*** May Be A Sensitive Topic for Some Listeners*** Reproductive coercion is a form of abuse that often goes unrecognized, yet its emotional, physical, financial, and legal consequences can last for years. In this episode Mardi Winder welcomes advocate Lynn Stroud for an important conversation about reproductive coercion and how it can be used as a tool of power and control within unhealthy relationships. Mardi and Lynn discuss what reproductive coercion looks like and why it can be difficult to recognize, particularly when controlling behaviors are dismissed as disagreements about family planning and intimacy. They explore behaviors including birth control sabotage, pregnancy pressure, contraceptive interference, and other actions that take away a person's ability to make independent decisions about their own body. The conversation also examines the broader role of coercive control, warning signs that may be overlooked, and why survivors themselves may not immediately recognize what they have experienced as abuse. Lynn and Mardi discuss the challenges survivors can face when disclosing reproductive coercion, including not being believed and navigating a legal system that may struggle to recognize these behaviors. Finally, they highlight the importance of responding without judgment, increasing public awareness, and beginning conversations about healthy relationships earlier. Abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, education, financial status, or background, and greater understanding can help bring behaviors that often remain hidden into the open. About the Guest Drawing from her extensive lived experience with reproductive coercion, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, Lynn Stroud delves into cultivating a trauma-informed mindset and increased legal remedies for victims. She stresses the significance of listening without judgment, validating survivors' experiences, and recognizing the resilience that often emerges from adversity.  Stroud addresses common misconceptions about trauma and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and awareness. She hopes to serve as a beacon of understanding and compassion, offering a roadmap for survivors, advocates, law enforcement, and beyond to increase their knowledge of reproductive coercion. By sharing her story, she hopes more listeners will recognize the warning signs and dangers of coercion, embrace knowledge, and actively seek out proactive change. Her hope is that one day we can collectively build a world where survivors are not only heard but supported in their paths to healing and empowerment. To connect: IG: https://www.instagram.com/knowledge_exch_abuse_survivors  Speaker: https://app.eventraptor.com/speaker-profiles/lynn-stroud Streamed on www.NEWStreamingNetwork.com Connect with Mardi: Email: Mardi@poscs.com Website: divorcecoach4women.com

*** May Be A Sensitive Topic for Some Listeners*** Reproductive coercion is a form of abuse that often goes unrecognized, yet its emotional, physical, financial, and legal consequences can last for years. In this episode Mardi Winder welcomes advocate Lynn Stroud for an important conversation about reproductive coercion and how it can be used as a tool of power and control within unhealthy relationships. Mardi and Lynn discuss what reproductive coercion looks like and why it can be difficult to recognize, particularly when controlling behaviors are dismissed as disagreements about family planning and intimacy. They explore behaviors including birth control sabotage, pregnancy pressure, contraceptive interference, and other actions that take away a person's ability to make independent decisions about their own body. The conversation also examines the broader role of coercive control, warning signs that may be overlooked, and why survivors themselves may not immediately recognize what they have experienced as abuse. Lynn and Mardi discuss the challenges survivors can face when disclosing reproductive coercion, including not being believed and navigating a legal system that may struggle to recognize these behaviors. Finally, they highlight the importance of responding without judgment, increasing public awareness, and beginning conversations about healthy relationships earlier. Abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, education, financial status, or background, and greater understanding can help bring behaviors that often remain hidden into the open.  About Lynn:  She Draws from her extensive lived experience with reproductive coercion, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, Lynn Stroud delves into cultivating a trauma-informed mindset and increased legal remedies for victims. She stresses the significance of listening without judgment, validating survivors' experiences, and recognizing the resilience that often emerges from adversity. Stroud addresses common misconceptions about trauma and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and awareness. She hopes to serve as a beacon of understanding and compassion, offering a roadmap for survivors, advocates, law enforcement, and beyond to increase their knowledge of reproductive coercion. By sharing her story, she hopes more listeners will recognize the warning signs and dangers of coercion, embrace knowledge, and actively seek out proactive change. Her hope is that one day we can collectively build a world where survivors are not only heard but supported in their paths to healing and empowerment.  To connect: IG: https://www.instagram.com/knowledge_exch_abuse_survivors Speaker: https://app.eventraptor.com/speaker-profiles/lynn-stroud Streamed on  www.NEWStreamingNetwork.com Connect with Mardi: Email: Mardi@poscs.com Website: divorcecoach4women.com