Today, we're diving into an important yet often difficult topic - what women need to consider for safety and support when thinking about leaving an abusive relationship. Laurie from White Ribbon Australia is a leading voice in domestic violence prevention and intervention. At White Ribbon Australia, she manages the Workplace Accreditation Program, fostering safer spaces for women and families. Laurie has dedicated her career to reducing violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. Laurie’s here to walk us through those essential first steps, sharing insights that could make a world of difference.

Timestamps (approx):

• 1 min – Key steps to consider before leaving an abusive relationship, including understanding the risks and preparing for safety.
• 4 mins – Creating an escape plan with essentials like a “go bag” and securing digital privacy.
• 7 mins – The role of support networks in combating isolation and offering safety when planning to leave.
• 10 mins – Legal protections: applying for intervention orders and working with domestic violence officers for added safety.
• 12 mins – Importance of seeking legal advice and considering mediation as an alternative to family court.
• 17 mins – Exploring options to remain in the home safely by legally removing the partner through sole occupancy orders.
• 20 mins – Recognising manipulation tactics like “love bombing” and the importance of reaching out for guidance.

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including child abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

Let’s be real - we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Important Links

Daisy App – A free app developed by 1800RESPECT that provides local support service information while protecting user privacy.

Escaping Violence Payment – Financial assistance up to $5,000 for women experiencing family violence, available through organisations like Uniting and Wesley Mission.

Government Financial Assistance – Support payments like Parenting Payments, Single Income Family Supplement, and Family Tax Benefits A and B for single parents and families.

Support and Help Lines

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reaching out to professionals can be...

Commonly known as the ‘queen of common sense,’ Maggie Dent is one of Australia’s most beloved parenting authors, educators, and podcasters. And I finally had the chance to catch up with Maggie!

More resources can be found here: https://adhdmums.com.au/resources

Maggie’s down-to-earth stories and no-nonsense advice will leave you feeling ready to take on the rollercoaster ride of parenting teens. From dealing with slammed doors and one-word answers to navigating school dramas and social pressures, Maggie breaks it all down with heart, humour, and a whole lot of understanding. This is your go-to episode for parenting teens with love, patience, and a sprinkle of laughter when it’s needed most.

Note: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide.

Key Topics Covered:

• What’s happening during adolescence and how it shapes emotions, decisions, and behaviour.
• How to connect with your teen through unconditional love, patience, and understanding - even in challenging moments.
• Tailored tips for kids with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits to help them build confidence and resilience.
• Strategies for supporting teens through tough times with compassion instead of conflict.
• How to set healthy boundaries for screen time, improve sleep, and guide teens in navigating today’s digital challenges.
• Plus a whole lot more!

Resources mentioned:

• Follow Maggie on Instagram: @maggiedentauthor
• Find more resources, articles, and info on Maggie’s workshops and speaking events: https://www.maggiedent.com/
• Get Maggie’s Latest Book, Help Me Help My Teen: https://www.maggiedent.com/shop/help-me-help-my-teen/
• Follow Maggie on her popular podcast Parental As Anything and her new series The Good Enough Dad.

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

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TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. It includes real-life accounts from survivors that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

In this episode, I speak with Elyse Nauta, who has supported DV families across both metro and regional areas, and is a mum to a neurodivergent daughter. Elyse shares her professional knowledge from working in child protection for over 15 years to talk about the tough, often hidden reality of life after leaving an abusive relationship:

• Leaving Isn’t Always the End: Even after women find the courage to leave, some abusers still find ways to control from afar, especially through kids or by twisting legal systems in a tactic called systems abuse. Elyse helps us understand what that looks like in real life.
• The Power of a Good Support System: From Elyse’s experience, having just one trusted friend or family member to lean on can make a world of difference. We talk about why support can be the key to helping women rebuild their confidence and sense of security.
• Financial and Legal Hurdles: Family Court and co-parenting come with their own challenges, especially when the ex has more financial control. Elyse shares insights on why this can feel like an uphill battle for many women.
• Raising Boys with Better Tools: We dive into why teaching boys healthier ways to handle emotions matters. Elyse believes that showing them what positive relationships look like can help create a safer future for everyone.

Let’s be real: we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Important Links:

Dr. Billy Garvey - From Boyz II Men: Listen to Dr. Billy Garvey talk about the importance of guiding boys toward positive masculinity on The Imperfects Podcast: Billy Garvey - From Boyz II Men

Support and Help Lines:

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reaching out to professionals can be life-changing. I don't want to create resources on a website with no 'quick exit' function. A quick exit function on domestic violence (DV) websites is designed to protect individuals who may be in immediate danger while seeking help or information online. Many victims of DV are closely monitored by their abusers, including their online activities. The quick exit button allows users to leave the website instantly and redirects them to a neutral site, like a search engine, with one click.

