Join us as Abi Thomas and Natalie Collins meet amazing women who have been part of an Own My Life Course, a 12-session course which enables 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!

Subscribe now to get all the episodes when we launch on January 1st 2026! We are so excited to go on this journey with you.

Own My Life information:

• Our website HERE
• Find a course HERE

You may realise as you listen that you, or someone you know, needs help or support to get safe. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is on 0808 2000 247. If you have concerns that a man is behaving in an unsafe way to a partner you can contact the Respect Perpetrator Phoneline on 0800 802 4040.

Music: Untamed (Instrumental Version) used with permission and our thanks to Ludlów.

Join us as Abi Thomas meets 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 Jade, a remarkable and positive woman whose partner was found guilty of repeated breaches of a non-molestation order. The legal consequences were minimal and Jade said, “it doesn't even feel like that was my justice, but it's over with”. As well as the physical abuse, Jade was subjected to manipulation and exhaustion.

She is a mother devoted to her fantastic children, the eldest of whom witnessed some of the abuse Jade was subjected to. Jade found support through the fabulous charity Feather’s Futures, where she accessed Own My Life. The course helped her to rebuild her confidence and recognise that her partner’s abuse was not her fault. Jade has now returned to co-facilitate the very course that helped her heal.

Jade tells us about the compassionate and loving support from both her Mum and Dad. We also hear about her methods of resisting the abuse - something we seek to celebrate at Own My Life.

Jade is honest about the ongoing effects of what was done to her; not just on herself, but also on her children. Despite the challenges, she retains a positive outlook, focusing on the joy in her daily life, the choices she can now freely make, and the future she is building for herself and her family.

More information about Own My Life:

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

Further reading and resources:

1. Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft
2. Eve Was Framed by Helena Kennedy
3. Biderman Behaviours (Image HERE)
4. Counter Parenting resource HERE
5. Dreams Deferred research HERE (includes data on men’s reproductive coercion of women)

You may realise as you listen that you, or someone you know, needs help or support to get safe. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is on 0808 2000 247. If you have concerns that a man is behaving in an unsafe way to a partner you can contact the Respect Perpetrator Phoneline on 0800 802 4040. The Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline is 0808 500 2222. Rape Crisis Scotland is 08088 010302 and Rape Crisis Northern Ireland is 0800 0246 991.

Music:

Join us as Abi Thomas meets 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 brilliant Monty who is a resilient and compassionate woman who shares her powerful journey of survival, resistance, and healing after her former partner abused her for 23 years. Monty recounts how this man abused her emotionally, physically, and sexually, using manipulation, intimidation, and cycles of kindness and cruelty to control her. She explains how the abuse eroded her self-confidence, led her to question herself, and forced her to constantly adapt her behaviour to avoid triggering her partner’s anger.

Despite these challenges, Monty describes small acts of resistance; finding sanctuary in her bedroom, journaling, meditating, and protecting her internal world as forms of self-care. After many attempts to leave, she eventually sought safety in a women’s refuge and found crucial support through Own My Life. The course helped Monty understand the patterns of abuse in her partner’s behaviour, let go of misplaced self-blame, and recognise that she deserved safety and joy.

Monty describes rediscovering happiness in everyday moments; like seeing birds in her garden, enjoying time with family, and making her own choices without fear. By telling her story, Monty offers inspiration and reassurance to others facing similar challenges, showing that recovery and a joyful, empowered life are possible after being subjected to abuse, even when that abuse lasts 23 years.

More information about Own My Life:

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

Further Reading and Resources:

1. Cycle of Abuse (PDF HERE) (Image HERE)
2. Power Threat Meaning Framework HERE
3. A Disorder for Everyone HERE
4. Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whittaker
5. The War on Women by Marilyn French
6. Can’t Buy Me Love by Jean Kilbourne

You may realise as you listen that you, or someone you know, needs help...