Down the Rabbit Hole

This episode explores topics of homophobia and identity-based violence. Please listen with care.Happy Pride!Today is all about being an LGBTQIA+ parent and parenting LGBTQIA+ kids. We are joined by Sam, a father of two, and an advocate at Safer Path Family Violence Shelter and by Lucas, the Director of Development for The Delores Project and father of three. Join us as we get into our main discussion by unpacking queer identities and how they inform how we show up at work and at home. We talk about how Pride support differs in smaller communities compared to larger ones, the effects of social media on queer identities, and the pressures of being an influential LGBTQIA+ voice or community leader. We also learn how to approach uncomfortable conversations, how to set boundaries with your kids and other family members and why leading with love is the best way to support queer youth and those struggling with their identities. Finally, Sam and Lucas describe how their jobs and skills in advocacy help them better navigate difficult conversations while exploring the importance of creating safe and secure healing spaces for the Pride community.Resources: Family Acceptance Project - San Francisco State UniversityNo One Taught Me How to Be a ManThe Delores Project

This episode involves discussions of sensitive topics, including domestic violence. Please take care of yourself as you listen. If you need to take a break, please do so. What does it mean to be a protective parent, especially while navigating trauma, abuse, or the child welfare system? In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, Samantha and Tracie are joined by Barbra Grimmer, a policy coordinator with years of experience in both domestic violence advocacy and child welfare. Together, they explore how the definition of protective parenting has evolved beyond checklists and rigid standards, and how survivors are often judged most harshly during their most vulnerable moments. They examine the scrutiny placed on mothers in shelter, the conflicting demands of CPS and family courts, and the deep flaws in "failure to protect" policies. Tune in for a powerful episode on parenting, resilience, and reimagining how systems respond to survivors!

What happens when healthcare and the criminal justice system intersect? In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, William, Samantha, and Tracie dive into the world of forensic nursing in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Joined by forensic nursing specialists Karen Carroll and Kalen Knight from the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN), they explore the critical role that forensic nurses play in patient advocacy, evidence collection, and legal proceedings. The conversation highlights the importance of trauma-informed care, the wide-ranging responsibilities of forensic nurses beyond sexual assault cases, and the ethical and legal challenges they navigate daily. You'll also discover how forensic nurses contribute to justice by bridging the gap between medicine and law. Whether you're a healthcare professional, legal expert, a survivor of violence and trauma, or simply curious about the unseen heroes of the medical world, be sure to tune in for an eye-opening look at a profoundly important profession dedicated to care, compassion, and accountability!  This episode involves discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual assault, death, and domestic violence. Please take care of yourself as you listen. If you need to take a break, feel free to do so. You can always return to the podcast whenever you're ready. IAFN Website: https://www.forensicnurses.org/IAFN Foundation: https://fundforensicnursing.org/SAFEta Resource Page: https://www.safeta.org/

This episode explores the many ways that coercive control is used by unpacking scenarios of intimate partner violence and other forms of abuse. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed. Coercive control is a destructive force that's embedded in all aspects of relationship violence, but many do not understand what it is and how their lives are impacted by it. To help expose the inner workings of coercive control, TCFV's Prevention team is joined today by Josephine, an advocate and survivor to raise awareness of the many ways coercive control can show up. We learn about her journey with coercive control and how she broke free from it, why great support systems matter, how coercive control plays out in reproductive coercion and other nuances, and how the legal system can sometimes cause harm to survivors. Resources from this episode:Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) https://www.thehotline.org/ Coercive Control in Children's and Mothers' Lives Reproductive Coercion: Connecting the Dots Between Partner Violence and Unintended Pregnancy Reproductive Abuse and Coercion Reproductive coercion and abuse in intimate relationships: Women's perceptions of perpetrator motivations 

Young people are essential to the future of advocacy and social justice, but how do we create meaningful opportunities for them to engage? In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, Samantha, William, and Tracie are joined by TCFV interns Mishal Ali and Veronika Croan to explore youth involvement in the movement to end domestic violence and promote social change. They dive into the challenges young people face when trying to get involved, including organizational hesitancy and lack of awareness, and share creative outreach strategies that make engagement more accessible. The conversation highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of social media as a recruitment tool, and how organizations can align their messaging with their mission to foster an inclusive and empowering culture for youth. Whether you're an organization looking to better engage youth or a young person eager to make a difference, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in to learn how to break down barriers, cultivate young leaders, and ensure that youth voices aren't just included but heard and valued! 

