Join us as Abi Thomas and Natalie Collins meet amazing women who have all been through the Own My Life Course, 12 sessions which enable women who have been subjected to abuse to regain ownership of their lives.

Be aware that you will hear painful stories of many types of abuse during these episodes. But you will also hear a lot of joy - and we make no apology for that!

Today we meet the splendid Tara. Tara is a strong and reflective woman who was partner subjected her to a prolonged and complex abuse within a ten-year relationship. His abuse was deeply emotional and psychological, including destroying her home, manipulating her, and his repeated cycles of blaming her and making her feel guilty. Tara’s partner owned a business with her. He is now subject to a 6 year harassment order and a short term restriction of liberty order. She describes herself as having been compassionate and empathic, focused on helping her partner and seeing the good in him, even as he became increasingly dysfunctional and his abuse towards her escalated.

Tara sought healing and understanding through therapy and support groups, notably Own My Life and Women's Aid, which both played a major role in her recovery. She recognises both the trauma his abuse caused her and the strength it took to leave, rebuild, and redefine herself. Despite him taking so much from her; her home, business, financial security, and sense of identity, Tara maintains hope for the future and finds joy in simple pleasures, such as late-night walks and the companionship of her lovely dog.

Throughout her story, Tara demonstrates courage, honesty, and a desire to help others understand the complexities of making sense of a relationship with an abusive partner. Her community is really important to her and seeks to move beyond what her partner did to her, reclaiming her agency and embracing personal growth.

More information about Own My Life:

1. Our training HERE
2. Find a course HERE
3. Evaluations HERE
4. Own My Life Discovery HERE

Further Reading and Resources:

1. Woman's Aid UK and Scottish Women's Aid
2. Surviving Economic Abuse HERE
3. The Body Keeps the Score by ​Bessel van der Kolk
4. When the Body Says No by Gabor Mate
5. Coercive Control by Evan Stark
6. More on the Power Threat Meaning Framework Pattern HERE
7. A Straight Talking Guide to the Power Threat Meaning...