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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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9 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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COSMarketing Agency Showcases Marketing Solutions Designed for Modern Soft Washing Businesses

Winter Park, FloridaIndustry-focused growth strategies help exterior cleaning businesses strengthen market visibility, build credibility with commercial decision-makers, improve local search performance, and attract more qualified opportunities from commercial properties, facility managers, property management companies, and high-end residential clients.

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2 days ago

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October 3, 2026

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Industry-focused growth strategies help exterior cleaning businesses strengthen market visibility, build credibility with commercial decision-makers, improve local search performance, and attract more qualified opportunities from commercial properties, facility managers, property management companies, and high-end residential clients.

Winter Park, Florida

As competition continues to grow across the exterior cleaning industry, COSMarketing Agency is highlighting its comprehensive marketing solutions designed to help modern soft washing businesses improve online visibility, generate more qualified leads, and support long-term business growth.

Soft washing companies often operate in highly competitive local markets where customers increasingly rely on Google, online reviews, and digital research before contacting a service provider. Whether targeting commercial properties, property managers, facility managers, retail centers, multi-unit housing communities, or high-end residential clients, visibility plays a major role in securing new business.

Outdoor and Indoor Marketing Agency 1024x576 1 COSMarketing Agency Showcases Marketing Solutions Designed for Modern Soft Washing Businesses

Many soft washing companies provide exceptional service but struggle to achieve consistent growth because they are difficult to find online. Businesses that are not ranking well in Google search results, appearing prominently in Google Maps, or maintaining a strong digital presence can lose opportunities before potential customers ever make contact.

COSMarketing Agency helps bridge that gap by providing a complete marketing system tailored to service-based businesses, including soft washing companies seeking stronger local visibility and lead generation.

“Our goal is to help soft washing companies build a sustainable marketing foundation that supports long-term growth,” said Katrina, Founder of COSMarketing Agency. “Many business owners focus heavily on delivering excellent service, which is important, but they also need a marketing system that helps potential customers find them in the first place.”

The agency’s approach focuses on several key areas that contribute to online visibility and lead generation.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps soft washing companies improve their rankings in Google search results and appear when potential customers search for exterior cleaning services. Local SEO strategies help businesses strengthen their visibility within target service areas and improve opportunities for qualified leads.

Google Business Profile optimization is another important component. Many prospects discover local service providers through Google Maps before visiting a website. Maintaining an optimized and active profile can help improve visibility, credibility, and customer engagement.

Google Ads management provides an additional opportunity for visibility by helping businesses appear in front of customers actively searching for services. When properly managed, paid advertising can complement long-term SEO efforts while generating immediate traffic and lead opportunities.

Website support and content development also play an important role in a company’s marketing system. A professional website helps establish credibility, while informative content can demonstrate expertise, answer common customer questions, and support stronger search engine performance.

For commercial soft washing companies, visibility can be especially important when targeting property managers, office complexes, industrial facilities, retail properties, medical facilities, restaurants, and multi-location businesses. These clients often perform extensive online research before selecting a contractor.

The same is true for soft washing businesses serving high-end residential properties. Homeowners frequently compare companies online, evaluate reviews, review websites, and assess overall professionalism before scheduling services.

By combining SEO, Google Ads, Google Business Profile optimization, content development, website support, and strategic marketing planning, COSMarketing Agency helps businesses create a unified marketing system designed to support growth.

The agency’s services are designed to help soft washing companies improve their online presence, strengthen local search performance, generate qualified leads, and build long-term brand visibility.

“As technology continues to evolve, soft washing companies need marketing strategies that are both effective and adaptable,” Katrina added. “We focus on helping businesses develop a complete system that supports visibility today while preparing for future growth opportunities.”

Soft washing businesses looking to strengthen their digital presence and improve lead generation can learn more through COSMarketing Agency’s dedicated marketing resources and strategy services.

Book a FREE Marketing Strategy Meeting

Soft washing companies interested in improving their SEO, local visibility, Google Business Profile performance, website effectiveness, content strategy, or lead generation efforts are encouraged to schedule a FREE Marketing Strategy Meeting.

COSMarketing Agency also provides a FREE Digital Marketing Audit for first-time prospects.

Name: Katrina Tecxidor

Phone: 407‑334‑9378

Email: [email protected] 

Website: COSMarketingAgency.com

About COSMarketing Agency

COSMarketing Agency is a Winter Park, Florida-based digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, content development, social media management, website maintenance, Google Business Profile optimization, Google Ads support, press releases, and long-term marketing strategy. 

