Ep 337: Terror Behind Closed Doors: A Sadistic Coercive Controller with Miriam Lake, Part 1

Ep 337: Terror Behind Closed Doors: A Sadistic Coercive Controller with Miriam Lake, Part 1

From Crime Analyst by Laura Richards

May 18, 2026 · 48 min · Episode 337

About this episode

Miriam Lake shares her harrowing experience of coercive control and abuse, while Laura Richards discusses the patterns and implications of such behavior.

Miriam Lake was terrorized as a little girl by Michael Egan, a coercive controller who groomed the family through charm and love bombing before subjecting Miriam, her siblings, and mother to years of sadistic abuse. Listen as Laura identifies the patterns of behaviour and missed opportunities to safeguard and protect. Together, Laura and Miriam explore: The early warning signs and grooming behaviours The language of coercive control How coercive control creates fear, silence, and compliance within families Why victims and survivors struggle to report abuse for years The importance of understanding patterns -not isolated incidents How systems can fail vulnerable children and survivors Miriam also speaks about reclaiming her power, raising awareness, and why she is now undertaking a skydive to raise funds for Women’s Aid and support other women and children experiencing abuse. Please donate:https://www.justgiving.com/page/miriam-lake-1 TW: This episode is not an easy listen and you will hear details about sadistic and cruel abuse. 🎧 Listen, learn, and share. You could help someone recognise abuse and seek support safely. If you or someone you know needs support: Women’s Aid Refuge…

People in this episode

Host: Laura Richards

Guest: Miriam Lake

Topics covered

  • coercive control
  • domestic abuse
  • grooming behaviors
  • victim support
  • child protection
  • awareness raising

Keywords

  • coercive control
  • domestic abuse
  • grooming
  • victim support
  • child safety
  • awareness
  • sadistic abuse

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Women’s Aid, National Domestic Abuse Helpline

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