Eric Richins took precautions. He consulted divorce lawyers. He met with estate planners. He removed Kouri from his life insurance policy. He transferred business assets into a trust controlled by his sister. He reportedly told people he suspected his wife was trying to poison him.

And then he stayed.

Psychotherapist Shavaun Scott examines the psychology of victims who remain in relationships they believe are dangerous. This isn't about blaming Eric or questioning his judgment. It's about understanding forces most people never have to face.

Suspecting your spouse might kill you is unlike any other suspicion. It's not infidelity or money problems. It's existential. It requires accepting that the person sleeping next to you, the parent of your children, might want you dead. The brain rejects that conclusion.

We analyze the protective measures Eric reportedly took while staying married. He wasn't ignoring the danger—he was preparing for it. But taking defensive steps isn't the same as leaving. Why the gap?

We examine the trap of an unbelievable suspicion. If you tell someone "I think my wife is poisoning me," you sound paranoid. Delusional. Who helps you escape a truth no one believes?

We discuss the role of children. Eric and Kouri had three kids together. How does that factor into staying? Protective instinct? Monitoring the threat? Something else?

And we identify warning signs for friends and family. What should you recognize if someone you know is in this situation? What patterns suggest the danger is real?

Part 2 of our two-part series on partner homicide psychology. Part 1 examined the alleged perpetrator. This one is for anyone who might recognize Eric's position.

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

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