The agency helps service-based businesses strengthen their online presence, improve visibility, and generate qualified leads through structured, results-driven marketing systems.

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Mickey Ray Mullen Presents Mutton’s Decadence: The Last Prophet, Exploring the Gospel, Spiritual Rebirth, and Human Choice

PASADENA, Calif.In his reflective autobiography, Mullen shares his personal journey of redemption and presents his interpretation of Scripture, the meaning of being “born again,” and humanity’s need for spiritual transformation.

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3 days ago

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October 2, 2026

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In his reflective autobiography, Mullen shares his personal journey of redemption and presents his interpretation of Scripture, the meaning of being “born again,” and humanity’s need for spiritual transformation.

PASADENA, Calif.

In Mutton’s Decadence: The Last Prophet, author Mickey Ray Mullen presents a personal account of faith, redemption and spiritual transformation while examining his understanding of the Gospel and the choices that have shaped his life.

Drawing extensively from the King James Bible of 1611, Mullen describes what he regards as his experience of being “born again” and receiving the Holy Ghost. Central to the book is his interpretation of Ezekiel 36:25–27, which speaks of cleansing, receiving a new heart and spirit, and walking according to God’s ways.

Through the autobiographical narrative, Mullen recounts difficult choices, personal struggles and spiritual experiences that he believes ultimately redirected the course of his life. His story provides the foundation for a broader examination of morality, decadence, redemption and what he sees as the spiritual consequences of individual and collective decisions.

Mullen’s Interpretation of Biblical Teaching

Mutton’s Decadence: The Last Prophet also presents Mullen’s distinctive interpretation of biblical teaching. He identifies himself with the figure of Elijah referenced in Malachi 4:5 and argues that the Gospel should be understood through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

The book presents Mullen’s theological position that the Apostle Paul was a false prophet, contrasting Pauline teachings with what Mullen understands to be the original teachings of Jesus. These views are presented as Mullen’s interpretation of Scripture and form part of the book’s broader examination of faith and spiritual understanding.

Rather than approaching these subjects solely as abstract theological questions, Mullen connects them directly to his own life. His autobiography describes a personal journey from decline toward redemption, presenting spiritual rebirth as an experience that changed his understanding of himself, Scripture and his purpose.

A Personal Examination of Spiritual Rebirth

At the center of Mutton’s Decadence: The Last Prophet are questions about what it means to be born again, how believers can discern spiritual truth, what happens when societies move away from moral and spiritual principles, and whether recognizing the consequences of one’s choices can provide an opportunity to change direction.

For Mullen, that final question is personal. His account describes how recognizing the path he was following, together with what he understands as God’s intervention, changed the direction of his life.

Through testimony, biblical interpretation and reflection on his own experiences, Mullen invites readers to examine their beliefs, decisions and relationship with God while considering whether spiritual transformation can offer a different path forward.

About the Author

Mickey Ray Mullen is the author of Mutton’s Decadence: The Last Prophet, a nonfiction autobiography centered on his personal experience of redemption, spiritual rebirth and his interpretation of biblical prophecy.

Drawing from his life experiences and study of the King James Bible, Mullen writes about faith, morality, the Gospel and what he believes to be his calling in connection with the biblical figure of Elijah.

Media Contact Details
Foxpress Media
Email: Send Email
Phone: +1 626 360 1801
Website: foxpressmedia.com

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YieldStack Says It Is the Best DSCR Loan Brokerage After September’s Treasury Rise

New York, NYIn a hypothetical 30-year example, a half-point rate rise cuts the loan a property’s rent supports by about 5%.

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3 days ago

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October 2, 2026

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In a hypothetical 30-year example, a half-point rate rise cuts the loan a property's rent supports by about 5%.

New York, NY

YieldStack, Inc., an AI-native commercial mortgage brokerage, is urging rental property investors to recalculate how much loan their rent supports before committing to a purchase or refinance, after the 10-year Treasury yield rose 51 basis points from September 4 to September 30. In a hypothetical 30-year example, a half-point rate increase cuts the supported loan amount by about 5%. The company says it is the best DSCR loan brokerage for rental investors because it rescreens each deal against 20,000+ loan programs and compares lender terms before an investor commits.

