Surviving a Predator: Patricia Wenskunas' Tale of Survival

WILDCIDE

In June of 2001, 32 yo Patricia Wenskunas was a single mother living in Irvine, CA struggling with body image issues and disordered eating due to an extensive history of trauma. So June of that year, Patricia decided to seek some help to finally get through the struggles she had for years. She found herself at 24 Hour Fitness near Irvine working with Jeffrey Kelavos, a personal trainer who claimed to be a registered nurse who also had knowledge of eating disorders. What a perfect fit, right? However, over the course of the next 9 months, things would start to shift in Jeffrey’s behavior, and he began controlling more and more of Patricia's life. On April of 2002, everything in Patricia’s life would come to a screeching halt. Patricia would soon fall victim to someone she trusted who drugged her, viciously attacked her, and tried to kill her. Somehow, Patricia managed to escape, and thus began the excruciating journey of life after surviving attempted murder. Don’t miss this episode as we discuss just how easy it is to fall victim to highly manipulative and exploitive predators as well as the many aspects of re-victimization that survivors of crime often face at the hands of the legal system. We want to give an extra special ‘thank you’ to Patricia herself who collaborated with us, provided guidance and consent to share her story. Make sure to tune in on Friday to listen to the interview with Patricia Wenskunas herself as she shares her survival experience firsthand, her post-victimization journey, and life-long advocacy for victims of crime.

Resources:

Patricia’s Website: https://patriciawenskunas.com/

Survivor Resources: https://crimesurvivors.org/survivor-resources/

Find Support: https://dev--crimesurvivors.netlify.app/guide/

Recommended Reading/Books: https://crimesurvivors.org/recommended-reading/

Programs: https://crimesurvivors.org/programs/

Find a Therapist: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Specialized Trauma Therapy (EMDR): https://www.emdr.com/

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​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

References:

ABC 7 News. (2018, April 5). Crime victims’ advocate opens resource center in Santa Ana.

ABC7 Los Angeles. https://abc7.com/orange-county-santa-ana-patricia-wenskunas- domestic-violence/3305520/

Basheda, L. (2019, February 27). Attacked by personal trainer, she fights back and launches annual walk for fellow survivors. Behind the Badge. https://behindthebadge.com/attacked-personal-trainer-fights-back-launches-walk-fellow-survivors/

Burba, R., & Haskin, S. (n.d.). Patricia Wenskunas. https://patriciawenskunas.com/

Los Angeles Times. (n.d.). Patricia A. Wenskunas. https://www.latimes.com/ocb2b/patricia-a-wenskunas

Ponsi, L. (2019, February 27). Newly opened Crime Survivors Resource Center is a place for victims to find healing.

Behind the Badge. https://behindthebadge.com/newly-opened-crime-survivors-resource-center-place-victims-find-healing/

Survivors, C. (2013, January 8). Patricia Wenskunas on the Ricky Lake Show. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBeffi3h4Ec

Wenskunas, P. (2018, June 22). My personal trainer drugged and nearly killed me. VICE. https://www.vice.com/en/article/wjb9dm/the-man-who-almost-killed-me-only-did-120-days-in-jail