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Behind Closed Doors: Patricia Gordon Stevens on Madness in Memphis and the Silent Epidemic of Domestic Abuse

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6 months ago

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One in four women in the wealthiest nations will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. It is a staggering statistic, yet the reality of what happens behind closed doors often remains hidden in shame and silence. In her new book, Madness in Memphis, licensed counselor and author Patricia Gordon Stevens confronts this darkness head-on through the story of Morgan Sage—a successful, loving mother who unwittingly invites a monster into her home.

Drawing from her own lived experience and professional background in trauma counseling, Stevens explores the chilling complexity of coercion, control, and survival. We sat down with Patricia to discuss why abuse doesn’t discriminate, the importance of a support system, and the message of hope she wants to send to survivors everywhere.

Q: You have just released Madness in Memphis, a novel that exposes the emotional realities of domestic violence. As a licensed counselor who also draws from “lived experience,” was there a specific moment or realization that made you feel it was finally time to share this harrowing yet hopeful story with the world?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

For years now, for decades, I have listened to the stories of other women and then pursued an undergraduate degree in psychological science and sociology. I was so enamoured with the studies I wanted to go further, so at a mature age in my life, I decided to continue studying psychology and directed my intentions towards a master’s in counselling. This 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 wanted to better understand how mental health and mental disorders impact a person’s behaviour. My own son, the only male born in four generations of my tiny family, made a decision to take his life a few months prior to his twenty-fifth birthday, so I was especially keen to find answers surrounding mental health.

As a counsellor, I know the devastating statistics on domestic violence here in Australia and am well aware that the statistics are aligned in the United States and the United Kingdom – one in four women are living in a domestic violence relationship or situation. These numbers are simply not acceptable. I knew, too, if I had written a non-fiction book loaded with further statistics and the types of violence or abuse women experience, I think people would have read it, acknowledged it, and moved on. With ‘Madness In Memphis’, the reader will remain with the context of the book for a while and come away with a comprehensive understanding of what many women go through and how difficult it is to flee, especially while considering the well-being of two small children, constantly under pressure, knowing she must protect them from harm. It was a combination of realities: my former fractured and destructive relationship plus listening to women describe the abuse they lived through daily as if the violence were to be expected the exact same way as the expectation of meals delivered to a table. I remain astonished at the bravery of the women I have had the privilege of listening to throughout my life. This book is not about me. This book is about all women who have and are experiencing domestic violence

Q: Your protagonist, Morgan Sage, is a successful stockbroker—a detail that challenges the stereotype of what a victim looks like. Why was it important for you to show that domestic violence “doesn’t discriminate” and can happen to women of any income level or background?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

My first question to you would be: Why does this profession challenge the stereotype? Has tv or the movies made us believe or think that victims are undereducated, noneducated, poor, or working only in entry-level jobs? Nothing could be further from the truth. Domestic violence does not discriminate. If a man (or anyone) has their sights set on control and they have determined their ‘prey’, the individual can be from all walks of life. Profession does not matter, religion or culture, race or colour of skin, financially fluid or poor as a church mouse; if a male is determined to control the female in his life, he will go to great lengths to do so. If a woman is in a higher position, earning more money, and powerful in her profession, this can make the deal sweeter – the package more attractive. He may have to work harder to earn her trust, but that would only make his ultimate goal loftier. I am talking in broad strokes here. A man who must control will find ways to do it, and if his demands are not met or he feels threatened by the thought of losing the person in whom he has invested time and energy, he will begin to feel out of control and lash out, beginning with threats and moving on to violence.

Q: The book describes Morgan’s journey from believing she found the “missing piece” to realizing she is trapped in a cycle of fear. Can you talk about the subtle shift from charm to cruelty that so many women experience, and why that “emotional manipulation” often makes it so hard to leave initially?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

Your words were carefully chosen and this is an excellent observation: ‘subtle shift’ is a perfect description. A look, an attitude, a change in demeanour can be subtle in the beginning. You have heard of stories where women exclaim, ‘He changed right after the vows – almost immediately after saying ‘I do.’ This happens. It is hard work to keep a facade – a disingenuous personality chugging along for a long duration. It can happen; people have been known to suppress their true personalities for at least a year, sometimes longer. It is such a sly act and most times, planned. The emotional manipulation has been in play since Day One. The woman is made to feel inferior, inept, at fault, to blame, not good enough, irresponsible, and – if she would just change – her behaviour, her attitude, her way of managing her life, he would not behave the way he does. She begins to doubt herself, her looks, her capabilities, her capacity, and if she is a mother and has brought her children into the marriage, she has much more to consider than just herself. So, she tries harder. She makes changes. She thinks she is making strides, but the complaints continue to roll in and the violence escalates. Nothing she does is going to ease his pain or his mind. If she is exceptionally successful and cares a great deal about her professional reputation, she might be the last person who wants to admit she has a failed relationship or, even more importantly, that she is afraid. She, again, might be the last person to reach out for help – before it is too late. For many women, the final straw is when the violence carries over to the children. It is hard for anyone to admit failure, especially if the marriage is fairly new, but it is unacceptable for anyone to live in fear and danger, too.

