467. 25% of women experience domestic violence: Patricia Gordon Stevens helps us be helpers and hold hope.

Feb 8, 2026

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This podcast discusses domestic violence. Sit this one out if you need to

Many of us are enraged, shocked, and paralysed by the unfolding information from the JE files. Many of us are also dismayed at the continuing epidemic of domestic violence and murder-by-partner. What do we do? How can we help change things? We can learn how to be an ally in our own communities and circles better. Outrage and sadness must be used as springboards for action, I truly believe it.

I’m joined by counsellor and author Patricia Gordon Stevens to talk about domestic and partner violence — a subject too often minimised, despite affecting 25% of women in some of the world’s wealthiest countries. We explore why silence and discomfort only deepen the harm, and why education, community, and care matter so deeply.

In this conversation, we cover:

Why the moment a woman chooses to leave is often the most dangerous time
How coercive control can appear long before physical violence does
The subtle red flags friends, families, and colleagues can look for
How to ask caring, non-judgmental questions that keep the connection open
Why Patricia chose fiction (Madness in Memphis) to build empathy that leads to action
The role men can play in calling out harmful behaviour and changing culture locally

This episode is confronting, but it’s also hopeful. Change doesn’t start with grand gestures — it starts with noticing, staying connected, and showing up for the women in our lives.

I hope you find it useful and helpful as I did,

Alexx, your host.

Fancy a few more podcasts we’ve done over the years, related to this one?

Support is available

If this article has raised concerns for you or someone you know, help is available.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Available 24/7 via phone or online chat.
Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – Support for anxiety, depression and mental health concerns.
Relationships Australia (1300 364 277) – Counselling and relationship support services.
Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) – Support for men concerned about their behaviour or affected by family violence.
Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) – 24/7 counselling support for young people aged 5–25.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
You can also find local support services via www.1800respect.org.au

Want to learn more about this week’s guest?

Website: www.patriciagordonstevens.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciagordonstevensauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciagordonstevensauthor

Book: https://bit.ly/4aJE0Ve

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