Domestic Violence and Coercive Control: Recognizing the Warning Signs and Breaking the Cycle with Bill Mitchell
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Michele Locke sits down for another conversation with advocate Bill Mitchell, whose devastating loss transformed into a lifelong mission to educate others about dating violence and domestic abuse.
Bill shares how his family’s tragedy inspired his work with survivors and his podcast, When Dating Hurts, where survivors tell their stories of abuse, control, survival, and healing. Together, Michele and Bill explore why sharing these stories matters - and how hearing someone else’s experience can help a person recognize that they are not alone.
What does it really take to recognize abuse, reclaim your power, and safely break free?
Michele Locke sits down for another conversation with advocate Bill Mitchell, whose devastating loss transformed into a lifelong mission to educate others about dating violence and domestic abuse.
Bill shares how his family’s tragedy inspired his work with survivors and his podcast, When Dating Hurts, where survivors tell their stories of abuse, control, survival, and healing. Together, Michele and Bill explore why sharing these stories matters - and how hearing someone else’s experience can help a person recognize that they are not alone.
The conversation goes beyond physical violence to examine coercive control, emotional abuse, isolation, manipulation, and the subtle behaviors that can gradually take away a person’s sense of freedom and self-worth.
Most importantly, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone who may be experiencing abuse, or supporting someone who is.
Michele and Bill discuss why “just leave” is rarely as simple as it sounds, the importance of creating a personalized safety plan, and how domestic violence professionals can help survivors prepare for a safer path forward. They also explore how friends and family can provide meaningful support without judgment, pressure, or shame. Bill Mitchell’s When Dating Hurts podcast and domestic violence support organizations can provide additional education and resources for those seeking help.
Inside this episode, you’ll discover:
- How to recognize the warning signs of coercive control and emotional abuse
- Why abuse isn't always physical
- How survivor stories can break isolation and create awareness
- Why leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous without proper planning
- What a personalized safety plan can involve
- How to support a friend or loved one experiencing abuse
- Why rebuilding self-worth and community is an essential part of healing
**DISCLAIMER** The information shared in this podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered as professional legal advice or a substitute for seeking professional legal advice.
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Want to reach out to me? You can email me at hello@michelelocke.com. Want to find out what I'm up to? Follow me on socials (linked below).
Just remember Michele is spelled with one L and you can thank my mother Margo for that :)
Links
Michele Locke
- https://www.michelelocke.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/attorneymichelelocke/
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- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-locke/
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- 249. Michele Locke - Lawyer, Judge, and DV Survivor
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/249-michele-locke-lawyer-judge-and-dv-survivor/id1542478530?i=1000705380885
- 261. Michele Locke - Her Return Interview - Lawyer, Judge, Mother and DV Survivor
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/261-michele-locke-her-return-interview-lawyer-judge/id1542478530?i=1000714328237
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lovelustfear/id1735876283
- https://open.spotify.com/show/0e3ndcf5u8lZ5lhN1lvWec
- https://www.instagram.com/lovelustfearpod/
National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7/365)
Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
https://www.thehotline.org/
https://www.facebook.com/NationalDomesticViolenceHotline
https://www.instagram.com/NDVHofficial/
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