Nicole Yade: Why Leaving an Abusive Relationship Is the Most Dangerous Time

What if the most dangerous moment in an abusive relationship isn't staying, it's trying to leave?

As Australia continues to grapple with the national crisis of domestic violence and violence against women, this week on You're Gonna Want To Hear This, Marie Claire Australia Editor Georgie McCourt speaks with Nicole Yade, CEO of the Women and Girls Emergency Centre, whose own experience surviving family violence and coercive control has shaped decades of frontline advocacy for women and children escaping abuse.

Before Nicole dedicated her life to helping others find safety, she was a child growing up in a home ruled by fear. As an adult, despite promising herself she'd never repeat the cycle, she found herself in an abusive relationship of her own. At 24, she fled with her five-month-old baby, leaving behind violence and stepping into homelessness because staying was no longer safe.

In this deeply personal conversation, Nicole shares why leaving an abusive relationship is far more complicated than people often believe. She unpacks domestic violence nd the invisible barriers that keep women trapped, while drawing on decades of experience supporting victim-survivors on the frontline.

This is a conversation about survival, resilience and rebuilding a life after trauma. Nicole also explains why domestic violence services are at breaking point and what needs to change to better protect women and children.

If you or anyone else you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, support is available. You can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732

JOIN THE WALK TO END VIOLENCE. Walk for WAGEC details here, Centennial Park Sydney, Sunday 13th September 2026.

This episode covers:

• Growing up in a home shaped by domestic violence
• Why leaving an abusive relationship is far more complex than people realise
• Coercive control and the invisible tactics that keep women trapped
• Breaking the cycle of family violence across generations
• Escaping abuse as a 24-year-old with a five-month-old baby and experiencing homelessness
• The realities of rebuilding life after domestic violence
• How children are impacted by living with family violence
• The critical work of the Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC)
• Why frontline domestic violence services remain overwhelmed
• What recovery and healing really look like after trauma
• Why domestic violence can happen to anyone
• The role men can play in preventing violence against women
• Challenging the question, "Why doesn't she just leave?"
• A message of hope for victim-survivors rebuilding their lives

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Credits:

Host Georgie McCourt

Edited by Helen Smith

Head of Vodcasting Rachel Fountain

With thanks to our amazing team at Marie Claire

You're Gonna Want to Hear This is a production of Marie Claire and Are Media.

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