Content warning: This episode talks about domestic violence, relationship abuse, emotional control and coercive control. Please listen with care. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7, in English and Spanish, at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Today, host Diana Maria Riva talks with actress and producer Sara Portillo who shares her story of surviving an abusive relationship that started when she was a teenager and lasted nearly 30 years. She talks about the trauma bond, the isolation and the cycle of abuse, and about how she rebuilt her life and learned to love herself again.

Diana is also joined by attorney Carmen McDonald and licensed clinical social worker Sylvia Gribble from the Survivor Justice Center, to discuss ways to help survivors, the legal options and resources available to them, and how to support and help a loved one you suspect is experiencing domestic violence. 

Look for the QR code in this episode for resources or click here.

Content warning: This episode talks about domestic violence, relationship abuse, emotional control and coercive control. Please listen with care. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7, in English and Spanish, at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Today, host Diana Maria Riva talks with actress and producer Sara Portillo who shares her story of surviving an abusive relationship that started when she was a teenager and lasted nearly 30 years. She talks about the trauma bond, the isolation and the cycle of abuse, and about how she rebuilt her life and learned to love herself again. Diana is also joined by attorney Carmen McDonald and licensed clinical social worker Sylvia Gribble from the Survivor Justice Center, to discuss ways to help survivors, the legal options and resources available to them, and how to support and help a loved one you suspect is experiencing domestic violence. Look for the QR code in this episode for resources or click <a href="https://www.survivorjusticecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NationalDVAMResources.pdf">here</a>.

Diana Maria Riva hosts the weekly podcast for GenX women navigating midlife’s most fantastic bullsh*t. Through laughs, tears, or tears and laughter, Diana invites her squads from Ohio to Hollywood for some real talk on being the boss, the empty nester and the caretaker, all while battling night sweats AND being the linchpins of society. From the FUPA to the hot flash, it's time for women to have unpolished, unfiltered conversations about the midlife roller coaster. With all the changes, surprises and WTFs, join Diana and celebrity guests, experts, and allies as they tackle everything in the second act of life, love, sex and society, as we ask… How hard can it be?

Diana Maria Riva hosts the weekly podcast for GenX women navigating midlife&rsquo;s most fantastic bullsh*t. Through laughs, tears, or tears and laughter, Diana invites her squads from Ohio to Hollywood for some real talk on being the boss, the empty nester and the caretaker, all while battling night sweats AND being the linchpins of society. From the FUPA to the hot flash, it's time for women to have unpolished, unfiltered conversations about the midlife roller coaster. With all the changes, surprises and WTFs, join Diana and celebrity guests, experts, and allies as they tackle everything in the second act of life, love, sex and society, as we ask&hellip; How hard can it be?

How Hard Can It Be? with Diana Maria Riva

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A Survivor’s Story and Where to Find Help

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/76e60b96-9fa6-482c-8180-b4ea000824b7/transcript