Episode Bonus Interview with Dana S Diaz

Welcome to a Bonus Interview episode with DANA S. Diaz and Eileen

In this Episode I open with statistics from The National Coalition against Domestic Violence abuse "1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 Men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner." Statistics (ncadv.org) You can access more resources by the link provided to educate yourself and others on the statistics and resources provided by this organization. I had the pleasure of sitting down and interviewing Dana who is the published author of the book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STANGLEHOLD OF NARCCISSISTIC ABUSE. This Interview is filled with a chock full of details of the Red Flags that are evident and apparent when dating a Narcissistic Abuser. The abuse does not have to be physical, but verbal is the deadliest form of a character assassination. Verbal abuse According to the definition of "Verbal Abuse: 4 Signs to Look For (webmd.com) is Verbal abuse, also known as emotional abuse, is a range of words or behaviors used to manipulate, intimidate, and maintain power and control over someone. These include insults, humiliation and ridicule, the silent treatment, and attempts to scare, isolate, and control." The definition stated above will leave scars on your mental health and on your esteem. I always say this is the deadliest form of abuse because this takes years to program yourself back from those emotional assaults. This leaves many victims feeling vulnerable and even experiencing PTSD as Dana has and many more like me. The Podcast is a platform for not just women but Men to experience such abuse. I know society has conditioned us that women experience these abuses, and this is far from the truth. Dana till this day has fears that her abuser because they both have a child in common will come back to cause destruction and havoc because Law Enforcment do not have the tools or law put in place to protect her other than a piece of paper. I know the tides are changing in 2023 but the laws that are operating under the patriarchy. This needs to change and we must all at least acknowledge that when Narcissistic abusers touch our lives it has devastating consequences and effects. Dana is lucky by the grace of God to still be drawing breath. Dana has expressed in the interview publishing the book may have consequences for her. Dana and I unpacked the person who caused her angst and pain in her life. She is a mother who strives to provide and provide a safe sanctuary for her and her family. The Link is below to purchase her book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. This interview answers questions about what the signs look like and how leaving is never a choice. A lot of people say why don't you just leave? Dana answers that question in this interview because it is not as easy. Cutting someone off financially cuts off any resources to plan and leave. This is a form of control over your life. Who do you turn to when you are isolated? This conversation is hard to unpack to co-workers because people have been desensitized or problems at work in our home life were always told to keep those two separates. We are all able to help. I understand many of us will not understand it, but we ask for compassion, understanding, allies, empathy, sympathy, and love for our brothers and sisters. Dana's information is below. The podcast is always taking emails to share your story. You do not have to feel shame or humiliation because these stories are not outliers or isolated incidents. These situations are real and can be dangerous for many. Safety plans are put in place in the National Domestic Violence hotline. I provided the links below.

Dana S. Diaz is a wife, mother, and author of the best-selling book GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. Dana has had life-long experience with narcissistic abuse, beginning in childhood. Her education in journalism and psychology at DePaul University in Chicago gave her the ability to accurately verbalize and express how narcissistic abuse creates confusion and conflict within victims, so that she can help other victims know they are not alone and better understanding their own circumstances. Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement. Dana lives with her husband in Illinois and is publishing the prequel and sequel to GASPING FOR AIR. Learn more about Dana at www.danasdiaz.com.

Biography: Today, Dana is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. She strives to create awareness and understanding to ensure victims are given the support they need to first understand their situation and then begin the healing process. Her first book, chronicling her own abusive marriage that lasted three decades, started as a journal that she hid under the couch cushion in the basement. Dana lives with her husband in Illinois and is publishing the prequel and sequel to GASPING FOR AIR. Learn more about Dana at www.danasdiaz.com. Thank You all again for your support. I appreciate you. The sources below were pivotal in helping me provide the necessary tools and information for you all. I want to thank you for supporting me. You are Loved. The information shared was between the sources below. You can further dive into this case by clicking on the links below. I can be reached at mbpatpodcast.eandj@gmail.com or reach out to us at MBP (Murder, Blood and Psychopath) Podcast (@murderbloodandpsychopath) • Instagram photos and videos. The link is for Dana's book which is out for anyone to order.

Verbal Abuse: 4 Signs to Look For (webmd.com)

Understand Relationship Abuse (thehotline.org)

Statistics (ncadv.org)