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sex trafficking, child abuse, labor trafficking, and domestic violence. Please listen with care.     What does human trafficking really look like in our communities and how can we play a role in prevention? In this powerful episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, we are joined by Ada McCloud, a prevention practitioner with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. In our conversation, Ada sheds light on the complex realities of human trafficking and ways the public can help prevent it. She debunks common human trafficking myths, explains key definitions, and unpacks the importance of building protective factors for vulnerable people. Gain insights into how systemic vulnerabilities contribute to trafficking, how community-focused actions can create meaningful change, and the unseen dynamics of trafficking. Ada also sheds light on actionable ways to support survivors and promote accountability in our communities. Tune in and discover how you can help create safer communities for everyone.

As the holiday season approaches, creating trauma-informed spaces is more important than ever. In this episode, William and Tracie are joined by Diane Bocklage, Family Violence Services Manager at TCFV, to discuss how the ReCentered Project helps domestic violence organizations prioritize wellness for survivors and staff alike. By fostering environments of trust, support, and emotional care, ReCentering ensures that trauma-informed practices extend beyond direct services, promoting long-term healing and sustainable wellbeing for everyone involved. You'll learn how the ReCentered Project empowers centers to make survivor-centered changes, such as revising policies, enhancing staff support, and improving program structures. This also includes offering staff wellness programs, creating supportive environments that reduce burnout, and ensuring that trauma-informed care is not only practiced with survivors but also within the staff culture. By promoting a holistic approach to wellbeing, ReCentering helps organizations build sustainable, compassionate systems that address both immediate needs and long-term healing. Tune in to learn more about how this process is shaping safer, more inclusive spaces!

This podcast contains discussions of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, homicide, and harm to adults, children, and families. Please listen with care. If you need to pause or step away, feel free to do so and return when you're ready.    When leaving doesn't guarantee safety, how do we protect survivors? In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, we're joined by our TCFV colleague Tabetha Harrison to break down the data from the Honoring Texas Victims (HTV) report. This year's findings reveal the heartbreaking loss of 205 Texans to intimate partner homicide, emphasizing that no age, gender, or community is immune. From the challenges survivors face when exiting abusive relationships to the role that firearms play in these tragedies, this conversation highlights the urgent need for community-driven solutions, survivor-led responses, and system-wide change. Join us as we uncover the human stories behind the data and discuss how we can all work together to create safer, more hopeful futures for survivors and their communities.  HTV full report: https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-HTV-Full-Report.pdf HTV victim narratives: https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-HTV-Narratives.pdf HTV fact sheet (English): https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/Fact-Sheet-English-HTV-2023.pdf HTV fact sheet (Spanish): https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/Fact-Sheet-Spanish-HTV-2023.pdf HTV fact sheet (Vietnamese): https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/Fact-Sheet-Vietnamese-HTV-2023.pdf

It's incredibly powerful when a survivor begins to see their true selves again and separate from the trauma they've experienced, and occupational therapy is an underrated lifeboat that brings calm and clarity to the tumultuous sea of domestic violence. Today, we are joined by two incredible women from Genesis Women's Shelter and Support in Dallas – CEO Jan Langbein and Occupational Therapist Saidah Fletcher. Our guests begin with their journeys into the DV movement before detailing the inner workings of the remarkable Genesis Women's Shelter and Support. We define occupational therapy and highlight its importance in DV, why Genesis was deliberate and urgent in hiring its own onsite occupational therapist, the benefits of occupation therapy for survivors, and some helpful advice for OTs who are active in the DV space. We end with a deeper exploration of the intersectionality between DV, OT, and improved family life, the pros and cons of having an onsite OT in DV centers, and helpful resources for OTs in DV that underline our guest's hopes for how this episode will impact listeners. This podcast explores topics of intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. Please listen with care and take breaks as you need to.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Genesis Women's Shelter & Support   Occupational Therapy at Genesis   Domestic Violence at Genesis   Conference on Crimes Against Women   Brain Breaks with Miss S 

