The Realities of Intimate Partner Violence - Part 1 | Guest - Sarah Ludwig, LPC
Intimate partner violence is is far more prolific than we probably realize, and that's because of the shame, stigma and shadows it involves.
I sat down with Sarah Ludwig, LPC, a certified EMDR therapist and trauma-focused counselor with over a decade ofexperience working with survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence to educate myself and to bring the discussion to listeners of this podcast.
We get into:
--- What intimate partner violence actually looks like beyond the physical — financial control, isolation, sexual coercion, threats to pets, and more
--- Why strong, empowered people end up in these relationships and how the cycle works
--- The difference between helping a loved one in a DV situation vs. enabling an addiction
--- Strangulation as a massive predictor of lethality — and why it's an urgent red flag every time
--- Safety planning across the full spectrum
--- Victim resources, free therapy, and VCAP funding available in every U.S. state
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 drops next Sunday.
Check the show notes for every resource mentioned in this episode.
📌 RESOURCES
🆘 National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/ [https://www.thehotline.org/] | 1-800-799-7233
🆘 Text START to 88788 | Chat 24/7 at thehotline.org [thehotline.org]
📋 Personal Safety Plan:https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/ [https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/]
📖 Strangulation & Domestic Violence Research:https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2025/10/strangulation-and-domestic-violence [https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2025/10/strangulation-and-domestic-violence]
📖 The Violent Reality of Strangulation: https://www.safeaustin.org/the-violent-reality-of-strangulation/ [https://www.safeaustin.org/the-violent-reality-of-strangulation/]
🌐 National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: https://nrcdv.org/ [https://nrcdv.org/]
🌐 National Network to End Domestic Violence: https://nnedv.org/ [https://nnedv.org/]
🏠 Blackburn Center (SW Pennsylvania): https://www.blackburncenter.org/ [https://www.blackburncenter.org/]
🏠 Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh: https://wcspittsburgh.org/ [https://wcspittsburgh.org/]
🏠 PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://www.pcadv.org/find-help/ [https://www.pcadv.org/find-help/]
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MOTIVATION N'AT — Hot Mess to High Potential®
The podcast where real life gets talked about, hosted by Natalie Bulger. New episodes every Sunday.
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About Sarah Ludwig, LPC
Sarah Ludwig is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence. She is a certified EMDR therapist based in Irwin, PA, and has extensive experience working with survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence, including time at Blackburn Center.
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