- 1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counselling service. Confidential and available 24/7. Call: 1800 737 732. Visit the Website

- Relationships Australia: Offers counselling, mediation, and support services. Call: 1300 364 277...

In today’s episode, I welcome back Claire Britton, a neurodivergent OT with a wealth of experience supporting ADHD and neurodivergent families. Claire brings a unique, practical perspective on managing ADHD - think habit-stacking, body doubling, and dopamine menus! She shares insights on evidence-backed strategies that have helped her clients and breaks down why some popular approaches might not be the best fit for everyone.

Claire and I also explore her thoughts on:

• Building ADHD-friendly routines that are easier to stick to
• Why neurodiversity-affirming strategies can make a difference in day-to-day life
• The difference between "shoulds" and "coulds"
• Outdated or non-neurodiversity-affirming approaches to be cautious about
• The role of perfectionism and how it impacts parents’ self-compassion
• Strategies for being honest about your needs to avoid social exhaustion
• Neurodivergent communication styles, like the “dramatic” expression of emotions
• Double empathy: understanding neurotypical vs. neurodivergent communication
• The challenges and benefits of unmasking emotions
• How society’s expectations can shape ADHD experiences, especially for children and women
• Creating a versatile “toolbox” of ADHD strategies, customised to individual needs, with an emphasis on flexibility over rigid rules

If you’re looking for fresh ideas or just a conversation that makes you feel seen, Claire’s perspective might just give you a few tools and insights to explore. I enjoyed chatting with Claire again and hope you find some value here too!

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow Claire on Instagram: @neuroinclusion.au
• Learn more about Claire’s work at NeuroInclusion
• Australasian ADHD Professionals Association Clinical Guidelines: Comprehensive guidelines for evidence-based ADHD management. Read here
• Body Doubling Platforms: Explore these online tools for accountability and focus:
• Deepwrk – Virtual coworking for ADHD support
• Flow Club – Community-guided focus sessions
• Cofocus – One-on-one virtual sessions for productivity
• Dopamine Menu: Learn about Claire’s ADHD self-regulation strategy on her Instagram or website.

Related Episode:

Episode with Claire Britton on Executive Function Challenges in ADHD: Strategies for Success — Apple | Spotify

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I...

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including emotional trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

This episode is part of our Domestic Violence Mini-Series, and today we focus on a critical and often overlooked topic: workplace violence and emotional abuse.

In this episode, we discuss the intersection of workplace violence and domestic violence, exploring how power imbalances can manifest both at work and at home. We share a lived experience from a brave woman who faced workplace bullying and emotional abuse, shedding light on how these subtle but harmful behaviors can deeply affect mental health and productivity.

We explore:

• The hidden nature of workplace emotional abuse
• The similarities between domestic violence and workplace bullying
• Strategies for addressing and preventing violence in professional environments

Workplace and domestic violence are often connected, reinforcing each other through the unequal power dynamics at their core. Our goal is to bring these issues into the light, fostering understanding and encouraging solutions for a safer, more equitable world.

Let’s be real—we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of emotional abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Support and Help Lines:

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reaching out to professionals can be life-changing.

1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counseling service. Confidential and available 24/7. Call: 1800 737 732. Visit the Website

Relationships Australia: Offers counseling, mediation, and support services. Call: 1300 364 277

Men’s Referral Service: Support for men using family violence, offering confidential counseling and resources. Call: 1300 766 491

Family Relationship Advice Line: Offers information and support for family separation, parenting arrangements, and more. Call: 1800 050 321

Women’s Health Centres: Specialized support for women affected by domestic violence, including counseling and medical services. Contact your local center.

In Immediate Danger: Call: Triple Zero (000)

Legal Protection Orders

If you need protection, apply for legal orders such as Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) or similar orders in your state or territory.

Tech Safety Tips

For technology-related abuse, contact WESNET or visit the eSafety Commissioner for guidance on how to protect yourself from tech-facilitated abuse.