DVAM, IPV, DVHRT, PPC, SANE – If you're not entrenched in the domestic violence movement, or if you're new to the movement, you might struggle to decode some of these acronyms. And even if you're already playing your part in the movement, the learning curve can be real! Today, as we begin a new season, in Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we will be taking a closer look at all the language within the movement. We discuss the language used here at TCFV, common acronyms that can be found across the movement, and important terminologies for survivors to understand. We also unpack how language can be isolating, how language evolves, specific terms to be aware of that may have more than one meaning, and why asking for clarification is always okay.  This podcast explores topics of intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. While listening, please do so with care. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:    Down The Rabbit Hole | ‘Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams'   ‘Honoring Texas Victims 2023'   ‘OIM - Essentials of Advocacy in Practice'  Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) 

This podcast explores topics of intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. If you have the strength to listen, please do so with care.    The United States v. Rahimi brought about a telling ruling that could have a widespread impact on the policing of domestic and family violence cases involving firearms. To help unpack the Rahimi decision and its consequences, William and Samantha are joined by Amanda, the Legal Sub-Team Manager at TCFV, who explains how she ended up at TCFV and why she got involved in this line of work. Then, we dive into the Rahimi case and begin to understand its core issues before seeing how the case played out in various courts, the underlying issues that made advocates fearful of the final ruling, how Bruen relates to Rahimi, and the ins and outs of the Supreme Court's decision. To end, we share everything we hope will happen next after the relief of the Rahimi verdict.   https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/TCFV-2022-HTV-Report_Final-Web2.pdf

Texas State Representative, Christian Manuel, has been involved in politics for over two decades, and today, we are chatting about how his family's background in education and leadership influenced his passion for serving others to make the world a better place. Rep. Manuel begins today's conversation by explaining the significance of Juneteenth for Americans before detailing his early entry into public office and his team's commitment to supporting survivors. Rep. Manuel shares how he turns the concerns of the public into actionable policies, the achievements that he's most proud of from his time in office, how his position as an out, black man affects the way he works, and how he stays motivated in a profession riddled with fresh daily challenges. We also discuss why it's important for policymakers to listen to young voices, why we need to understand the intersectionality of the issues that we address, the role of education in achieving gender and socioeconomic balance, and how newly elected officials can go about being the best champions for their constituents. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic violence, transphobia/homophobia, and violence against the LGBTQ+ community and may be sensitive to some listeners. Please listen with care. Please see the resources below: Representative Manuel https://www.equalitytexas.org/ https://www.transtexas.org/

In 2024, Pride is a movement, but it originated as a collection of moments when brave LGBTQ people who were experiencing severe hardships stood up for their identities. In celebration of Pride month, we are joined by the CEO of The Montrose Center, Avery Belyeu to discuss the LGBTQ+ community, their resilience, the intersection between the community and domestic violence, and the challenges of being queer in Texas. More specifically, you'll hear about our guest's life as an LGBTQ activist, the incredible Montrose Center and what they offer, where Pride originated from, why it is so important, and so much more! We delve into the public health issues surrounding domestic violence in LGBTQ communities before discussing cultural fluency and cultural humility. We even talk about how faith communities can either be healing or dangerous for the LGBTQ community and how to find joy and resilience as a queer person, even in harsher environments like Texas. Finally, Avery shares her hopes and dreams for her community. Thank you for tuning in and happy Pride!   Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for homophobia and violence against the LGBTQ+ community and may be sensitive to some listeners. Please listen with care.

