The Realities of Intimate Partner Violence - Part 1 | Guest - Sarah Ludwig, LPC

Intimate partner violence is is far more prolific than we probably realize, and that's because of the shame, stigma and shadows it involves.

I sat down with Sarah Ludwig, LPC, a certified EMDR therapist and trauma-focused counselor with over a decade ofexperience working with survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence to educate myself and to bring the discussion to listeners of this podcast.

We get into:

--- What intimate partner violence actually looks like beyond the physical — financial control, isolation, sexual coercion, threats to pets, and more

--- Why strong, empowered people end up in these relationships and how the cycle works

--- The difference between helping a loved one in a DV situation vs. enabling an addiction

--- Strangulation as a massive predictor of lethality — and why it's an urgent red flag every time

--- Safety planning across the full spectrum

--- Victim resources, free therapy, and VCAP funding available in every U.S. state

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 drops next Sunday.

Check the show notes for every resource mentioned in this episode.

📌 RESOURCES

🆘 National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ | 1-800-799-7233

🆘 Text START to 88788 | Chat 24/7 at thehotline.org

📋 Personal Safety Plan:https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/

📖 Strangulation & Domestic Violence Research:https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2025/10/strangulation-and-domestic-violence

📖 The Violent Reality of Strangulation: https://www.safeaustin.org/the-violent-reality-of-strangulation/

🌐 National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: https://nrcdv.org/

🌐 National Network to End Domestic Violence: https://nnedv.org/

🏠 Blackburn Center (SW Pennsylvania): https://www.blackburncenter.org/

🏠 Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh: https://wcspittsburgh.org/

🏠 PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://www.pcadv.org/find-help/

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MOTIVATION N'AT — Hot Mess to High Potential®

The podcast where real life gets talked about, hosted by Natalie Bulger. New episodes every Sunday.

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About Sarah Ludwig, LPC

Sarah Ludwig is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence. She is a certified EMDR therapist based in Irwin, PA, and has extensive experience working with survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence, including time at Blackburn Center.

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