A Season of Strength; and a New Beginning with the Own My Life Podcast
- OML Admin
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
As we approach the festive season, we’re thrilled to share some exciting news. Many of you have been asking, and we can finally reveal: the Own My Life podcast will launch on 1st January. A new year, new goals, and a brand-new podcast designed to support, inform, and uplift you as we step into 2026 together.
Christmas: A Time of Joy, but Also of Hidden Struggle
While Christmas is often portrayed as a time of warmth, connection, and celebration, we know that for many women living with an abusive partner, it can be one of the hardest times of the year.
So many women work tirelessly to create magical moments for their children and loved one; carefully choosing gifts, preparing favourite meals, and holding space for joy. Meanwhile, their abusive partner may use the festive season as an opportunity to intensify control and cause harm.
It’s often assumed that the rise in abuse at Christmas is caused by alcohol, financial pressures, or seasonal stress. But abusive behaviour is not accidental. It is intentional and instrumental, motivated by an abuser’s belief that he owns his partner and is entitled to all of her time, energy, and emotional labour, and to use and abuse her.
The Dual Realities Women Navigate
At Christmas, many women find themselves pulled between two opposing forces:
Their deep desire to create a special holiday for any children, wider family, and for themselves, and
Their partner’s demands to remain the centre of everything, no matter the cost.
Abusive partners often manipulate women into believing that if they appease, pacify, or sacrifice enough, they may be rewarded with a peaceful day. This false hope is just another layer of control - another way to keep her off-balance and feeling responsible for his behaviour.
In reality, many women face heartbreaking moments during the festive period.
...some will see precious presents smashed.
...some will have a lovingly decorated tree hurled across the room.
...some will have Christmas dinner thrown at the wall, or at them.
...some will endure his sexual violence, or the slow, crushing silence of being punished with withdrawal and tension.
Yet through all of this, women continue to strive for moments of normalcy and joy for their children. They carry the weight of hope, disappointment, and shame, often silently, while doing everything they can to preserve the magic of Christmas for those they love.
A Turning Point
For some women, it is in the quiet aftermath of Christmas, the moments when the decorations come down and the world returns to ordinary life, that clarity begins to form. They realise they cannot keep living like this. And they take courageous steps to find safety.
Refuges frequently tell us that this is one of their busiest times of the year, as women and children seek sanctuary and support in the weeks that follow Christmas.
Why We’re Launching the Own My Life Podcast on 1st January
This is why we’ve chosen the first day of the new year to launch our podcast.The Own My Life podcast is filled with the voices, knowledge, and wisdom of women; women who have survived an abusive partner, rebuilt their lives, and reclaimed their futures.
In each episode, you’ll hear stories of escape, resilience, community, and hope. You’ll also learn about the families, friends, and professionals who supported them along the way.
Our goal is simple:
To share insight, compassion, and practical understanding in a way that empowers everyone; women subjected to abuse, their supporters, and professionals alike.
Though the topic of abuse is undeniably challenging, we promise that every episode holds joy, courage, and hope. We believe you’ll come away inspired to make meaningful change for women and their children.
Subscribe now!
You can subscribe now on all podcast platforms by searching for "Own My Life", and there's a short preview of the podcast to listen to! For easy access you can get directly to the podcast on these platforms:
Help Us Spread the Word
If you know podcast reviewers, journalists, or anyone who would be eager to help amplify this work, we’d love to connect.Please reach out to us at info@ownmylifecourse.org to learn more about early access to the episodes.
...thank you for walking this journey with us.
...thank you for standing with women.
...and thank you for believing, just as we do, that knowledge, community, and hope can change lives.
Here’s to a new year, a new beginning, and a podcast full of power and possibility.