In December 2023, after three decades in office and as the longest-serving member of the Texas Senate, Senator Judith Zaffirini became the first-ever woman elected as Dean of the Senate! However, this was not her first time breaking new ground, as she was also the first-ever Mexican-American woman to become a senator in Texas. Incredibly, Senator Zaffirini is also an award-winning communications specialist and Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development (and more!), and she joins us today to unpack the great work she's done in her decades-long service to the people of Texas. Senator Zaffirini explains what motivated her to run for office, why she remains persistent to persevere in this work, why she reveres her close relationship with survivors and other constituents, and the standout achievements from her esteemed career. We learn about her methods for ensuring that her bills are passed, how she navigates her daily challenges, what elected officials in Texas need to be doing more of for survivors, how to improve the quality of community engagement (even without a vote), and why young voices are the ones that matter the most. To end, we explore Texas' prevention angle, how gender roles in public office have evolved, how motherhood made Senator Zaffirini a better senator and leader, how she became an honorary nun, and her parting words of wisdom for listeners. This podcast explores topics of intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. As you are listening, please do so with care. 

This podcast explores topics of homicide, intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. As you are listening, please do so with care and take a break if you need it. For this year's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), we are so excited to welcome our friends from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) onto the show for the very first time! We're going to talk about our strongest food opinions yet with Megan Perkins and Madison Jackson, and more importantly, they are going to share all of the amazing things TAASA has planned for April. Megan and Madison join us in discussion around the relationship between prevention and awareness, why it's important that both of our organizations exist and can work together, plus offer some helpful resources linked below. TAASA Resources Sexual Violence in Texas – Fact Sheet nsvrc Denim Day I Ask for Consent Turn Texas Teal: Empowerment Playlist! RAINN PreventConnect Disability Justice, Violence Prevention, and Abolitionism Curriculum My Rights My Life

While we may focus our efforts on young people, there is support and education for survivors across the lifespan. Jamie Wright had degrees behind her name and had reared adult children by the time she found herself in crisis. Today, she is a survivor who speaks, advocating for others experiencing and recovering from domestic abuse. She joins the conversation today to share her story, along with insights from her research in her hometown in Southeast Oklahoma. We discuss prevention and accountability for adults and how Jamie's story breaks the mold of preconceived ideas about what a survivor looks like. Jamie reveals what is behind her commitment to giving a voice to those who cannot use their voice, and we delve deeper into the misconceptions about survivors that sometimes prevent them from accessing the support they need. Join us today to hear all this and more. During this episode, our guest shares the details of her experiences as a survivor. Please listen with care. https://jamierwright.com/

TW: This podcast explores topics of intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. Please listen with care. For this year's Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we wanted to take a closer look at social media and dating violence relationships, and how the two intersect and overlap. Today we are joined by two members of our TCFV Prevention team– Lalitha and Viv. Together with today's hosts Samantha and William, our guests describe their first experience of social media, how the platforms and the way we use social media have evolved, how social media breeds entitlement and impacts relationships, and an assessment of the dangers of being online. We also take a closer look at how abuse manifests on social media, how to set yourself up for safer online experiences, the role of caretakers in supporting their dependents who are on social media, and our hosts and guests all weigh-in with some practical and advice for how to navigate social media while in a relationship

This podcast explores topics of intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. If you are listening, please do so with care and step away if you need to. Welcome back to Down the Rabbit Hole and Happy New Year! To kick off 2024, we'll be speaking about economic justice and how it pertains to immigrant survivors. We are joined by our wonderful colleague, Lauren Lluveras, who is the Immigration & Economic Justice Policy Manager here at TCFV. Lauren shares how she defines economic justice as well as what it can mean to truly thrive. We discuss why economic justice is important for the movement against domestic violence, how money influences relationships, the many vulnerabilities that immigrant survivors face, and how community support is a vital resource for immigrant survivors. Coerced Debt Accounting for Survivors' Economic Security Atlas: Mapping the Terrain Immigration & Survivor Resources SB4 If you have any questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org

