About this show:
This podcast discusses domestic violence. Sit this one out if you need to
Many of us are enraged, shocked, and paralysed by the unfolding information from the JE files. Many of us are also dismayed at the continuing epidemic of domestic violence and murder-by-partner. What do we do? How can we help change things? We can learn how to be an ally in our own communities and circles better. Outrage and sadness must be used as springboards for action, I truly believe it.
I’m joined by counsellor and author Patricia Gordon Stevens to talk about domestic and partner violence — a subject too often minimised, despite affecting 25% of women in some of the world’s wealthiest countries. We explore why silence and discomfort only deepen the harm, and why education, community, and care matter so deeply.
In this conversation, we cover:
- Why the moment a woman chooses to leave is often the most dangerous time
- How coercive control can appear long before physical violence does
- The subtle red flags friends, families, and colleagues can look for
- How to ask caring, non-judgmental questions that keep the connection open
- Why Patricia chose fiction (Madness in Memphis) to build empathy that leads to action
The role men can play in calling out harmful behaviour and changing culture locally
This episode is confronting, but it’s also hopeful. Change doesn’t start with grand gestures — it starts with noticing, staying connected, and showing up for the women in our lives.
I hope you find it useful and helpful as I did,
Alexx Stuart
Founder of Low Tox Life and the Low Tox movement
Join me on Insta @lowtoxlife
Fancy a few more podcasts we’ve done over the years, related to this one?
- Show #137: Dr Sherrie Campbell on cutting ties with toxic family members
- Show #359 Dr Karin Luise – Writing New Personal Stories and Learning to Tune In
Support is available
If this article has raised concerns for you or someone you know, help is available.
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Available 24/7 via phone or online chat.
- Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – Support for anxiety, depression and mental health concerns.
- Relationships Australia (1300 364 277) – Counselling and relationship support services.
- Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) – Support for men concerned about their behaviour or affected by family violence.
- Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) – 24/7 counselling support for young people aged 5–25.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
- You can also find local support services via www.1800respect.org.au
Want to learn more about this week’s guest?
Website: www.patriciagordonstevens.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciagordonstevensauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciagordonstevensauthor
Book: https://bit.ly/4aJE0Ve
Want to support the show?
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Thank you to this month’s show sponsors for helping you make your low tox swaps easier:
Our first podcast partner offer of the year with @ediblebeautyau – 30% off site-wide! My top reco’s? The Super Stem Cell concentrate serum, Exotic goddess serum, Enzyme peel or microexfoliant for some healthy skin regeneration! Or the new up-sized sunscreen in 200g to carry you the rest of summer. Enjoy! CODE: LOWTOXLIFE. https://bit.ly/Edible_Beauty
@ausclimate is our major partner giving you 10% off their range for the whole of 2026, with brilliant Winix Air Purifiers, the best Dehumidifiers I’ve ever used and their new energy-efficient heating, air-circulating and cooling range. code LOWTOXLIFE (also works over and above their sales – pro tip!) https://bit.ly/ShopAusclimate
Be sure to join me on Instagram @lowtoxlife and tag me with your shares and AHAs of this week’s episode.
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About Patricia Gordon Stevens
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, I am half-American and half-Australian living a splendid life with my British born husband. I was formerly married to a man (now deceased) who was diagnosed with a severe personality disorder. I set out to understand mental health better, returning to university at a mature age to study psychology and now own my own practice and write daily.
Thank you to this month’s sponsors for partnering with our show and helping you make your swaps with their special offer:
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Offer: Ausclimate is now giving all Low Tox Life followers an EXTRA 10% OFF their already discounted prices. Simply enter the discount code of LOWTOXLIFE on check out via: https://www.ausclimate.com.au/
This discount can also be redeemed for over-the-phone orders verbally.
Website: www.ausclimate.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ausclimate
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ausclimate
About Edible Beauty
Edible Beauty, an Australia-founded & made, naturopath-designed range that has been a fave in recent years. 3 of their products make my ‘I don’t run out of stock’ skincare list: Their new Stem Cell Concentrate, the Exotic Goddess Serum and The Fruit Enzyme Peel – Honestly you must try it – it’s like your face gets a dip in a rejuvenation clinic (that I’ve never been too of course, but it’s how it feels that it might be like!) I’m a big fan of their excellent sunscreen, now in both 100g and 200g sizes, which passes all independent testing and can be trusted for its SPF50! Other notables are their ‘core 4 simple skincare routine, the dessert lime microexfoliant & the Cacao moisturiser if you have dry skin or the Native Collagen Boost… enjoy exploring the range. There’s definitely no skimping on performance here while being truly good food for your skin!
Alexx x
Website: https://bit.ly/Edible_Beauty
Code: LOWTOXLIFE
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/ediblebeautyau/
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/EdibleBeautyAu
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Title show track, by LIOR.
Love the podcast music? You will hear excerpts from Lior’s track “Caught Up” – go check it out on iTunes or Spotify if you want to hear the whole song or album, Scattered Reflections. Co-written with Cameron Deyell, it’s a great song and I love the reflective energy of it – perfect for the show, right? Enjoy. Lior is always touring, so do check out his website. It is wonderful to hear him sing live, trust me.
Low Tox Club – The place to bring your low tox life to life.
Want to join a community of like minds and enjoy all the perks of being in the Low Tox Life inner circle such as an online membership platform, 50% off all our Low Tox courses, an awesome chat group, my monthly Q&A, and special guest star interviews for just $49AUD ($29USD/28EUR/23pounds) per YEAR? We have created a special place and set of resources to help you achieve your goals and it’s a wonderful place to be – MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE.
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If you would love reading like me or you just simply want to go through the full transcript, you can check below.
