Escape the Paradox
Welcome to Escape the Paradox, where I explore the reality of coercive control—the cruel Catch 22 where home, the place meant to be safest, becomes the most dangerous. I’m Helena, sharing my story and diving into research, survivor experiences, and expert insights to uncover tools for healing and reclaiming your truth. Together, we’ll navigate the healing journey and I'll help you gain the confidence and strength to understand and own your narrative.
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Escape the Paradox
Emotional / Psychological Abuse: Part 1/2
Emotional abuse leaves no visible scars, but its impact runs deep.
In this episode of Escape the Paradox, I talk about how emotional abuse erodes self-worth, distorts reality, and keeps targets trapped in cycles of self-doubt. I’ll share how it manifests in both subtle and overt ways, why it’s so difficult to recognize, and how the words and tactics used against me shaped my identity long after the abuse ended.
Most importantly, I want to remind you that the beliefs an abuser ingrains in you are not the truth. Healing is possible, and it starts with challenging their narrative.
Sources:
Gama, C. M. F., Portugal, L. C. L., Gonçalves, R. M., de Souza Junior, S., Vilete, L. M. P., Mendlowicz, M. V., Figueira, I., Volchan, E., David, I. A., de Oliveira, L., & Pereira, M. G. (2021). The invisible scars of emotional abuse: a common and highly harmful form of childhood maltreatment. BMC Psychiatry, 21 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03134-0
Gavin, H. (2011). Sticks and stones may break my bones: An examination of the effects of emotional abuse. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 20(5), pp.503–529. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254356919_Sticks_and_Stones_May_Break_My_Bones_The_Effects_of_Emotional_Abuse
National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Understand relationship abuse. The Hotline. https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/understand-relationship-abuse/
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). (n.d.). Emotional abuse. NSPCC. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/emotional-abuse/
Newton, C., & Gavin, H. (2016). Studying the long-term psychological effects of emotional abuse experienced in childhood. International Academic Conference on Social Sciences, pp. 41–49. The International Institute for Academic Development. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314206294_Studying_The_Long-term_Psychological_Effects_of_Emotional_Abuse_Experienced_in_Childhood
Together, we’ll explore the complexities of coercive control, learn how to speak our truth, and find strength in knowing we’re not alone. This is a space where we can come together, share our struggles, and rebuild our lives, one word at a time.
If you’d like to connect, share your story, or even be part of the podcast, you can email me at escapetheparadox@outlook.com. Follow the podcast on TikTok and Instagram—just search for @escapetheparadox.
Listen in on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. I’m here to walk this path with you.
Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and join me as we break the silence together. In upcoming episodes, we’ll dive deeper into the realities of coercive control, hear from survivors, and explore ways to reclaim our voices and our power.