This podcast explores topics of homicide, intimate partner violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. As you are listening, please do so with care and take a break if you need it.    Released in October 2023, Honoring Texas Victims (HTV) reveals Texas' intimate partner fatality statistics from 2022 and share the victims' stories. Today, we are joined by two of its compilers and TCFV Support to Service Providers team members, Mikisha Hooper and Sarah Hilderbrand. They are here to share their findings from HTV 2022 and to discuss further actions for violence prevention in Texas. Mikisha and Sarah explain why leaving a relationship is a treacherous period for victims of abuse, how the age ranges of intimate partner abuse perpetrators reveal just how dire the situation is, why we need to stop using age to deflect the real truth, and all the details relating to firearms that can be found in HTV 2022. We also explore the responsibility of law enforcement, the challenges of identifying prohibited gun possessors, the importance of accountability, and some things TCFV is doing to raise awareness of violence prevention in Texas. You can find links to the 2022 report, fact sheets, and narratives here: https://tcfv.org/publications/. If you have any questions about this episode or the HTV report, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

Although the holidays often are and can be a time of joy for many, they can also come with a lot of discomfort and unique challenges for survivors of domestic violence. During this episode, we are joined by Tracy Stebbins and Mickinze VanHerpen with Grayson Crisis Center. They share their insights on how to best prepare for the holiday season, support survivors, and take care of ourselves as advocates. Join us as we unpack the many layers of safety planning, including offering support around what it means to be safe, harm reduction, and the needs that come along with being in a rural area and a small town. Safety Planning Resources: https://vawnet.org/sites/default/files/assets/files/2016-11/TAGuidance-DVHolidays2011.pdf https://www.thecenteronline.org/2021/12/14/when-the-holidays-arent-happy-managing-dv-and-its-impacts/ https://www.thehotline.org/resources/safety-planning-for-the-holidays/ https://www.workplacesrespond.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Safe-for-the-Holidays-12.2021-FINAL.pdf https://www.hhs.texas.gov/news/2021/11/domestic-violence-resources-available-during-holidays https://www.rainn.org/articles/safety-planning

Join the TCFV crew as we cover various topics and how they intersect with gender-based violence. This episode will feature Deb Butts, our Finance Manager, and Ryan Thomas, our Grants Writer, as they discuss some of the basics as well as the more nuanced, and sometimes confusing, pieces of Finance and Grants within family violence programs. Federal Funding Sources for Family Violence Centers & BIPPS: https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/tcfv_federal_funding_sources_flowchart_2021.pdf Bookkeeping Toolkit: https://tcfv.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Nuts-and-Bolts-of-Bookkeeping-A-Toolkit_Complete_v3.pdf

This year TCFV celebrates its 45th anniversary! For today's conversation, we are joined by TCFV's most-tenured staff member, Maria Jose Angelelli, Director of Support to Service Providers. She has been part of the organization for 40 years, so what better person to host for our 45th birthday conversation? We talk about all about Maria's TCFV career journey from volunteer to program director, and then she shares the story of how TCFV came to be and the growth and development she has witnessed over the years. You'll also learn about the history of communication within our organization, how the COVID-19 pandemic altered the way in which we do things, how the mission has evolved over the years, and what Maria hopes to see in the future, plus so much more. Lastly, we remind you October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to check in with your local program(s) and see what they've got going on for DVAM and how you can get involved this month and throughout the rest of the year. Thanks for listening!    Please note that this episode talks about the Domestic Violence Movement, so listen with care.   Here are some of the resources mentioned in this episode: Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV)  TCFV: A History (pdf version) The Myers-Tucker-Angelelli Archives⁠  National Domestic Violence Hotline  If you have any questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

