Ep 2. Let Her Rot

In season 5 episode 2 of Evil Lives Here titled "Let Her Rot," viewers are introduced to the story of a woman named Lydia who had a seemingly perfect life with her husband and two children. However, behind closed doors, her husband Forrest was an abusive and controlling husband who made Lydia's life a living hell.

Lydia begins to share her story of abuse and the ways in which Forrest controlled every aspect of her life. She reveals how he made her quit her job, isolated her from her friends and family, and forced her to have sex with him when she didn't want to. Forrest's abusive behavior escalated to the point where he convinced Lydia that she was going insane and in need of psychiatric treatment.

As Lydia's mental health deteriorated, she became increasingly delusional and paranoid. Forrest used her mental illness as additional leverage to control her and keep her trapped in their marriage. However, after years of enduring emotional and physical abuse, Lydia decided to leave, taking their two children with her.

But even after leaving Forrest, Lydia didn't feel safe. She worried that her husband would come after her and take their children away. Her fears proved to be justified when Forrest discovered where she was living and began stalking her. Lydia sought help from the police, but they did little to protect her from Forrest.

The episode takes a dark turn when Lydia's worst fears are confirmed and Forrest kidnaps their daughter. Lydia is frantic and goes to the police for help, but they are unable to find her daughter. Weeks turn into months, and still, there is no sign of her daughter's whereabouts.

As Lydia struggles to come to terms with the loss of her child, she begins to question if she should have left her husband in the first place. She wonders if the price she paid for freedom was too high. The episode grapples with the difficult question of whether it's better to stay in a abusive situation to protect your children or to leave and risk losing them.

Ultimately, Lydia's story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangerous consequences of staying in an abusive relationship. Her story sheds light on the ways in which abusers use fear, intimidation, and control to keep their victims trapped. The episode also highlights the shortcomings of the legal system when it comes to protecting victims of domestic violence and the need for better resources and support for survivors.