Reproductive coercion is a form of abuse that often goes unnoticed, yet it can have lifelong emotional, physical, financial, and legal consequences. In this episode of The D Shift, Mardi Winder welcomes advocate Lynn Stroud for an important conversation about how reproductive coercion is used as a tool of power and control within unhealthy relationships.
Together they explore what reproductive coercion is, why it is so difficult to recognize, and how it differs from ordinary disagreements about family planning. The discussion examines behaviors such as birth control sabotage, pregnancy pressure, contraceptive interference, and other controlling actions that remove a person's ability to make informed decisions about their own body.
Mardi and Lynn also discuss why many survivors struggle to be believed, the challenges of addressing these issues within the legal system, and the importance of increasing public awareness. They emphasize that abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, education, financial status, or background, and that supportive, judgment-free conversations can make a tremendous difference for those seeking help.
This episode covers:
• What reproductive coercion is and why it is considered a form of abuse.
• Common warning signs that are often overlooked.
• How coercive control can affect reproductive choices and personal autonomy.
• Why many survivors do not immediately recognize what has happened.
• The importance of believing and supporting someone who discloses abuse.
• Why education, awareness, and healthy relationship conversations need to begin early.
If you or someone you know has experienced coercive or abusive behavior in a relationship, know that support is available and you do not have to face it alone.
About the Guest:
Drawing from her extensive lived experience with reproductive coercion, domestic abuse, and sexual assault, Lynn Stroud delves into cultivating a trauma-informed mindset and increased legal remedies for victims. She stresses the significance of listening without judgment, validating survivors' experiences, and recognizing the resilience that often emerges from adversity. Stroud addresses common misconceptions about trauma and emphasizes the need for ongoing education and awareness. She hopes to serve as a beacon of understanding and compassion, offering a roadmap for survivors, advocates, law enforcement, and beyond to increase their knowledge of reproductive coercion. By sharing her story, she hopes more listeners will recognize the warning signs and dangers of coercion, embrace knowledge, and actively seek out proactive change. Her hope is that one day we can collectively build a world where survivors are not only heard but supported in their paths to healing and empowerment.
To connect:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/knowledge_exch_abuse_survivors
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/lynn-s-16878b6
Speaker: https://app.eventraptor.com/speaker-profiles/lynn-stroud
About the Host
Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.
For Mardi’s gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbb
Connect with Mardi on Social Media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4women
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4women
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