About this episode

Susan Guthrie discusses the misconceptions surrounding divorce and domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of understanding abuse patterns and safety planning during separation.

Over the past couple of weeks, headlines have described a tragic murder suicide involving a couple going through a divorce, once again framing it as a "contentious divorce." Let's be very clear about something: divorce did not cause what happened. Divorce does not cause murder. Domestic violence causes murder. That is why Susan Guthrie is doing this difficult but important solo episode. She walks through the patterns of abuse, the high risk indicators that change a situation entirely, why the moment of separation is so dangerous, and what a thoughtful, strategic exit actually looks like. This conversation moves from awareness to action, so if any part of what you hear feels familiar, you have something calm and structured to carry with you as you think through your next steps. Covered in this episode: Why the moment of separation is often the most dangerous time, and how understanding that allows you to move more thoughtfully and strategically. The high risk indicators to take seriously: strangulation, threats to kill, access to firearms, stalking, extreme jealousy or control, and statements like "if I can't have you, no one will." What a thoughtful, strategic exit actually looks…

Topics covered

• domestic violence
• divorce
• abuse patterns
• safety planning
• high risk indicators
• separation dangers

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