Q: A critical theme in the book is that while the world is dark, it is “not hopeless.” Morgan eventually finds strength through a small circle of allies—her mother, best friend, colleague, and attorney. How vital is that “support system” for a woman trying to flee with her children versus trying to do it alone?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

A support system, a tribe, a circle of support, whatever description you like, is crucial for a woman when trying to escape domestic violence. They need a safe space to land for themselves and for their children. He will find her. If she ‘goes it alone’, the abuse will carry on wherever she chooses to live. If she is surrounded by people, he is going to want to save his reputation and most abusers would not dare behave the way they do behind closed doors if they knew people were observing. The smallest offer – the tiniest opportunity for a woman to take herself and her children to safety is all she needs. If you have a room; if you have a second property; if you have relatives who live in the country with enough space to provide a safe haven, even if it is temporary, weeks or a few short months, enough time for the woman to breathe, to think, to plan a path to safety – you might be saving someone’s life. If a woman has no family or no close friends to speak of, the best place to reach out will be local churches or community centers. These places normally have lists on hand of services provided locally or nearby. A woman’s general practitioner or personal doctor is an appropriate place to ask for help; however, deep shame and disbelief at how she managed to get herself into this position will, more than likely, prevent her from describing her state of affairs to her own doctor. Shame and guilt become anchors for most women experiencing domestic violence. The more people who are surrounding the person fleeing and who are aware of her situation…the more hope for a brighter future, I say.

Q: You now run Maxwell House Counseling in South Australia, specializing in trauma and grief. For the reader who might see herself in Morgan’s story—or knows a “coworker, neighbor, sister, or friend” who is suffering—what is the most important message you hope they take away from Madness in Memphis?

Patricia Gordon Stevens:

This is the question I treasure. Thank you. Don’t be shy; remain curious. If a female in your life, family or not, has changed her dress, her demeanour, or if you notice things simply seem a ‘bit off’, if you see her with her partner and he answers for her or touches her arm when she attempts to answer, or if you are not seeing her or hearing from her the way you used to prior to the relationship or marriage – these observations should all be red flags. I understand, of course, in new, loving relationships when people hear the birds singing and have butterflies in their stomach at the mere thought of seeing one another – you will not see them as much as you are accustomed to being around them. But this is different. You might see the subtle changes if you are a genuinely perceptive person. Be persistent. Go to their home. Knock on the door. If he answers and states, ‘Oh, she has a headache, or she’s not feeling well, or she cannot come to the door at the moment’; if you feel safe enough respond, ‘Well, it’s been too long and we are too close, I must see her.’ We never know what’s going on behind closed doors. Morgan Sage, the protagonist in ‘Madness In Memphis’ could be your daughter, your sister, niece, cousin, mother, or even grandmother. We must remain vigilant and forever curious in order to protect the ones we love. We have lost far too many females to violence. It must stop. Discussing violence and coming to terms with the fact behaviour starts at the earliest of ages from the way we are treated by our parents, might make a difference. Not having discourse will allow abuse to escalate. It all starts from the beginning. Young people mirror the behaviour they observe and they receive at home. Education and observing the experiences of others in non-violent homes can open eyes and allow young people to see not all families ‘hit’ when they are angry, distressed, or feel ‘less’ than other people. Most societies are looking for short-term fixes; we all want the abuse to stop, however, until we start educating our youngest members of society on the proper, appropriate ways to treat one another, the cycle will continue. Education begins at home. Education begins with decent leaders.

For more information, visit www.patriciagordonstevens.com or find the author on Facebook and Instagram at Patricia Gordon Stevens Author.

