Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Domestic Violence with Strength and Purpose - Ep 45

In Episode 45 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston welcome Claudia King, a former police officer, domestic violence survivor, podcast host, and Court TV commentator. Over a bright and citrusy Mango Tequila Paloma, the conversation delves into the courage it takes to break free from abuse, the complexities of healing, and the power of transforming pain into purpose.

From Law Enforcement to Survivor Advocacy

Claudia’s story begins in law enforcement, where she served as a police officer for several years. What most of her colleagues never knew was that behind her badge, she was enduring a private nightmare—abuse at the hands of another officer. Like many victims, she found herself trapped between fear, shame, and the professional expectation to appear strong.

Claudia explains how her abuser’s tactics evolved from emotional to financial and physical abuse, making her feel powerless despite her position. Her story sheds light on a truth many victims face: even the strongest, most capable people can find themselves caught in a cycle of manipulation and control.

The Turning Point

For Claudia, the breaking point came during a family trip to Florida for spring training baseball. She recalls being forbidden from speaking to players through a fence and even being prevented from taking Advil from her own mother—a moment that crystallized the extent of her partner’s control.

Soon after, she began planning her escape under the guise of looking for a new rental home. With her parents’ support and her own quiet determination, she left for good.

“I just knew I couldn’t take it anymore,” she says. “I went to a therapist hoping she’d tell me it was okay to go—because I didn’t even trust my own judgment at that point.”

From Silence to Storytelling

Years later, Claudia found healing through storytelling. In 2020, she publicly revealed her experience as a domestic violence survivor on a podcast—unexpectedly and unplanned. That moment led her to create her own show, Strong Enough, a platform dedicated to sharing stories of trauma and recovery.

“What I want most is for listeners to see someone who’s been through it and think, ‘If they survived, maybe I can too,’” she explains. “We focus less on the trauma and more on how people heal.”

Claudia also uses her platform to discuss financial abuse, an often-overlooked aspect of domestic violence. By controlling money, she explains, abusers limit their partners’ ability to leave, further deepening the cycle of dependency and fear.

From Victim to Expert

Today, Claudia regularly appears on Court TV as a domestic violence expert, offering legal insight and a human perspective on high-profile cases. Her advocacy extends beyond the media—she recently authored a trauma-healing workbook, designed to help survivors process pain, build self-worth, and eventually find forgiveness and release.

“The goal isn’t to forget,” she says. “It’s to heal enough that you can move forward and live fully again.”

Recognizing the Signs of Abuse

In her discussion with the Egglestons, Claudia underscores the subtle early signs of abuse: isolation from friends and family, sudden mood changes, unexplained injuries, and controlling behavior. “Control is the key pattern,” she says. “If someone gets angry over small things or dictates your choices, that’s a warning sign.”

She also reminds listeners that leaving doesn’t always mean the danger is over. Even decades later, she has faced reminders of her past, including a chilling moment when her abuser resurfaced online. “Leaving takes courage,” she says, “but staying safe afterward takes strength.”