Domestic violence doesn’t always start with a punch. It often starts quietly, with control disguised as concern, isolation disguised as love, and boundaries being chipped away so slowly that it can be hard to recognize what’s happening until the danger is very real.
Denise Brown knows this in the most devastating way possible. Her sister, Nicole Brown Simpson, was murdered in 1994 after experiencing domestic violence in her marriage. For more than 30 years, Denise has dedicated her life to domestic violence awareness, victim advocacy, education, and helping women recognize the warning signs she wishes she had understood then. Her new book, For My Sister Nicole: Love Shouldn’t Hurt, shares Nicole’s story while giving victims, survivors, families, and friends resources that could save lives.
In this episode, Nicole and Denise discuss:
Why domestic violence is about power and control—and why it can happen to strong, independent women
The early warning signs of an abusive relationship that are easy to dismiss or explain away
Why victims may hide abuse to protect their children, family, friends, pets—or even their abuser
The hope, shame, and fear that can make leaving an abusive relationship incredibly complicated
How friends and family can support someone experiencing domestic violence without trying to control their decisions
The importance of safety planning and working with domestic violence shelters when preparing to leave
Why calling 911, documenting abuse, and creating a paper trail can matter
The Domestic Violence Bill of Rights—and the reminder that everyone has the right to safety, respect, their own opinions, and the word “no”
This is a hard conversation, but it’s an important one. Because love should never require someone to live in fear, walk on eggshells, surrender their autonomy, or make themselves smaller to stay safe.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline has trained advocates available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE, by texting START to 88788, or at TheHotline.org.
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Connect with Denise:
Website: https://denisebrown.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/My-Sister-Nicole-Julie-McCarron/dp/B0FXYCGS99
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseBrownToo
IG: https://www.instagram.com/DeniseBrownToo
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-brown-6644762
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