Flying Free

"What if I'm the Abuser?" Is There Such a Thing as "Reactive Abuse?" [388]

September 15, 2026·1h 8m
Episode Description from the Publisher

This is a replay of one of the most listened to episodes in the Flying Free Podcast archives, and it’s such a good one, I thought I’d reshare it for our new listeners! If you've ever screamed, thrown something, said something you regret, and then wondered if you’re the abusive one, this conversation will clear that up for you. Our guest, Annette Oltmans breaks down what's really happening in your brain, why "mutual abuse" is a myth, and what happens when the very people you turn to for help end up hurting you all over again.What we cover: Why your reactions don’t match your characterA phrase from the National Domestic Violence Hotline that settles the "mutual abuse" debate for good.A former police chief once confronted Annette with a question that reveals exactly why so many victims get misread.There's a second wound that often hurts worse than the first one, and it usually comes from people inside the church.A simple physical trick can interrupt a trauma reaction before it takes over.Get Today’s Free Resource:📒 Take a free Emotional Abuse Assessment by going to emotionalabusequiz.comI will also send you my weekly Hope Letters for Christian women in emotionally and spiritually abusive marriages.

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of Flying Free and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.