Brenda - Domestic Violence Survivor Eerie Abuse Story

This is part two of an astonishing account by Melissa Byers, who lives in Florida.Melissa has always been a trusting soul. Today, she is a true survivor. She was the victim, several times, of the insidious methods predators use to lure innocent people into relationships and then slam an emotional door shut on them.Today's serial abusers are crafty individuals. They practice their techniques and learn what makes them attractive and then how to turn the screws. When they get a target in their sights, they don't stop until a successful capture is made. Melissa only saw the good in these men she married. Men who took complete advantage of her.It would be tempting to believe this would never happen to one of us, but when you hear Melissa’s story, you might think differently.This is her survivor’s story, so you know it will have a positive ending. But the path to Melissa’s freedom came with life-threatening perils. Be sure to listen to this episode, and then suggest it to those you care about.Bill Mitchell   WhenDatingHurts.comHey, if you're a podcast host, here's some advice for you: Go to ZENCASTR.com/pricing and use my code whendatinghurts, and you’ll get 30% off your first 3 months of ZENCASTR professional.I want you to have the same experiences I do for all my podcasting and content needs. It’s time to share your story.

This is part one of an astonishing account by Melissa Byers, who lives in Florida.Melissa has always been a trusting soul. Today, she is a true survivor. She was the victim, several times, of the insidious methods predators use to lure innocent people into relationships and then slam an emotional door shut on them.Today's serial abusers are crafty individuals. They practice their techniques and learn what makes them attractive and then how to turn the screws. When they get a target in their sights, they don't stop until a successful capture is made. Melissa only saw the good in these men she married. Men who took complete advantage of her.It would be tempting to believe this would never happen to one of us, but when you hear Melissa’s story, you might think differently.This is her survivor’s story, so you know it will have a positive ending. But the path to Melissa’s freedom came with life-threatening perils. Be sure to listen to this episode, and then suggest it to those you care about.Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.comHey, if you're a podcast host, here's some advice for you: Go to ZENCASTR.com/pricing and use my code whendatinghurts, and you’ll get 30% off your first 3 months of ZENCASTR professional.I want you to have the same experiences I do for all my podcasting and content needs. It’s time to share your story.

The prevailing stereotype about dating (and domestic) violence is that it mostly happens in the toughest parts of towns and cities. You know, the most depressed parts. And that’s not true at all.It can happen anywhere.My guest on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, Mikkel Becker, is a domestic and dating abuse survivor. She grew up in a perfect, loving nuclear family. Everything seemed absolutely right, but still she once she left her home, she became lost within abusive relationships.In dating and in marriage, more than once Mikkel thought she had met the perfect guy for her and—more than once—she did not.Listen to my conversation with Mikkel. You will find this could happen to anyone you know.You can reach out to Mikkel at [email protected] You will be able to read about the good works she is performing for animals at fearfreepets.com.Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Hey, if you're a podcast host, here's some advice for you: Go to ZENCASTR.com/pricing and use my code whendatinghurts, and you’ll get 30% off your first 3 months of ZENCASTR professional.I want you to have the same experiences I do for all my podcasting and content needs. It’s time to share your story.

I met Jen Lee two years ago when she and I launched our separate podcasts at around the same time. Both are heavily aimed at identifying and supporting survivors. Jen and I share podcast tips and have remained professional friends ever since.Residing in Virginia, her first marriage ended amicably (really). She wanted a relationship that matched her energy and zest for life. While having an after-work bite with coworkers, she met a guy and instantly fell for him. A fast-moving, long-distance relationship ensued with Rob, a businessman from New York.A trusting person, Jen became caught up in a relationship that can only be described as “crazy”. Today, with the wisdom of years, Jen can look back and describe all of the warning signs that could have saved her from three years of heartache and misery had she only known better.You need to hear this one as it plays out.Jen’s survivor podcast is entitled, “I Need Blue”. Her brand-new book is called, “Why I Survived”. Click here for her website.Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.comHey, if you're a podcast host, here's some advice for you: Go to ZENCASTR.com/pricing and use my code whendatinghurts, and you’ll get 30% off your first 3 months of ZENCASTR professional.I want you to have the same experiences I do for all my podcasting and content needs. It’s time to share your story.

Blair wrote me and said, “The more I listen to stories on your podcast, (the more) I feel compelled to share.”Blair grew up, in her words, “Surrounded and molded by the dysfunction of my parents' volatile dynamic.” She describes that time in her life, and you will feel it.Later, she suffered dating abuse only days after graduating high school. She details what it was like and how it felt. Like most victims, she was lured into this with careful manipulation and grooming. It lasted five years. Like all "DV" survivors, when she hit her breaking point, only then did she realize and commit to breaking free.There’s much to be gained by listening to Blair's story. She is another heroic survivor who is shining a bright light on what domestic violence is—and how she reclaimed herself. Today, Blair lives in a happy and healthy relationship surrounded by her husband, her two adorable children, and her dogs.Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.comHey, if you're a podcast host, here's some advice for you: Go to ZENCASTR.com/pricing and use my code whendatinghurts, and you’ll get 30% off your first 3 months of ZENCASTR professional.I want you to have the same experiences I do for all my podcasting and content needs. It’s time to share your story.