Welcome to season four of Down the Rabbit Hole! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), and today, October 11th, is Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day. Often healthcare workers are ill-equipped to deal with the nuances that come with treating survivors or dealing with domestic violence situations. So today, we've called upon Cathy Glenn to discuss the importance of educating medical professionals on standards of providing detailed care that survivors of abuse so desperately need. After previous experience as an emergency trauma nurse, Cathy is now the Injury Prevention Trauma Outreach Coordinator at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas. Her passion extends to partnering on issues relating to family violence and its intersection with healthcare. She explains why it's so important for healthcare workers to beef up their knowledge on domestic violence, why she only learned about domestic violence in the ER after already graduating from nursing school, and how the opportunities for violence prevention and intervention in healthcare extend far beyond the emergency room and trauma unit. We also discuss some red flags for telling when someone needs help from an abusive partner, how to extend healthcare services for survivors past their initial treatment date, how to make the ER safe for medical staff, and other ways that healthcare professionals can get involved in issues of domestic violence away from the hospital. We hope you enjoy this fall-inspired, pumpkin-flavored, information-packed season four opener!  This podcast explores topics of gender-based violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. Please take care of yourself as you listen to the episode and take breaks as needed.  For more information about Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day, check out Futures Without Violence's Action Kit. Also check out IPVhealth.org to learn more about cultivating partnerships between advocates and healthcare professionals. If you have any questions about this episode or if you are a health care provider looking for family violence training or collaboration opportunities, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

William and Samantha are excited to launch Season 4 of DTRH during this upcoming Domestic Violence Awareness Month! We'll be launching this season with a bonus episode to celebrate Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day on 10/11/23. Regular episodes will air every third Wednesday of the month, beginning 10/18/23. Come join us Down the Rabbit Hole!

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with domestic violence, survivors and offenders, and the most recent legislative session. Today, we have a very special show featuring the fabulous and fantastic Maxine LaQueene, as well as returning friends of the show, Krista and Tracie! Maxine is a drag performer, trans activist, and community leader, and her presence and voice during the recent legislative session in Texas has been so powerful and inspiring. Our conversation today focuses on these recent events and how the community has responded, with Maxine sharing the best and worst of Pride Month, reasons to remain hopeful, and how allies can best serve the queer community. We touch on some of the sessions and bills, as well as their impact. One of the strongest messages to come out of our chat is how we all have a role to play and that it is possible to make a difference in your own community. We ask that you please listen to this episode with care, and remember to take breaks when needed. Stick with us through this sometimes difficult conversation with an amazing, empowering performer and a true inspiration, Maxine LaQueene! Mentioned in today's episode: Maxine LaQueene on Instagram Maxine LaQueene on Venmo Equality Texas TENT If you have questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with domestic violence, survivors and offenders, and the military.    Our TCFV colleague Tabetha joins us today to explore issues of domestic violence in the military. Tabetha uses her experience and expertise in the military, as a law enforcement officer, and as a survivor advocate to compare and contrast the military response to domestic violence with civilian responses. She points out some surprising dimensions to this conversation that might not occur to civilians, such as the impact of foreign residence, law enforcement differences, and more, while also shouting out some meaningful progress and improvements that have been made in recent years. Tabetha advocates for compassionate and survivor-centered solutions, and at the end of the episode, she shares a little of her vision and hopes for the future. If you have questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

We're celebrating PRIDE Month with Roy, Tracie, and Hannah! During this episode, we discuss how being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has influenced each of our guests' advocacy. Tune in to hear how each of our distinct identities have brought different experiences to our work at the TCFV and beyond. We explore what it means to create a safe space for clients and how subtle changes can illustrate the importance of diversity and inclusion to the community beyond our walls. The conversation also touches on the trauma of managing perception in different spaces, coming together to create an impact, and why practicing what you preach is vital. We discuss safety planning, offer some valuable resources to support queer kids, and offer some hard-earned words of wisdom for new advocates. Join us to hear all this and more today! This episode includes themes of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. It also covers accounts of domestic and gender-based violence. Please listen with care. Happy PRIDE! Resources mentioned in today's episode: Lambda Legal  Equality Texas  The Network/La Red  If you have any questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

