“My abusive partner refuses to leave or get help—and I’m trapped in a ‘silent divorce.’ What are my actual options?”
This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a YouTube listener navigating an impossible situation: a long marriage, adult children, religious pressure against divorce, and an abusive partner who wants to maintain the status quo without doing any of the work to change.
In this episode, Dr. Kerry untangles the confusion between church annulment and legal separation, explains why staying together without changing is still a form of abuse, and breaks down the critical difference between spiritual status and legal protection. She addresses why “no divorce” doesn’t actually mean you’re trapped, how to tell who really benefits from keeping things status quo, and the essential first steps to take when you’re caught between religious beliefs and your own safety.
Submit Your Question
If you’d like your question addressed on air, send it here: 👉 https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/fan-mail
Resources
- ReclaimYou: Dr. Kerry’s AI-powered coaching app
- The Complete Recovery Collection: Narcissistic abuse resources
- First Steps to Leaving: Online self-paced digital course
- Toxic-Free Relationship Club: Live coaching & community support
Follow Dr. Kerry!
Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist & author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism.
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This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.