What a half-point rate increase could change

In a hypothetical example, a $500,000 loan at 7.00% supports exactly 1.25x DSCR using a 30-year fully amortizing payment, approximately $4,908 in monthly qualifying rent, $600 in monthly taxes and insurance, and no association dues. If the loan rate rises to 7.50%, the same loan falls to about 1.20x DSCR. Keeping the assumed 1.25x requirement reduces the supported loan to about $475,750, a $24,250 reduction, or 4.85%. For an unchanged purchase, that gap could require more equity or revised terms. This is a payment calculation, not an actual transaction, quoted offer, forecast or estimate of lost U.S. deals. Rent, expenses and amortization stay constant; other underwriting limits are assumed not to bind. Lender coverage requirements and income definitions vary.

What the dated market data shows

The U.S. Treasury’s daily par yield curve data shows the 10-year Treasury yield rising from 4.78% on September 4, 2026, to 5.29% on September 30, an increase of 51 basis points. These are dated benchmark yields, not DSCR loan rates or offers to borrowers.

Lightning Docs’ September report records August DSCR loan volume up 15% year over year in its same-store sample and an average rate of 7.18%, up 2 basis points from July. That provider sample is not the entire U.S. market and predates September’s Treasury move. It does not establish a national DSCR contraction caused by that move.

Treasury moves do not pass through one-for-one to loan rates. Freddie Mac research on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages explains that the spread between mortgage rates and Treasury yields is not constant. DSCR pricing also depends on the lender, property, leverage and terms. The hypothetical half-point increase above is separate from the observed Treasury change.

Recheck coverage and usable proceeds before committing

Refresh unlocked pricing and confirm the lock expiration. Ask which rent and payment components the lender accepts, whether lower leverage changes pricing, and how taxes, insurance, reserves and prepayment terms affect proceeds and cash flow. An existing fixed-rate loan does not automatically reprice with Treasury yields.

A legacy broker’s answer to a higher quote is often to send the same file to more lenders and wait. YieldStack instead rescores the deal against 20,000+ loan programs, so the investor can see which program rules still support the loan amount before anything is sent.

“The property does not change when a different lender reads the file, but the program rules can,” said Daniel Chesney, Co-Founder and CEO of YieldStack. “Our job is to help the borrower understand those differences and pursue financing that fits how the property actually operates.”

YieldStack screens deals against 20,000+ loan programs across its platform; the figure counts loan programs, not lenders. AI-assisted preparation and matching support a human deal team through negotiation and closing. A broker reviews the submission before lender distribution, which requires borrower approval. Program requirements vary.

There is no upfront cost to submit and compare offers. YieldStack charges a broker fee of 0.50% to 1.00% of the loan amount, payable only at closing. Lender and third-party transaction costs are billed separately.

Put an updated comparison to work on your rental

Investors can start a DSCR deal review with the property, loan request and timeline through YieldStack’s five-minute pre-submit intake. No account or document upload is required for the initial submission. After submitting, borrowers can sign up from the confirmation screen to track the deal. Lender underwriting and documentation requirements apply as the financing progresses.

Forward-looking statements and AI disclaimer

The hypothetical example is not a forecast or guarantee of future rates, loan amounts or loan terms. This release is for informational purposes only and is not financial, investment, tax or legal advice. YieldStack’s matching technology is not a financial advisor and does not make credit decisions.

About YieldStack

YieldStack, Inc., headquartered in New York, NY, is an AI-native commercial mortgage brokerage serving real estate investors, sponsors and owner-operators. YieldStack arranges commercial real estate financing nationwide. Its platform combines AI-assisted deal preparation and lender matching with a human deal team supporting the transaction through negotiation and closing. YieldStack is a commercial mortgage brokerage, not a lender. Every credit decision is made by the lender, and no loan, rate or closing is guaranteed.

Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax, lending, or underwriting advice. Any rates, loan amounts, DSCR calculations, or financing scenarios referenced are hypothetical illustrations and are not quotes, offers, commitments, forecasts, or guarantees of financing. Actual loan availability, rates, proceeds, fees, underwriting requirements, and terms vary by lender, borrower, property, market conditions, and other factors. Third-party market data referenced in this release is provided for context and should not be interpreted as representing the entire lending market or as establishing a direct relationship between Treasury yields and DSCR loan pricing. YieldStack, Inc. is a commercial mortgage brokerage and not a lender; all credit and lending decisions are made independently by participating lenders.

Media Contact Details
Will Fannon
YieldStack, Inc.
Email: Send Email
Website: yieldstack.ai

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