Madness in Memphis

  • Publisher: Hembury Books
  • Release date: November 27, 2025
  • ISBN-13: 978-1923517332 (Paperback)

Available from: https://www.amazon.com/Madness-Memphis-Patricia-Gordon-Stevens/dp/1923517333

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UK Financial Ltd Announces MAYA 3™ — One Contract Address Across Four Major Blockchains, Establishing the Next Generation of Multi-Chain Liquidity Infrastructure

DOVER, DELAWARECREATE2-Powered Deployment Positions MAYA 3 as the Official Multi-Chain Utility Asset and Liquidity Gateway for the UK Financial Ltd Ecosystem

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4 hours ago

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June 25, 2026

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DOVER, DELAWARE

UK Financial Ltd today announced the successful deployment and verification of MAYA 3™, the company’s official multi-chain utility asset and liquidity gateway, utilizing a CREATE2 deployment architecture that allows the token to maintain one contract address across four major blockchain networks.

The Fully Verified MAYA 3 Ecosystem which spans across 4 blockchains can be found at:

https://bscscan.com/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code
https://etherscan.io/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code
https://basescan.org/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code
https://arbiscan.io/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code

The achievement represents a significant technical milestone for the company and its expanding digital asset ecosystem.

While most blockchain projects deploy separate contract addresses for each network they support, MAYA 3 was engineered using a CREATE2 deterministic deployment framework, enabling the same contract address structure to exist across multiple supported chains. This approach creates a more unified experience for users, exchanges, wallet providers, developers, and ecosystem participants.

WhatsApp Image 2026 06 24 at 5.29.12 PM UK Financial Ltd Announces MAYA 3™ — One Contract Address Across Four Major Blockchains, Establishing the Next Generation of Multi-Chain Liquidity Infrastructure

One Address. Four Blockchains. Fully Verified.

MAYA 3 has already been successfully deployed and verified on:

  • Ethereum
  • BNB Smart Chain (BSC)
  • Base
  • Arbitrum

The Fully Verified MAYA 3 Ecosystem

The ecosystem spans across 4 blockchains and can be found at:

https://etherscan.io/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code
https://bscscan.com/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code
https://basescan.org/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code
https://arbiscan.io/address/0xD29CdE63905C86125126b9379b82f83F332808E4#code

The deployment establishes MAYA 3 as a foundational infrastructure component within the UK Financial Ltd ecosystem, designed to facilitate future interoperability, liquidity management, digital asset integration, and ecosystem-wide utility across multiple blockchain environments.

“Most projects create one token and then replicate it with separate contract structures across multiple networks,” said James Dahlke, President and CEO of UK Financial Ltd. “With MAYA 3, we pursued a different path. We wanted a cleaner architecture, a stronger identity layer, and a unified digital asset framework capable of supporting the long-term growth of our ecosystem. MAYA 3 is not simply another token. It is part of the infrastructure we believe will help power the next chapter of digital finance.”
The company is currently completing metadata propagation and ecosystem integrations designed to accelerate visibility across major wallets, explorers, platforms, and digital asset infrastructure providers worldwide. UK Financial Ltd expects MAYA 3 to become increasingly visible throughout the broader blockchain ecosystem as metadata updates are processed by participating platforms and service providers.

Integration with Maya Preferred PRA Ecosystem

UK Financial Ltd also confirmed that MAYA 3 has been integrated into the broader Maya Preferred PRA ecosystem, where it is expected to serve as a strategic utility and liquidity component supporting future ecosystem development.

The integration further expands the company’s long-term vision of connecting digital assets, tokenized infrastructure, blockchain services, exchanges, wallets, and future financial products through a unified framework.

The company believes the combination of multi-chain deployment, deterministic contract architecture, and ecosystem integration positions MAYA 3 as a key component of its ongoing blockchain strategy.

CoinMarketCap Verification Process Continues

Separately, UK Financial Ltd confirmed that its previously submitted circulating supply verification materials regarding Maya Preferred PRA remain under review.

According to correspondence received from CoinMarketCap, the company was advised that no additional submissions were required at this time and that the review process would continue based upon the verification team’s assessment procedures.

The company stated that it remains committed to transparency and cooperation throughout the review process and will continue evaluating all available industry-standard verification pathways as part of its broader commitment to providing accurate market information to the public.

Planned Exchange Availability

UK Financial Ltd further announced that it intends to pursue initial market availability and ecosystem expansion initiatives for MAYA 3, including planned integration efforts with partner platforms and exchanges.

Additional details regarding trading availability, ecosystem utility, wallet integrations, and future development milestones are expected to be released in forthcoming announcements.

Building for the Future

Since its founding, UK Financial Ltd has focused on developing blockchain-based financial infrastructure, tokenized asset systems, digital wallet technologies, exchange platforms, and compliance-focused blockchain solutions.

