CW: This episode contains descriptions of DV, SA, suicide, and attempted murder. The cycle of abuse involves four stages: tension building, an explosive incident of abuse, a reconciliation or honeymoon phase, and a calm period. It's a pattern that repeats, making it difficult for victims to leave due to intermittent periods of calm and promises of change. Recognizing this pattern is essential for breaking free from abusive relationships and seeking help. Seeking help is a vital step towards reclaiming control and building a life free from fear. Importantly, reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness, but a brave act of self-preservation. Friends, family, shelters, helplines, and professional organizations offer resources to aid victims in escaping the cycle of abuse. They provide emotional assistance, safety planning, legal guidance, and a path towards healing. Breaking the silence and seeking help can provide a lifeline towards a future marked by safety, empowerment, and renewed hope. No one deserves to endure abuse, and by seeking help, survivors take the first step towards reclaiming their lives. Gabrielle: https://www.instagram.com/gahhbeegee/ https://www.instagram.com/gabrielleevephotog/ https://gabrielleevephotog.smugmug.com/ Resources & Help: https://www.joinonelove.org/get-help/ https://www.thehotline.org/ If you have a unique story you'd like to share on the podcast, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ZiHgdoK4PLRAddiB9 00:00 Background & relationships 08:00 Meeting Zac 10:00 Relationship progresses 15:20 Zac moves away, tries to get her back 20:30 Zac moves back 21:25 Begins controlling her 22:40 Gets pregnant, Zac starts dealing weed 24:20 Verbal abuse begins 26:30 Physical abuse 35:00 Gabrielle moves back in with her mom 37:50 Reoccurring dream & bad energy of apartment 39:50 Giving birth 44:50 Moving back in together, spousal SA 49:50 Zac has her followed 51:30 Zac gets arrested, develops paranoia, drug habit worsens 55:00 Zac gets charged with domestic abuse 57:00 He attempts suicide 1:00:00 Gets an emergency custody order & taking action against him 1:04:00 They meet up, she gets drunk 1:07:00 He says he’ll take her home, attacks her 1:11:20 The incident 1:16:20 Police treatment 1:22:20 Aftermath 1:33:20 Current fiancé & life now 1:40:00 Concluding thoughts