One in four women in wealthy nations will face domestic violence in their lifetime. Despite this alarming figure, the reality of living under coercive control often remains hidden. Licensed counsellor and author Patricia Gordon Stevens understands this dynamic intimately.
Drawing upon her own experiences and her professional background in trauma counselling, Stevens explores the chilling complexity of abuse in her novel, Madness in Memphis. The story follows Morgan Sage, a successful stockbroker whose seemingly perfect new marriage descends into a nightmare of manipulation and fear. We spoke with Stevens about the insidious nature of domestic violence, the vital role of community support, and the urgent need for early education to stop the cycle of abuse.
Q: Your background spans both professional counselling and profound personal tragedy. What drove you to translate these complex realities into the fictional world of Madness in Memphis rather than writing a traditional non-fiction book?
Patricia Gordon Stevens: For decades, I have listened to the stories of other women, which led me to pursue a master’s in counselling. This book is a work of fiction loosely based on my life. I was married to a man—now deceased—who was diagnosed with bipolar and a severe personality disorder. I also lost my son, the only male born in four generations of our family, to suicide shortly before his twenty-fifth birthday. I was keenly looking for answers surrounding mental health.
As a counsellor, I know the devastating statistics on domestic violence. I knew that if I wrote a non-fiction book loaded with statistics, people might just read it, acknowledge it, and move on. With Madness in Memphis, the reader stays within the context of the story and comes away with a comprehensive understanding of what many women go through, and exactly how difficult it is to flee whilst trying to protect two small children. This book is not just about me; it is about all women experiencing domestic violence.
Q: Morgan Sage is a highly capable, financially independent professional. How does her character help dismantle the common myths surrounding who is vulnerable to abuse?
Patricia Gordon Stevens: Domestic violence does not discriminate. Has television or film made us believe that victims are undereducated, poor, or only working in entry-level jobs? Nothing could be further from the truth.
If a person has their sights set on control, their target can be from all walks of life. Profession, religion, culture, and financial status do not matter. In fact, if a woman is in a higher position, earning more money, and powerful in her profession, it can make the package more attractive to an abuser. He may have to work harder to earn her trust, but if he feels threatened by the thought of losing her, he will begin to feel out of control and lash out, moving from threats to violence.
Q: Many people wonder why victims do not leave at the first sign of trouble. Could you explain the subtle nature of emotional manipulation and how an abuser initially masks their true intentions?
Patricia Gordon Stevens: A ‘subtle shift’ is the perfect description. A look, an attitude, a change in demeanour can be incredibly subtle in the beginning. Abusers can sometimes suppress their true personalities for a year or longer, but the emotional manipulation is in play from day one.
The woman is made to feel inferior, inept, and to blame. She is told that if she would just change her behaviour, he would not act the way he does. She begins to doubt her capabilities. She tries harder and thinks she is making strides, but the complaints continue and the violence escalates. If she cares a great deal about her professional reputation, she might be the last person to admit she is afraid or reach out for help before it is too late.
Q: Isolation is a primary weapon for abusers. How critical is a solid support network when a woman is finally ready to plan her escape?
Patricia Gordon Stevens: A support system is crucial. If a woman attempts to go it alone, the abuser will find her and the abuse will carry on. Most abusers want to save their own reputations and would not dare behave the way they do if they knew people were observing.
The smallest offer of a safe space—a spare room, a second property, or relatives in the country—provides a haven where a woman can breathe and plan a path to safety. For those without family or close friends, local community centres, churches, and general practitioners are vital resources. Shame and guilt often act as anchors, preventing women from speaking up. The more people who surround and support the person fleeing, the more hope there is for a brighter future.
Q: For those of us watching from the outside—friends, family, or colleagues—what are the key indicators we should look out for, and how can society begin to break this cycle of violence?
Patricia Gordon Stevens: We must remain curious. Red flags include a change in dress, a shift in demeanour, or noticing that her partner answers for her. If you are not hearing from her the way you used to, be persistent. Go to her home. Knock on the door. If he answers and makes an excuse, tell him it has been too long and you must see her. We never know what is going on behind closed doors.
To truly stop this, we must also focus on education. Behaviour starts at the earliest ages based on how we are treated by our parents. Young people mirror the behaviour they observe at home. We must educate our youngest members of society on the appropriate ways to treat one another, otherwise, the cycle will simply continue.
About the Author
Patricia Gordon Stevens is a counsellor and writer originally from Memphis, Tennessee, currently residing in Kapunda, South Australia. A graduate of Edith Cowan University with a master’s in counselling, she runs Maxwell House Counselling, specialising in grief, bereavement, anxiety, and trauma.
Madness in Memphis blends suspense with emotional truth, offering readers both a compelling narrative and a clear look at the realities of coercion and control.
For more info, visit: www.patriciagordonstevens.com