Episode Details

Host note: I incorrectly state that coercive control is only criminalised in Queensland, Australia. As of the time of recording (March 2026), it is also criminalised in New South Wales and South Australia.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, coercive control, and suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourself and skip this one if it feels triggering.

What if the most dangerous form of abuse wasn’t physical, and you didn’t even realise it was happening?

In today’s episode, Marina Garbuio joins us. Marina is the founder of Motivating Marketing, a marketing strategist, and university lecturer who helps service-based businesses turn expertise into clear, practical marketing that actually works.

For 16 years, Marina lived in a relationship where her self-worth was slowly eroded through constant criticism, manipulation, intimidation, and psychological abuse. She believed it was simply the 'ups and downs of marriage' until one night changed everything.

That moment shattered the illusion she had been living under and finally gave language to what she had been experiencing for years.

Marina shares how she left that long-term abusive relationship whilst pregnant, navigated the legal system, and slowly reclaimed her independence, identity, and voice.

In this episode, we chat about:

• What coercive control actually looks like (and why it’s so hard to recognise)
• The moment Marina realised she was experiencing domestic violence
• Leaving an abusive relationship while pregnant and starting over
• How manipulation, gaslighting, and control showed up in her marriage
• Navigating custody battles, court systems, and post-separation control
• The impact of coercive control on children and family dynamics
• The role of boundaries, balance, and emotional regulation in healing

This conversation sheds light on coercive control, a form of abuse that is still widely misunderstood, and explores how it can show up not just in romantic relationships, but within families, friendships, and workplaces.

Marina’s story reminds us that investing in your own healing can completely shift your mindset, moving from survival mode into a place of balance, purpose, and empowerment.

Connect with Marina:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina_garbuio

Website: https://www.motivatingmarketing.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinagarbuio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motivatingmarketing

If you are a DV violence survivor or facing a similar situation, I'm here for you. You can connect with me on Instagram ⁠⁠@lifeafterileftpodcast⁠

If you need urgent support, reach out to one of these incredible services:

1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service

Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)

Text: 0458 737 732

Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au

Safe Steps – Family violence response centre (Victoria)

Phone: 1800 015 188 (24/7)

Website: https://safesteps.org.au<