What starts as a fairy-tale romance quickly unravels into something far darker.
When Shauna met the man she believed was her Prince Charming, she had no idea she was stepping into a world of deception, manipulation and coercive control. Behind the charm was a web of lies that would leave her questioning her reality, her safety and ultimately her survival.
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Becoming Lucy, hosts Lucy and Hana sit down with Shauna as she shares her story for the first time in full.
From love bombing and hidden secrets to coercive control, physical violence and a devastating legal battle, Shauna reveals how abuse can hide in plain sight and why leaving is often far more complicated than people realise.
Together, they explore the warning signs of abusive relationships, the impact of psychological manipulation, the realities of reporting domestic abuse, and how education became a lifeline in rebuilding her life.
⚠️ This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, coercive control, violence, miscarriage and trauma that some listeners may find distressing.
If you’ve ever questioned whether something felt “off” in a relationship, this conversation could change how you see the signs.
⸻
Topics Covered
• Domestic Abuse
• Coercive Control
• Love Bombing
• Emotional Manipulation
• Physical Violence
• Red Flags in Relationships
• Claire’s Law
• Reporting Abuse
• Survivor Advocacy
• Healing After Trauma
• Women’s Aid & Support Services
• Rebuilding Life After Abuse
⸻
💜 Support & Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.
📞 Women’s Aid
0808 2000 247
📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
0808 2000 247
📞 Refuge
0808 2000 247
📞 Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
You are not alone, and support is available.
⸻
🔗 Connect & Follow
🎵 Shauna on TikTok
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@diaryofanabusesurvivor
🎙️ Becoming Lucy
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy
For more inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes content and future episodes.
⸻
Chapters
00:00 I Thought I’d Met Prince Charming
04:34 The Warning Signs I Missed
07:40 Love Bombing, Lies & Manipulation
10:26 The Family Everyone Believed
13:29 The Wedding That Changed Everything
16:21 The Secret Debt Bombshell
26:30 Living Under Pressure
31:19 No Longer Feeling Safe
36:18 More Lies Come To Light
41:11 Loss, Grief & Isolation
46:12 What Coercive Control Really Looks Like
49:15 Why Victims Don’t “Just Leave”
52:03 The Abuse Escalates
56:04 The Facebook Live Incident
01:01:11 The Night Everything Changed
01:06:57 Reporting The Abuse
01:16:23 Looking For Answers
01:18:11 The Trial & Emotional Fallout
01:19:55 The Verdict
01:22:51 Rebuilding A Life After Abuse
01:29:50 What Shauna Wants Survivors To Know
01:34:29 Thank You For Listening 💜
⸻
⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer
• Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise).
• No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared.
• Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations.
• No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast.
• External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.