MAYA 3 is the official multi-chain utility asset and liquidity gateway for the UK Financial Ltd ecosystem. The launch of MAYA 3 represents another step in that evolution.

The Future Is Here. The Future Is Now. MAYA 3 Has Arrived.

About UK Financial Ltd

UK Financial Ltd is a financial technology and blockchain infrastructure company focused on digital assets, tokenization, multi-chain technologies, wallet solutions, exchange platforms, and ecosystem development. Through initiatives including the Maya Preferred ecosystem, MayaPro Wallet, MYEX Exchange, and related blockchain infrastructure projects, the company seeks to develop next-generation financial technologies designed for a globally connected digital economy.

Media Contact

Contact: James Dahlke, President & CEO
MAYA 3 Website: https://www.mayapreferred.io/maya3
Corporate Website: https://ukfinancialltd.com
Maya Preferred Website: https://mayapreferred.io

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Independent Certification Supports Co-Impact Sourcing Review

PLEASANT GROVE, UtahdoTERRA outlines 2025 ethical sourcing milestones, third-party verification progress, and 2026 supply-chain assessment plans doTERRA International LLC has outlined recent third-party certification and verification milestones connected to its Co-Impact Sourcing program, highlighting how independent review is being applied across selected botanical supply chains. The update follows two sourcing-related milestones reached in late 2025. The company […]

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5 hours ago

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June 25, 2026

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PLEASANT GROVE, Utah

doTERRA outlines 2025 ethical sourcing milestones, third-party verification progress, and 2026 supply-chain assessment plans

doTERRA International LLC has outlined recent third-party certification and verification milestones connected to its Co-Impact Sourcing program, highlighting how independent review is being applied across selected botanical supply chains.

The update follows two sourcing-related milestones reached in late 2025. The company joined the Union for Ethical BioTrade, a nonprofit organization that sets standards for ethical sourcing of ingredients derived from biodiversity, and advanced supply-chain verification across multiple botanicals in different regions.

doTERRA said the milestones reflect its effort to move beyond company-described sourcing practices by placing selected elements of its sourcing model under outside review and laying out the model in detail through independent verification processes.

doTERRA’s Co-Impact Sourcing program connects the company with growers and harvesters in more than 40 countries. The company said the program is designed to support community-based suppliers, stable pricing, responsible harvesting practices, and long-term resource availability.

The company has previously pointed to sourcing examples such as vetiver cooperatives in Haiti, where farming practices are intended to help limit topsoil loss, and Douglas fir collection in New Zealand, where an invasive species is collected for use in essential oil production.

In October 2025, doTERRA gained membership in the Union for Ethical BioTrade. According to the company, the membership process included a review of its sourcing systems and the development of a work plan tied to annual reporting on biodiversity, human rights, and benefit-sharing.

“Membership in our vibrant platform means dōTERRA has committed to sourcing with respect, undergone a desktop review of their sourcing systems, and developed a workplan to gradually promote responsible sourcing practices in prioritized botanical supply chains,” said Rik Kutsch Lojenga, Executive Director of the Union for Ethical BioTrade.

The company said the membership adds a governance framework that applies to systems and reporting rather than a single crop or supplier case. The structure also creates a process for continued review over time.

During 2025, doTERRA completed eight supply-chain assessments across five countries. The assessments covered Laurel Leaf and Helichrysum in Albania, Copaiba in Brazil, Rose and Lavender in Bulgaria, Fennel Sweet and Coriander Seed in Moldova, and Eucalyptus Globulus in Rwanda.

According to doTERRA, Rose, Lavender, Coriander Seed, Sweet Fennel, and Helichrysum were verified as responsibly sourced. Laurel Leaf, Eucalyptus Globulus, and Copaiba received improvement work plans intended to support continued progress toward responsible sourcing verification.

doTERRA said it has been reviewing the findings with suppliers as part of annual planning. The company said this process is intended to make verification a continuing supply-chain improvement tool rather than a one-time assessment.

The company also noted that FairWild certification applies to botanicals gathered from the wild rather than farmed crops. FairWild provides standards for traceability, harvest limits, and responsible wild-collection practices for plants gathered in native habitats. doTERRA said it has pursued FairWild certification for relevant parts of its botanical range.

doTERRA’s sourcing work also received outside recognition in 2025. The company won the 2025 SEAL Sustainability Innovation Award for its Tanzanian ginger program, which recognized environmental stewardship and community benefit connected to the crop.

