**Content Warning**

This episode of wo0 pod contains discussions about domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, and violence, including personal experiences and references to risk factors, trauma, and the justice system. These topics may be distressing for some listeners.

If you are in a situation where you need support, please consider reaching out to a trusted friend, support service, or helpline in your area - resources have been linked below. You are not alone.

"Your safety is paramount. Trust your gut, because you are the person who has lived this." – Lucy Bentley

Welcome back to ‘Don’t f**king tell me what to wear or how to run my business’ on the wo0 pod. Hosted by Wendy Gannon (aka wo0), this podcast is part of Female Five Million—a movement dedicated to empowering women to own their space unapologetically, both in business and life.

This week, we’re joined by Lucy Bentley, a former criminal justice professional turned podcast producer. Lucy shares her personal journey of leaving an abusive relationship and how her lived experience, combined with her professional background, led her to advocate for domestic abuse awareness, risk assessment, and survivor support. This episode is an essential listen for anyone who wants to understand the realities of coercive control, risk factors, and how to stay safe.

In This Episode - Lucy & wo0 Discuss:

• Recognising the signs of abuse – Why psychological manipulation can be just as dangerous as physical harm
• Understanding risk factors – How tools like the DASH checklist can help women assess their safety
• The power of gut instinct – Why listening to your own fear can be life-saving
• How the justice system often fails victims – And why women must learn to advocate for themselves
• Leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time – Why women are most at risk when they try to escape
• The toxic trio – The dangerous link between mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence
• Breaking free – Lucy’s personal journey from surviving to thriving.

Resources

Huge thanks to Lucy for sharing these resources in today’s episode:

• The DASH Checklist: used to identify and assess risks when a potential victim discloses domestic abuse, ‘honour’- based violence or stalking. The questions in the Dash risk checklist are based on extensive research about domestic abuse - https://safelives.org.uk/resources-library/dash-risk-checklist/
• Article: ‘Do you know the 8 step timeline in domestic abuse homicides?’
• Article: 39 domestic violence ‘lethality indicators’...

Additional (UK) Resources:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7, free & confidential): 0808 2000 247
• Women's Aid: www.womensaid.org.uk
• Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk

About Lucy Bentley:

Lucy is a former probation officer and criminal justice expert who has worked in prisons, courts, and frontline services supporting vulnerable women. After leaving an abusive relationship, she transitioned into podcasting, using her platform to amplify the voices of survivors and challenge stigma around lived experience.

Connect with Lucy Bentley:

• LinkedIn: Lucy Bentley
• Podcast: Emotional Support Background Noise

Connect with wo0:

• wo0 on Linkedin: Wendy (wo0) Gannon
• wo0 on the ‘gram: @wo0photography
• Subscribe to newsletter

Work with wo0:

• About wo0
• Want a photoshoot? Book a chat

This is a Decibelle Creative original podcast

• Need a wing woman to *actually* launch that podcast? Meet Buckers… / Linkedin: Annabelle (Buckers) Buckland
• Instagram: @decibelle_creative / Linkedin: Decibelle Creative

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A quick word from the host & producer…

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Join the Female Five Million Movement

‘Dont F**king Tell Me What To Wear Or How To Run My Business’ on the wo0 pod is more than just a podcast—it’s part of a movement…

Follow Female Five Million and get involved in the movement:

• Search ‘Female Five Million’ on Linkedin
• Instagram: @female.five.million
• Follow & support the project on Kickstarter
• Buy the Female Five Million Coffee Table Book! The second edition is in production and will be available to pre-order soon - make sure you’re subscribed to the wo0 Photography newsletter for updates!

Female Five Million is an unapologetic celebration of women who’ve faced male to female abuse, broken free, and are now thriving on their own terms. This is a story of empowerment and resilience against abuse and toxicity from men, in business and beyond. This is a multi-faceted project made up of two empowering photoshoots, conversations, research, exhibitions, art and a beautiful coffee table book.

“This project is deeply personal to me because I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to suffer domestic, sexual, financial, mental abuse and general misogyny in the workplace and my private life. I’ve been there but I’ve also found the strength to rise above and overcome it.

By speaking openly about my experiences, I’ve met so many incredible women who’ve faced similar challenges, yet they’ve come out the other side stronger, smarter, (more hilarious) and more determined than ever.

We're not just survivors, we're f*cking queens, and our stories deserve to be told.” - Wendy Gannon, Female Five Million Founder.