Finding Hope Again: The Charity Giving Women a Voice during DV, Coercive Control & Divorce
Release Date: 01/21/2026
Is Your Ex Wasting the Property Pool? Here's What the Family Court Does Now
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… You've been told "add-backs are dead" by your lawyer or your ex Your ex is wasting the property pool and you don't know how to stop it You've watched assets disappear since separation bank accounts, cars, super You're heading into mediation and need to know what to argue You want to understand what the Shinohara & Shinohara Case and Shamon & Sharon Case actually mean for your case You're worried about delay tactics while your ex quietly drains the joint money ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer This podcast is general information only – it is not legal...
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Coercive Control & Domestic Violence in Family Court: Should You Raise It or Stay Silent?
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You want to understand if domestic violence can affect your property or parenting outcome You've been told by a lawyer to "leave the family violence out" of your case You're scared raising coercive control or domestic violence will backfire on you in mediation You're confused by social media saying the courts ignore family violence Your ex is still using coercive behaviour even after separation You're heading into mediation or court and don't know how to bring it up ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer & Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode...
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Divorce Money Mistakes: What Financial Planners Know That You Don’t
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re about to go through property settlement in divorce You’re focused on the percentage but unsure what it actually means You’re dealing with complex finances (trusts, companies, super, shares) or Simple Property Settlement You want to avoid making a financial mistake that costs you years You’re wondering whether to take the house, cash, super or investments ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer & ⚠️ Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode contains discussion of family violence, coercive control, and financial control, which may be...
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Furniture in Divorce: Who Gets What & Costly Mistakes to Avoid
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re arguing over furniture or household items in divorce Your ex has taken everything or won’t give anything back You’ve been told “you can’t take anything if you leave” You want to avoid wasting money on legal fees over small items You’re trying to work out what’s actually fair vs worth fighting for Legal Disclaimer & Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode contains discussion of family violence, coercive control, and separation dynamics, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you are unsafe, do not attempt to...
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Health and Divorce: How Illness May Affect Property Settlement Percentage
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You or your ex has a serious illness or disability You’ve been a carer during the relationship You have ongoing medical expenses You’re worried about future financial support after separation You want to understand how courts assess health in property settlement ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general information about Australian family law. It is not legal advice. Every situation is different, and you should seek independent professional guidance for your circumstances. What...
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Is Your Ex Watching You? Coercive control goes digital.
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You feel like your ex knows things they shouldn’t You suspect you’re being tracked, monitored, or watched You’re going through separation and worried about digital safety Your ex had access to your devices, passwords, or accounts You want to protect yourself and your children from tech-based abuse What if your ex knew where you were… who you were talking to… and what you were saying — without you ever telling them? In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Plunkett, Director of Safety Net Australia at WESNET, to unpack the growing...
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Refusing 50/50 Care? What to Do in Mediation When Your Child's Safety Comes First
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’ve been told to attend mediation but feel unsafe agreeing to child care arrangements Your ex is pushing for 50/50 care and you don’t believe it’s appropriate for the kids You’re dealing with substance abuse, family violence, or safety concerns and your child's safety You feel pressured to compromise at mediation when you don’t want to You want to understand your options without giving in on safety Have you been told you need to go to mediation, but you’re worried about the outcome because you simply cannot budge when it comes to your...
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The Parenting Order Loopholes Your Ex Might Exploit (And How to Close Them)
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You are about to negotiate parenting orders or a parenting plan Your coparent is high conflict, manipulative or controlling You’re worried they will twist agreements or exploit loopholes You’re preparing for mediation or family court for parenting orders You want parenting orders that actually reduce future arguments Family Violence & Legal Disclaimer This episode contains discussion of family conflict and family violence which may be distressing for some listeners.If you are experiencing family violence or feel unsafe, please contact...
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Can I Make My Ex Leave the House? 5 Strategies After Separation
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You are separated but still living under the same roof as your ex You feel stuck in the house and don’t know how to move forward You want to know what an ouster order is You want to understand sole occupancy Someone told you if you leave the house you will lose your rights to it You want to understand what you can legally do to create space after separation Your ex refuses to move out and you don’t know what your options are You’re wondering whether you can make your ex leave the house You’re dealing with a manipulative, avoidant,...
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When It’s Not Just Conflict: How Coercive Control Shows Up in Divorce
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re unsure whether what you experienced was abuse You’ve heard the term “coercive control” but don’t fully understand it You feel confused, guilty or constantly off balance in your relationship Negotiations during separation feel manipulative rather than constructive You’re worried about how coercive control affects children You want clarity and validation around your experience This episode discusses family violence and may be triggering for some listeners. If you need support, please reach out to 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11...
info_outline🎧 Listen to this episode if…
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You’re going through DV, coercive control, divorce or separation
- You’ve survived DV and want to help other women going through it
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You feel alone, isolated, or unsure where to turn
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You want to hear about real support available for women in crisis
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You’ve lost hope and need to know good people still exist
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You want to understand what homelessness really looks like for women
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You want to connect with a service that listens without judgment
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You’ve wondered where to get help if you don’t know where to start
đź“ť Episode Summary
If you’ve ever felt invisible, silenced, or completely alone while living through domestic violence, coercive control, separation, or divorce this episode is for you.
Today, Laura sits down with Jo West, the founder of 4 Voices, a remarkable charity supporting women experiencing domestic violence, financial abuse, homelessness, social isolation, and coercive control. This episode is different from our usual legal conversations it’s a conversation about hope, humanity, and the power of connection when someone is going through hell and doesn’t know where to turn.
Jo shares the reality of what women face when they’re living in fear, why so many are afraid to reach out, and how simple acts of kindness like someone showing up, listening, and seeing you can genuinely change the course of a woman’s life.
If you’re struggling right now, this episode will remind you of something important:
There are helpers. You are not alone. And there is support waiting for you.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains general discussion about domestic violence and support, not legal information.
Finding Hope Again: The Charity Giving Women a Voice during DV, Coercive Control & Divorce
⏱️ Episode Timeline
[00:00] Meet Four Voices: A Support Service for Women Facing DV & Crisis
[01:00] Why Women Experiencing Coercive Control Often Feel Too Afraid to Reach Out
[02:06] Hidden Homelessness: The Reality for Women Leaving Unsafe Homes
[03:41] How Four Voices Uses Human Connection to Support Isolated Women
[07:00] What Happens on a Four Voices Support Van Shift
[09:04] A Story of Strength: One Woman Starting Over After 25 Years of Abuse
[12:33] Financial Abuse, Survival Mode & Why Leaving Is So Hard
[14:00] Why Some Women Get Turned Away From Services
[16:57] A Phone-Based Support System Designed for Women Who Are Scared to Talk
[18:55] Check-Ins, Consistency & Why They Matter for Recovery
[20:40] How You Can Help: Volunteering, Corporate Support & Raising Awareness
[23:50] Understanding the Hidden Crisis of Female Homelessness
[27:23] Misconceptions About DV, Leaving, and Life After Abuse
[30:41] Hope Stories: Courage, Connection & What Keeps Jo Going
[33:30] Final Message for Anyone Feeling Alone or Hopeless
đź”— Links & Resources
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Four Voices Charity: https://www.4voices.org.au
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Instagram: @4voicesau
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1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
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Lifeline – 13 11 14
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If in danger, call 000 immediately in Australia
🚨 Support Services (Australia)
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1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
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Lifeline – 13 11 14
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Safe Beds for Pets (RSPCA)
đź’› Closing Reminder
If this conversation brought you comfort or hope, please follow, rate, and review the podcast. Sharing this episode could help another woman find the support she desperately needs.