“We’re focused on sourcing the best essential oils while supporting meaningful economic opportunities for farmers and growers,” said Taylor MacKay, Vice President of Global Strategic Sourcing at doTERRA, in remarks reported by Direct Selling News.

The Tanzanian ginger recognition was among 19 honors doTERRA received in 2024 across product quality and sustainability, according to the company. doTERRA serves more than 10 million customers and reported more than $2 billion in annual sales for 2024.

The company has also identified its 2026 verification schedule. Planned assessments include Juniper Berry in Albania, Lemon and Orange in Brazil, Vetiver in Haiti, Bergamot Mint and Castor in India, and Cinnamon Bark and Leaf in Sri Lanka.

doTERRA said the 2026 schedule continues its crop-by-crop approach to reviewing sourcing practices across different regions, supplier structures, and botanical categories.

About doTERRA International LLC

doTERRA International LLC is an essential oils and wellness company with a sourcing model that includes growers and harvesters across more than 40 countries. Through its Co-Impact Sourcing program, the company works with supplier communities on botanical sourcing, supply-chain development, and long-term resource planning.

Media Details

Name: doTERRA International LLC

Website: https://www.doterra.com/

Address: 389 South 1300 West, Pleasant Grove, UT 84606

Email: [email protected]

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NW Immersion Names Cascade Fence & Deck Exclusive Dealer of Signature Saunas Across Washington and Oregon

Vancouver, WANW Immersion has named Cascade Fence & Deck as the exclusive dealer for its Signature Sauna line throughout Washington and Oregon. This strategic partnership brings together two leading Pacific Northwest companies to offer homeowners premium, handcrafted sauna solutions as part of complete outdoor living projects. NW Immersion’s renowned Signature Sauna® line — including the popular […]

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5 hours ago

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June 25, 2026

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Vancouver, WA

NW Immersion has named Cascade Fence & Deck as the exclusive dealer for its Signature Sauna line throughout Washington and Oregon.

This strategic partnership brings together two leading Pacific Northwest companies to offer homeowners premium, handcrafted sauna solutions as part of complete outdoor living projects. NW Immersion’s renowned Signature Sauna® line — including the popular Loowit, Silver Star, and Cold Creek models — will now be exclusively available through Cascade Fence & Deck in the region.

Loowit Signature Sauna: https://youtu.be/1UqkI1Vpy1g

Silver Star Signature Sauna: https://youtu.be/xXcMkzD0l2A

Cascade Fence & Deck is excited to announce this collaboration, which combines its expertise in high-quality outdoor structures with NW Immersion’s specialized knowledge in wellness products and sauna manufacturing.

“We are thrilled to partner with NW Immersion,” said Leif Wirtanen, President at Cascade Fence & Deck. “Their dedication to meticulously crafted custom saunas perfectly aligns with our values. This partnership allows us to offer our clients a seamless, one-stop solution for fences, decks, patio covers, and now premium Signature Saunas.”

“By entrusting Cascade with customer engagement as the exclusive dealer for our Signature Sauna line in Washington and Oregon, our team can focus entirely on what we do best — handcrafting premium saunas and at-home wellness products, that last. Cascade’s strong regional presence, outstanding reputation, and commitment to exceptional customer service make them the ideal partner for our next phase of growth,” said Eric & Michelle Walker, owners of NW Immersion.

Customers across Washington and Oregon can now work with one trusted local team for all their backyard transformation needs — from custom decks and fences to expertly built patio covers and saunas designed for superior performance and lasting enjoyment.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Cascade Fence & Deck today.

About Cascade Fence & Deck

Cascade Fence & Deck is a leading outdoor living contractor specializing in the professional design and installation of custom fences, decks, patio covers, and saunas. Trusted throughout the Pacific Northwest since 1997, Cascade delivers high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service to homeowners in the Portland Metro area, Southwest Washington, Tacoma, and Olympia. The company is committed to transforming backyards into functional and beautiful outdoor spaces through expert 3D design, transparent processes, and durable construction backed by strong warranties. For more information, visit cascadefenceanddeck.com.

About NW Immersion

NW Immersion is a premier provider of premium saunas, cold plunges, and contrast therapy systems. Based in Vancouver, Washington, the company specializes in handcrafted indoor and outdoor saunas, professional-grade cold plunge tubs, and complete home wellness solutions. NW Immersion is dedicated to helping customers achieve better recovery, performance, and overall well-being through high-quality, durable products backed by exceptional customer support. For more information, visit nwimmersion.com.

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