Content Warning & Disclaimer
This true story contains detailed accounts of emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and a near-fatal poisoning. It includes descriptions of prescription drug misuse.
Please proceed with caution. This episode may be highly triggering for survivors of abuse, trauma, or those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
We decided to bring one of our early survivor stories back for you. It is a story of a man being abused by a woman.
From Psychology Today:
Abused men often don't tell their stories due to a combination of deep seated, social stigma, internalize expectations around masculinity, practical fears, and systemic barriers.
The silence isn't unique to men – abuse victims of any gender face shame and fear – but the dynamics hit male victims particularly hard because of cultural norms that frame men as inherently strong, self-reliant protectors, who cannot or should not be victims – especially at the hands of a female partner.
J.D. McCabe maintained a living relationship with his wife for nearly 20 years before their marriage, family, and world begin to crumble. Their foundation had always been rooted in trust. That trust is the bedrock of a healthy relationship.
His wife always claimed things wouldn't, couldn't work without trust.
But one day, for reasons, J.D. could not fathom, his wife became suspicious of his every move. She enlisted her mother in her efforts, and together they forged the words of family, trust, and honesty into a hammer that beat him into the ground.
Their accusations accumulated and eventually it resulted in J.D. being involuntarily hospitalized.
This is an unusual story of abuse. And one of the few brought to this podcast where it's a man being abused by a woman. There are plenty more of these stories, however, men are reticent to come forth and speak. But J.D. does in this episode of WHEN DATING HURTS.
Bill Mitchell
If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery.
Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help.
Are you a survivor ready to speak out?
Email Bill Mitchell at
[email protected] to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast.
Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book:
Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety.
Bill Mitchell
NOTE:
If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me:
[email protected]
The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE
• LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474
• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673
• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988
Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,
Bill Mitchell
WhenDatingHurts.com
DISCLAIMER:
The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
South Africa