S2 EP6: Safe Space Interviews: “Boys Don’t Hit Girls”

In this powerful Safe Space Interview, a brave survivor of dating violence shares her journey—from believing she had found forever love to realizing she was trapped in a relationship she no longer recognized. During the isolation of the COVID-19 lockdown, her abuser’s excessive drinking fueled a transformation from jealous, controlling behaviors to fights and physical abuse.

Her story challenges harmful myths: that men don’t hit women, that successful and intelligent women couldn’t possibly find themselves in abusive relationships, that collegiate athletes should battle their mental struggles alone, and that bystander intervention is a one-size-fits-all solution.

She closes with a heartfelt piece of writing, offering a message of hope, resilience, and healing after trauma.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of emotional and physical abuse. Please take care of yourself, and explore the resources and self-care tools below for support.

Notable Moments: (12:00) “It's hard to know what's healthy and unhealthy in your first relationship” (17:00) “He would grab my wrists, he would blame me for his drinking” (26:00) “I blocked it out of my mind completely” Fight. Flight. Fawn (37:00) “I would do anything for my best friend to not have seen what happened to me” (52:00) “We were just 17 year old girls, I didn’t know what to say to my mother” (1:13) “You don’t need to be afraid to ask for help” 

RESOURCES https://www.canva.com/design/DAFXMRSRgAE/oz2CiRUhT8fImrryGtXLGg/view?utm_content=DAFXMRSRgAE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink 

SELF CARE TOOL KIT

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGF5Ox5AMY/2mn-Dy62lktW9a6Zspvu5A/view?utm_content=DAGF5Ox5AMY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hdf74f53b7d