Feelings of Guilt After Leaving Abusive, Coercive Relationships
05/18/25 • 21 min
"I feel guilty"
If you’ve escaped coercive control or domestic violence, you’re probably no stranger to guilt. Feeling responsible for the pain your abuser claims to suffer after you leave is common. In this episode, I explore what guilt is, why it's not always trustworthy, and how guilt can also be used by abusers to manipulate.
Your safety and healing come first. You’re not alone, and that guilt doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice.
References
The psychophysiology of guilt in healthy adults - This study explored the neurobiology behind the feeling of guilt, and I mention it in the episode.
Welcome to Escape the Paradox , a podcast dedicated to exposing and exploring the truth about coercive control, emotional abuse, and the long-term trauma caused by abusive relationships.
Whether it's childhood abuse from a parent, intimate partner violence, or domestic abuse in any form, this podcast dives into the patterns, dynamics, and the psychological impact.
My name is Helena, and I am your host! I share my own lived experience as a survivor of childhood abuse, while also creating space for survivor stories, expert insight, and compassionate support.
Healing is non-linear, and a complex and difficult process.
If you're looking for support, please visit escapetheparadox.com to learn more about my services in abuse consulting and advocacy and 1:1 sessions.
Don't forget to subscribe (follow) wherever you get your podcasts!
Remember: It's not your fault, and your story matters!
"I feel guilty"
If you’ve escaped coercive control or domestic violence, you’re probably no stranger to guilt. Feeling responsible for the pain your abuser claims to suffer after you leave is common. In this episode, I explore what guilt is, why it's not always trustworthy, and how guilt can also be used by abusers to manipulate.
Your safety and healing come first. You’re not alone, and that guilt doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice.
References
The psychophysiology of guilt in healthy adults - This study explored the neurobiology behind the feeling of guilt, and I mention it in the episode.
Welcome to Escape the Paradox , a podcast dedicated to exposing and exploring the truth about coercive control, emotional abuse, and the long-term trauma caused by abusive relationships.
Whether it's childhood abuse from a parent, intimate partner violence, or domestic abuse in any form, this podcast dives into the patterns, dynamics, and the psychological impact.
My name is Helena, and I am your host! I share my own lived experience as a survivor of childhood abuse, while also creating space for survivor stories, expert insight, and compassionate support.
Healing is non-linear, and a complex and difficult process.
If you're looking for support, please visit escapetheparadox.com to learn more about my services in abuse consulting and advocacy and 1:1 sessions.
Don't forget to subscribe (follow) wherever you get your podcasts!
Remember: It's not your fault, and your story matters!
Previous Episode
Using Children as Tools of Control in Relationships & Guest Kalesha Shares her Story
In this episode, I am joined by Kalesha, who bravely shares her personal story of surviving domestic abuse, and the current healing journey she is on. Together, we explore how children are often used as tools of manipulation and control in abusive relationships, which is a heartbreaking but critical aspect of coercive control that’s not discussed often enough.
The interview is an open and honest conversation, and we hope you enjoy listening in! Kalesha's Threads handle is: @the_corporate_cutie
Visit escapetheparadox.com to learn more about me, and the support that I offer.
Welcome to Escape the Paradox , a podcast dedicated to exposing and exploring the truth about coercive control, emotional abuse, and the long-term trauma caused by abusive relationships.
Whether it's childhood abuse from a parent, intimate partner violence, or domestic abuse in any form, this podcast dives into the patterns, dynamics, and the psychological impact.
My name is Helena, and I am your host! I share my own lived experience as a survivor of childhood abuse, while also creating space for survivor stories, expert insight, and compassionate support.
Healing is non-linear, and a complex and difficult process.
If you're looking for support, please visit escapetheparadox.com to learn more about my services in abuse consulting and advocacy and 1:1 sessions.
Don't forget to subscribe (follow) wherever you get your podcasts!
Remember: It's not your fault, and your story matters!
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