E171: Surviving Domestic Abuse: Dr Julie-Ann Walkden’s Story & The Lifesaving Work of Women’s Aid

Dr Julie-Ann Walkden courageously shares her domestic abuse survivor story for the very first time in this special episode. Julie-Ann recounts the night her partner violently attacked her, the red flags she missed, how coercive control escalated, and the impact the trauma had on her and her children. Her honest conversation shines a vital light on how abuse happens behind closed doors, even in families who seem “normal” from the outside. Noelle Collins, Project Manager at Women’s Aid, explains how domestic violence develops, why women often cannot “just leave,” how refuge support works, and the essential role charities play in keeping women and children safe in Northern Ireland. This special episode is produced in partnership with Digg Deep for Kids, a charity founded by Caroline that provides emergency essentials, Christmas support, and year-round help to organisations including Women’s Aid NI, Cash for Kids, Simon Community and Little Heroes NI. If you need support, please don't hesitate to reach out. Help is available. If you’d like to support this year’s Digg Deep for Kids Christmas Appeal, please donate or buy a raffle ticket at Every share, every ticket, every donation makes a real difference.

You can listen to E171: Surviving Domestic Abuse: Dr Julie-Ann Walkden’s Story & The Lifesaving Work of Women’s Aid online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

E171: Surviving Domestic Abuse: Dr Julie-Ann Walkden’s Story & The Lifesaving Work of Women’s Aid is an episode from The Digg Podcast by CAROLINE O'NEILL.

This episode is 01:08:41 long.

This episode was published on Nov 25, 2025.

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