I Was Abused But Thought It Was Love… Every Woman Needs To Hear This

What do you do when the person you love becomes the person you fear most? In today’s episode, I sit down with Lyndsey Hackford, a woman whose story left me shaken, heartbroken, and in absolute awe of her strength.

For 18 years, Lyndsey lived inside an abusive marriage that slowly stole her voice, her identity, and nearly her life. What started as subtle manipulation spiraled into control, isolation, physical violence, and moments where she genuinely didn’t know if she would survive the night. Her children witnessed things no child ever should. And yet, Lyndsey found a way out.

In this conversation, Lyndsey walks us through the moments that changed everything: the fear, the near-death experiences, the police intervention, the escape, the trial, and the long, painful road to rebuilding her life. If you’ve lived through trauma, domestic abuse, emotional manipulation, or you’re trying to support someone who has, her story will stay with you.

Watch this episode to hear Lyndsey’s message of hope, courage, and reclaiming your life, no matter how dark things have been.

Key Moments:
0:00 “I Hit the Wall So I Wouldn’t Hit Mom”
3:00 The “Support” That Was Actually Control
6:02 How Her Religion Was Used Against Her
9:19 The Moment She Realised Her Worth Was Gone
12:00 The Day He Admitted He Wanted to Hit Her
14:44 The Shame and Threats That Kept Her Silent
17:39 A Year of Sleep Deprivation and Surveillance
20:10 “Just Let Me Leave”… and the Violent Response
23:06 “Look at That Face, How Could I Love That?”
26:00 The Escape Attempt That Finally Worked
29:31 The Jury Trial And Her Kids Taking the Stand
32:53 Why Abusers All Share the Same Patterns
33:23 Her Message to Women Still Living in Fear

Guest Info:
IG: @lyndseyh6723 (instagram.com/lyndseyh6723)
Facebook: @lyndsey.jackson.125 (facebook.com/lyndsey.jackson.125)