercive Control. This episode is a blend of survivor-centered education, psychology, and clear red-flag guidance. And it's all grounded in research. We call this: What You Need to Know About Coercive Control. This is not an interview with a survivor. It is not red flags wrapped into a story. It is the red flags you need to know so you will never be fooled by someone trying to coercively control you in a relationship -- or someone you love. It is a fairly short episode, so it is easily heard in one sitting. And so you can hear it again and again. You might want to take notes. This information can save someone's life. Host: Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →337. What You Need to Know About Escalation
2w ago00:15:12Tap to summarizeEscalation. This episode is me talking with you. It is a blend of survivor-centered education, psychology, and clear red-flag guidance. And it's all grounded in research. Let's call this: What You Need to Know About Escalation. This is not an interview with a survivor. It is not red flags wrapped into a story. It is the red flags you need to know so you will never be fooled by someone trying to escalate a relationship with you -- or someone you love. It is a fairly short episode, so it is easily heard in one sitting. And so you can hear it again and again. You might want to take notes. This information can save someone's life. Host: Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →335. Anne - Unshakeable Army Veteran Lost Herself in an Abusive Relationship
2w ago00:57:06Tap to summarizeContent Warning & Disclaimer Please proceed with caution. This episode may be highly triggering for survivors of abuse and trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Anne offered to tell her story to us. An army veteran, Anne found herself falling for Peter, who was also an army vet. They had a lot in common, so striking up a relationship was very easy. There are many facets about Peter that were appealing, but when he became angry about something, he turned into a whole different person. Not only in his behavior, but also the look on his face, in particular, his eyes. He promised he would not allow himself to become that angry again. But he was not able to do that. Although a very strong person in many ways, Anne made the mistake of allowing Peter into (and taking control of) her life. This took time to happen, but later had the appearance of an overall plan. There were many unfortunate decisions made by Anne, but they were attempts at making Peter more comfortable and increasing his self esteem. We ask ourselves how could a smart woman like Anne allow this to happen, but she was a good person who was trying hard to lift Peter up in life. He took full advantage of her good acts. Like with each of our survivor stories, there are many lessons to be learned from hearing Anne's story. If you’re in an abusive relationship, dealing with trauma from childhood, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope. Host: Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →334. Crystal - Pt 2 of 2 - Power Imbalances & Hidden Masks: Stopping Patterns of Emotional Abuse
3w ago00:48:40Tap to summarizeContent Warning & Disclaimer These stories contain detailed accounts of emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and narcissistic abuse. They include descriptions of alcohol and drug misuse. Please proceed with caution. This episode may be highly triggering for survivors of abuse and trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Crystal offered to tell her story to us. The underlying point is, she found herself heading into one abusive relationship after another. Was it bad luck? Maybe not. Crystal put a focus in understanding why this was happening to her. And she eventually found the answer deep inside of herself. This is one of those interviews where you should probably be taking notes. As a highly logical person, Crystal was able to piece together why she was on the receiving end of so much abuse. You will hear about power imbalances, gaslighting, and the many masks abusive predators wear to disguise what they are all about. Get your pen and paper read for this one. Stories like this one highlight critical warning signs of narcissistic abuse and emotional manipulation. Recognizing these red flags early can help you or someone you love avoid years of pain and escape the “conveyor belt of chaos” that toxic relationships often become. If you’re in an abusive relationship, dealing with trauma from childhood, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope. Host: Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →333. Crystal - Pt 1 of 2 - Power Imbalances & Hidden Masks: Stopping Patterns of Emotional Abuse
3w ago00:57:28Tap to summarizeContent Warning & Disclaimer These stories contain detailed accounts of emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and narcissistic abuse. They include descriptions of alcohol and drug misuse. Please proceed with caution. This episode may be highly triggering for survivors of abuse and trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Crystal offered to tell her story to us. The underlying point is, she found herself heading into one abusive relationship after another. Was it bad luck? Maybe not. Crystal put a focus in understanding why this was happening to her. And she eventually found the answer deep inside of herself. This is one of those interviews where you should probably be taking notes. As a highly logical person, Crystal was able to piece together why she was on the receiving end of so much abuse. You will hear about power imbalances, gaslighting, and the many masks abusive predators wear to disguise what they are all about. Get your pen and paper read for this one. Stories like this one highlight critical warning signs of narcissistic abuse and emotional manipulation. Recognizing these red flags early can help you or someone you love avoid years of pain and escape the “conveyor belt of chaos” that toxic relationships often become. If you’re in an abusive relationship, dealing with trauma from childhood, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope. Host: Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →331. Rerelease of "Surviving Abuse from My Wife: Hidden Truths About Men DV Victims"
4w ago01:00:09Tap to summarizeContent Warning & Disclaimer This true story contains detailed accounts of emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and a near-fatal poisoning. It includes descriptions of prescription drug misuse. Please proceed with caution. This episode may be highly triggering for survivors of abuse, trauma, or those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is strongly advised. We decided to bring one of our early survivor stories back for you. It is a story of a man being abused by a woman. From Psychology Today: Abused men often don't tell their stories due to a combination of deep seated, social stigma, internalize expectations around masculinity, practical fears, and systemic barriers. The silence isn't unique to men – abuse victims of any gender face shame and fear – but the dynamics hit male victims particularly hard because of cultural norms that frame men as inherently strong, self-reliant protectors, who cannot or should not be victims – especially at the hands of a female partner. J.D. McCabe maintained a living relationship with his wife for nearly 20 years before their marriage, family, and world begin to crumble. Their foundation had always been rooted in trust. That trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship. His wife always claimed things wouldn't, couldn't work without trust. But one day, for reasons, J.D. could not fathom, his wife became suspicious of his every move. She enlisted her mother in her efforts, and together they forged the words of family, trust, and honesty into a hammer that beat him into the ground. Their accusations accumulated and eventually it resulted in J.D. being involuntarily hospitalized. This is an unusual story of abuse. And one of the few brought to this podcast where it's a man being abused by a woman. There are plenty more of these stories, however, men are reticent to come forth and speak. But J.D. does in this episode of WHEN DATING HURTS. Bill Mitchell If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery. Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help. Are you a survivor ready to speak out? Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast. Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book: Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety. 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
Transcribe →