Erin was able to connect with me thanks to a mutual friend who is also a domestic violence survivor.This is part two (of two parts). We hear how Erin's problems are driving her to a breaking point. Her partner had reduced her life (and the life of her baby boy) to what amounted to enslavement within their own home. Erin comes to the realization that her baby is in danger, and that is enough for her to take steps to find freedom.  It seems impossible that someone could become so horribly entangled in a relationship like Erin's, but this episode shows what can be going on behind closed doors. Be sure you share this WHEN DATING HURTS episode with someone who's dating. Bill Mitchell  WhenDatingHurts.com Interested in investing in Zencastr?Go to WeFunder.com/Zencastr to claim your slice of the future of podcasting!This is the perfect time to get onboard with Zencastr. They have made podcasting easy and attractive to podcasters. Why not benefit from their success?

Erin was able to connect with me thanks to a mutual friend who is also a domestic violence survivor.This is part one (of two parts), and we hear how Erin was taken advantage of when she was suffering through a highly sensitive passage in her life. Like many victims, she was an innocent, generous person—the kind of target predators are looking to lure into problematic relationships.The warning signs of potential danger were there, but Erin couldn’t interpret them. You will learn plenty from this powerful episode. You will see how difficult it is to break from an accomplished abuser. You need to hear Erin's story. Be sure you share this WHEN DATING HURTS episode with someone who's dating. Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Interested in investing in Zencastr?Go to WeFunder.com/Zencastr to claim your slice of the future of podcasting!This is the perfect time to get onboard with Zencastr. They have made podcasting easy and attractive to podcasters. Why not benefit from their success?

Elizabeth Overstreet has been featured by ABC, CBS, NBC, The New York Times, and many other media outlets. She is a trusted love and relationship strategist. She says she,  "Keeps things real". You will hear how she does it in this episode of the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast.Through her expert coaching and motivational speaking, Elizabeth is known for creating personalized, practical roadmaps to happier, more satisfying relationships with others—and yourself.Elizabeth is based in Raleigh, NC, Elizabeth partners with individuals, couples, and companies globally. Her website is:elizabethoverstreet.com. Bill MitchellWhenDatingHurts.com Interested in investing in Zencastr?Go to WeFunder.com/Zencastr to claim your slice of the future of podcasting!This is the perfect time to get onboard with Zencastr. They have made podcasting easy and attractive to podcasters. Why not benefit from their success?

Lauren is about 30-years old. Hers is a cautionary tale that needs to be heard by everyone. In high school, Lauren fell in love with Max. She didn’t know what she was getting into. Abusive guys, like Max, become well-practiced at the manipulation and grooming of their targets. Lauren mistook his behavior as love. It was not. It was a classic example of dating abuse.Like many innocent young women, Lauren stayed in the relationship far too long. When it ended, she met a man she would later marry. They have two daughters now. You will hear how that relationship turned out as well. It was not good. Set aside some time and listen to Lauren's story. Then invite others to hear what can really go on in high school and after. You probably will want to take notes.Bill MitchellWhenDatingHurts.comAn Opportunity for You: I use a company called Zencastr (it's a weird spelling, I know) to record and host all my episodes on the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. I have used their intuitive products for over two years now. They have made the management and delivery of our podcast's messages easy.Podcasting has grown exponentially. There are podcasts on just about everything. And podcasting advertising has been the fastest growing channel in that time.Interested in investing in Zencastr?Go to WeFunder.com/Zencastr to claim your slice of the future of podcasting!This is the perfect time to get onboard with Zencastr. They have made podcasting easy and attractive to podcasters. Why not benefit from their success? 

We met J R Waltemyer in the summer of 2019, and he remains a valuable contact for us at the Office of Victim Advocate (OVA) in Pennsylvania. OVA is the state agency with the authority and duty to advocate for the rights and needs of crime victims.OVA accomplishes their mission through victim services, which includes post-sentencing notifications of offender status and movements within the Department of Corrections and the parole system; restorative justice programs that promote resilience and healing; and they are currently developing new initiatives around crime prevention.OVA envisions a Pennsylvania in which justice thrives. They collaborate closely with fellow state agencies and community groups to develop and promote trauma informed programs. You will find this episode useful if you want to know how the system works to help all survivors of violent crimes. Bill MitchellWhenDatingHurts.comAn Opportunity for You:I use a company called Zencastr (it's a weird spelling, I know) to record and host all my episodes on the WHEN DATING HURTS podcast. I have used their intuitive products for over two years now. They have made the management and delivery of our podcast's messages easy.   Podcasting has grown exponentially. There are podcasts on just about everything. And podcasting advertising has been the fastest growing channel in that time.Interested in investing in Zencastr? Go to WeFunder.com/Zencastr to claim your slice of the future of podcasting!This is the perfect time to get onboard with Zencastr. They have made podcasting easy and attractive to podcasters. Why not benefit from their success?