Shauna Rae, a former TLC star, bravely shared her experience of being in an abusive relationship during her late teenage years. In an emotional episode of The Unplanned Podcast, the 25-year-old opened up about the abuse she endured at the hands of an ex-partner when she was just 17 or 18 years old. While Rae chose not to reveal the identity of her former partner, she did not hold back in discussing the traumatic experiences she faced.
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During the podcast, Rae discussed her dating boundaries, emphasising that she does not tolerate cheating or physical violence in any form. When asked by host Matt Howard if she had experienced such behaviour in the past, Rae courageously admitted, “Oh yeah. I was in a very abusive relationship.” She detailed how the abuse began with minor incidents like grabbing her wrist but quickly escalated into physical violence, including being punched by her ex-partner.
Reflecting on the tumultuous relationship, Rae shared that she had become accustomed to abusive situations due to feeling neglected by the public, which led her to stay with the wrong person. The turning point came when her parents discovered the truth about her partner on the day they broke up. Additionally, threats received via text messages played a significant role in her decision to finally leave the abusive relationship.
In hindsight, Rae expressed regret about not seeking help from her family and friends sooner. She urged others in similar situations not to isolate themselves and to seek support if they ever feel threatened or scared in a relationship. Stressing the importance of maintaining self-worth and not allowing anyone to diminish it, Rae encouraged individuals to walk away from toxic relationships that do not uplift them and make them better versions of themselves.
Despite her past trauma, Shauna Rae has found love again with a new partner, with whom she celebrated their second anniversary in November. The identity of her current boyfriend remains private, but Rae’s journey serves as a powerful testament to overcoming adversity and finding happiness after surviving domestic abuse. Her story highlights the importance of speaking out about such experiences and seeking help when faced with abusive behaviour.
For those facing domestic violence, help is available through resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which offers support and assistance 24/7 in over 170 languages. Shauna Rae’s courage in sharing her story serves as a reminder that no one should suffer in silence and that there is hope and healing beyond the pain of abusive relationships.