Episode 1: “Why Didn’t She Just Leave?”

Welcome to the very first episode of Another Feral Feminist, where we kick things off with a story that’s real, raw, and far too common.

Today, Taylor shares her cousin Abbey’s experience navigating an abusive relationship — with full permission and deep intention. From stolen waitress tips to marital rape and emotional manipulation, this story is not only heartbreaking, but also horrifyingly typical in a culture that still asks:

“Why didn’t she just leave?”

This episode dives deep into that question — unpacking the emotional, financial, and societal barriers that keep women trapped in abusive relationships. Taylor also reflects on her own trauma, shares staggering statistics about post-separation poverty and shelter shortages, and offers a direct challenge to the systems that consistently fail women.

If you’re in it, if you’ve survived it, or if you’ve ever judged someone for not walking away — this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• The night that changed everything — and how no one realized it at the time

• Abbey’s five-year journey through control, coercion, and survival

• The hidden layers of financial, emotional, and sexual abuse

• Why reproductive rights matter in abusive relationships

• The brutal reality of leaving: poverty, custody, and childcare obstacles

• What it really means to “rewrite your story” as a survivor

  
  

• Key Takeaways:

• • Abuse isn’t always visible — and leaving is often dangerous, expensive, and emotionally complex

  • Survivors don’t stay because they’re weak. They stay because the world makes it harder to leave

  • The patriarchy glorifies sacrifice while withholding safety

  • Every woman deserves access to real support, not just survival

    
    

  📌 Resources mentioned in this episode:

  • DomesticShelters.org: Search for shelters by zip code and filter by needs (pets, kids, space, etc.)

  • NCADV – National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Advocacy, safety planning guides, and policy support

  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline
    📞 Call: 800‑799‑SAFE
    💬 Text: “START” to 88788

  
  

  🫶 Submit your story:
  Want to share your experience anonymously? Email Taylor at anotherferalfeminist@gmail.com

  
  

  📲 Follow Another Feral Feminist:
  TikTok | @anotherferalfeminist
  Instagram | @anotherferalfeminist
  YouTube | @anotherferalfeminist

  
  

  🗓 New episodes every Tuesday.
  Subscribe, rate, and share — especially with someone who might need to hear this.

  And remember:
  Stay feral. Stay safe.