References

In this episode of ADHD Mums, I chat with Vanessa Anlezark, a 39-year-old Registered Nurse and Mum, about her experiences managing chronic health conditions, including EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

Vanessa's journey highlights the importance of self-advocacy, finding the right healthcare team, and connecting with a supportive community. Her story sheds light on the realities of navigating multiple diagnoses and the resilience it takes to manage neurodiversity alongside chronic conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding EDS and POTS: Vanessa breaks down what Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTS are, explaining their impact on the body and their connection to neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and Autism.
• The Diagnosis Journey: With no genetic markers for hEDS, diagnosis can be difficult. Vanessa discusses the 2017 diagnostic criteria, the challenges of misdiagnosis, and the empowering nature of knowledge, even when no cure exists.
• Advocacy in Healthcare: From facing medical gaslighting to seeking specialised care, Vanessa shares practical advice on advocating for yourself or loved ones in the healthcare system.
• Finding Support and Community: Vanessa emphasises the importance of connecting with others, whether through online support groups or specialists knowledgeable in hypermobility and autonomic disorders.
• Self-Diagnosis and Validation: For those struggling to get an official diagnosis, self-diagnosis can still provide validation and help in managing symptoms effectively.

Mentioned Resources:

• The Ehlers-Danlos Society – Visit Website
• EDS Diagnostics 2017 (Note: This criteria can be used by any doctor for diagnosis) – Visit Website
• The Dysautonomia Project – Visit Website
• The Australian POTS Foundation – Visit Website
• Mast Cell Action – Visit Website
• Mast Attack – Visit Website
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome & Dysautonomia - Dr. Lawrence Afrin – Watch Video

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.

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I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.

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In this Mini-Series, for this episode we dive deep into the painful reality of emotional abuse in families, especially in mother-child relationships. We speak with Jasmine (not her real name), who courageously shares her personal experience of enduring emotional abuse by her mother throughout her childhood and into adulthood.

TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including child abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

This episode sheds light on:

• What emotional abuse looks like in familial relationships
• The long-term psychological impact of emotional manipulation and control
• How children in emotionally abusive homes may act and how difficult it can be to identify abuse
• Practical signs to look for in children that may be silently suffering, and what we, as parents and community members, can do to offer support
• Jasmine's brave escape from her emotionally abusive home and how she reclaimed her life

Emotional abuse doesn't leave physical marks, but its effects can be equally, if not more, damaging than other types of abuse. This episode is a powerful reminder that we must pay attention to the hidden struggles children face and create environments where they feel safe, loved, and supported.

Let’s be real—we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of emotional abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Support and Help Lines:

- 1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counseling service. Confidential and available 24/7. Call: 1800 737 732. Visit the Website

- Relationships Australia: Offers counseling, mediation, and support services. Call: 1300 364 277

- Men’s Referral Service: Support for men using family violence, offering confidential counseling and resources. Call: 1300 766 491

- Family Relationship Advice Line: Offers information and support for family separation, parenting arrangements, and more. Call: 1800 050 321

- Women’s Health Centres: Specialized support for women affected by domestic violence, including counseling and medical services. Contact your local center.

- In Immediate Danger: Call: Triple Zero (000)

Legal Protection Orders

If you need protection, apply for legal orders such as Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) or similar orders in your state or territory.

Tech Safety Tips

For technology-related abuse, contact WESNET or visit the

In this solo episode, I talk about a topic that's highly relevant for anyone navigating life as an ADHDer: the differences between stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Whether you're considering medication for yourself or your child, understanding your options and how they work is crucial.

For detailed info, check out A Guide to ADHD Medication on my website. This is for the mums who are fed up with the confusing advice and just want the facts about ADHD medication – no fluff, no jargon. Discover the different types of medications, how to choose the right one, and what to expect during the process. Learn how to monitor effectiveness, tackle common issues, and work with your healthcare provider to find the best fit for you or your child. This guide also addresses what to do if ADHD medication starts to make you more sensory sensitive, teary, or withdrawn, helping you recognise when it might be unveiling underlying Autistic traits.

Timestamps (approx):

• 2 mins: An overview of common stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse and how these medications affect the central nervous system to improve focus and energy
• 3 mins: Debunking myths surrounding stimulants and addiction
• 6 mins: Options for those sensitive to stimulants or dealing with anxiety
• 11 mins: Balancing trial and error in finding the right treatment
• 13 mins: Common side effects of both stimulant and non-stimulant medications
• 14 mins: Preparing for appointments with healthcare providers

Related Episode: From Skeptic to Advocate – Hear more about Jane’s journey in deciding to use ADHD medication for her children. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Mentioned in This Episode: DNA Testing – for listeners interested in learning how their body might respond to different medications. (Note: This is an informational mention, not an endorsement)

Please note: The information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While the content is based on current knowledge and research, it may not reflect the most recent developments and does not consider individual medical circumstances. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or medical professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment plan.

BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS

If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!

CONNECT WITH ME...

If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and