Domestic violence does not have a look.

It does not belong to one income bracket, one zip code, one race, or one level of education.

In this episode of Groove with Portia, I welcome Patricia Gordon-Stevens, licensed counselor and author of Madness in Memphis, for a deeply honest conversation about domestic violence, grief, identity transitions, and the strength of survivors.

Patricia shares her personal connection to Memphis, her early marriage at 17, and the layered losses she endured, including the death of her son and sister. While her book is fiction, it reflects the lived experiences of women worldwide who have endured domestic violence as a normalized part of life.

We discuss:
• Why domestic violence crosses socioeconomic boundaries
• Emotional abuse, physical abuse, and the normalization of control
• Why women stay in abusive relationships
• The impact of abuse on children and family systems
• Listening to your intuition when something feels wrong
• How friends and family can show up safely and persistently
• Safe housing, church support, and community resources
• The resilience of women who survive and rebuild

Patricia speaks candidly about the writing process, producing thousands of words daily while reliving painful themes, because the story needed to be told.

This episode is for women questioning their reality, for loved ones who sense something is not right, and for anyone who believes abuse only happens “somewhere else.”

Tune in to learn why awareness must be paired with action and why silence protects no one.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek support through trusted friends, family, local community centers, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Because your safety matters. Your voice matters. Your life matters.

Connect with Patricia: https://www.patriciagordonstevens.com/