This podcast explores topics of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse. Please take care of yourself as you listen and take a break if needed.   Parenting is one of those milestones in life that once it starts, it never stops. Being a parent can be extremely difficult for a multitude of reasons. How can being involved in the movement against family violence help you be a better parent? To help answer this question, Samantha is joined by fellow TCFV colleagues and mothers Mikisha Hooper and Barbra Grimmer. The trio begins by sharing their embarrassing and humbling parental moments before exploring the wealth of support that is available to parents at TCFV and how their jobs help them improve their parental techniques. We discuss the benefits of an advocacy mindset, the right ways to set boundaries and create space, the perils of gender socialization, and the dangers of the societal norms that allow gender-based violence to flourish. All in all, the advocacy work that Barbra, Mikisha, and Samantha do influences how they choose to parent due to their deep understanding of respect and power dynamics. They also use their experiences as parents to inform their advocacy, policy suggestions, and prevention education. For more on how to teach kids the importance of their own values, why kids deserve the same grace and consideration as adults, and how to build an environment that allows your children to flourish as their unique selves, be sure to tune in! If you have questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

TW: This episodes covers topics relating to sexual abuse.  As April is sexual awareness month, we decided to dedicate this episode to the topic of sexual respect, specifically in the context of BIPP (Battering Intervention and Prevention Programs) groups. Audrey Hernandez and Erica Reyna-Brodhag join William and Samantha in this episode, both of whom have worked as BIPP facilitators. Sexual abuse is an aspect of domestic abuse that is often overlooked, which is why discussing it openly in the BIPP group setting is such a valuable exercise. In this episode, Audrey and Erica share some of the deeply ingrained belief systems and behavior patterns that they have witnessed amongst the BIPP group participants they have worked with, and some of breakthroughs that have occurred during the sessions. Here are some resources from today's episode: The Duluth Curriculum  What are BIPPs?  Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV)  You can also email us at prevention@tcfv.org if you have any questions about this episode.

Please be advised that this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic violence, religious trauma, violence in relationships, and conversations around offenders and perpetrators, and some listeners may find this upsetting. Today we welcome Reverend Gen onto the show to talk about the role of faith leaders and communities in helping survivors and promoting offender accountability. In the context of the gender dynamics that are still present in so many religious settings, we see this area of the church's work as a great opportunity to offer support to those who need it most. In our conversation with Reverend Gen, we talk about the twisting of religious texts into justifications of harm, how we as faith communities can come together to prevent dangerous situations, shifting the culture of powerlessness and disengagement, and why domestic violence is not a private issue. There are so many areas that require further attention when it comes to the danger many women face, and one of the primary factors is shifting our understanding of harm in the home, and making these spaces safer for all inhabitants. The episode also explores the links between different types of abuse, their relation to cultures of power and control, and how more women in leadership positions can impact positive change, so to hear it all on this important topic, join us today. For more information or to get Reverend Gen's contact information, you can email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

Please be advised that this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic violence and covers topics that some listeners may find upsetting. There are many conversations surrounding what education on domestic violence and sexual assault in schools should look like, but has anyone ever considered what the students want? February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), a month-long campaign focused on raising awareness about teen dating abuse. This is a problem that does not only impact teens but also their friends, parents, and communities. To help us unpack this complex topic is TCFV Youth Board Member Mackenzie Splawn, the outreach manager for a non-profit called First Step of Wichita Falls, which aims to eliminate domestic violence and sexual assault and provides a haven and support for survivors. Being a teen, Mackenzie provides a unique perspective as we delve into what students need regarding domestic violence and sexual abuse education and what schools could be doing differently. We discuss the type of conversations parents and teachers should be having with kids and why young people may be hesitant to talk about sex and relationships. We explore what schools should include in the curriculum, why we should trust young people, removing restrictions for educators to do their job, and much more. Tune in to hear more from this special conversation with Mackenzie Splawn. TCFV Teen Dating Violence Toolkit- https://s.tiled.co/0qidZv5/teen-dating-violence-digital-toolkit Love is Respect- https://www.loveisrespect.org/get-involved/tdvam/ TCFV Prevention email- prevention@tcfv.org

Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for conversations around school shootings, domestic violence, and the cultural perceptions of violence against women. There is no better way to kick off 2023 than to discuss some of the random current happenings in the media, and, while looking at these happenings, how nonprofit organizations can create an intentional, successful space on social media. Managing engagement can be challenging. It requires you to walk the fine line between creating awareness and solidarity while avoiding triggering and potentially harmful viral trends. There is a need for both blanket education and culture shifts in order for nonprofits to reach the right audience. Samantha and William comment on a range of topics today, from the shocking death of tWitch, the fake celebrity death trend on TikTok, the taboo about men's mental health that has come to the forefront on social media, and how to start trends about difficult but necessary topics. Plus, you will hear about the harm Andrew Tate is causing, how dynamics can come down to power and money, and the importance of holding those around us accountable. Hopefully, we are saying goodbye to some of the trends that we discussed and leaving them in 2022! For more information or to provide suggestions about future episodes, email us at prevention@tcfv.org. If you live in Texas and support full funding for family violence programs, please sign a Purple Postcard.

Should companies be concerned about domestic violence? What role can businesses play in addressing or responding to domestic violence? Can they play a role in violence prevention? To help us answer these questions is our new colleague Gabby Fuentes, the Public Policy Coordinator-Housing at TCFV. Please note this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic violence. In this episode, we discuss domestic violence in the workplace, the responsibility of businesses to victims and the community, and how organizations can help be the solution, with a particular focus on corporate organizations. We discuss why companies should care about domestic violence, appropriate company policies on domestic violence, and how to create a foundation of safety. We also delve into the internal and external mechanisms available to companies regarding domestic violence, the responsibility of organizations to hold perpetrators of violence accountable, the unintended consequences of zero-tolerance policies, and the financial cost for organizations. We explore why there should be more public awareness, reasons companies avoid the issue, and what the domestic violence movement can learn from other social campaigns. Join us as we unpack how companies can help innovate, mobilize, engage, and help create safer communities with Samantha, William, and Gabby! Here are the resources from this episode: Futures Without Violence Futures Without Violence Workplace Safety & Equity REPORT: ‘Ending Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work in the United States' Workplaces Respond to Domestic & Sexual Violence Toolkit If you have any questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org!

Trigger warnings: domestic violence, homicide, suicide, firearms In 2021, Texas experienced its third-highest recorded number of domestic violence fatalities. Today's guests, Sarah Hilderbrand and Mikisha Hooper, were both instrumental in the production of the 2021 Honoring Texas Victims (HTV) Report which highlights key statistics relating to domestic violence and gives a human face to the victims by providing deep analyses of the cases. A few things become clear during this discussion; Texas is in the midst of a domestic violence epidemic, there is a strong correlation between firearm possession and domestic violence fatalities, and there are a few key strategies that, when implemented correctly, can lead to a drastic reduction in domestic violence homicides. This episode may be hard to listen to at times, but understanding the issue is the first step to solving this complex problem. You can learn more about HTV by exploring the report below: HTV full report HTV narratives HTV summary facts (English) HTV summary facts (Spanish)

Welcome back to Down the Rabbit Hole, our first episode of season three! Today, we will be talking to the prevention team about potentially triggering topics surrounding prevention and behavioral changes. We discuss how behavioral change could be possible, why challenging belief systems is a nuanced task, why adults also need prevention education, and the false separation between prevention and intervention services. Evidence-based curriculums are difficult to debate due to their very nature, but we conclude that they still need to evolve to become more inclusive of the people they neglect to represent. You'll learn why victim blaming is a slippery slope, why prevention needs to be prevalent at all levels of an organization, how those outside the scope can be useful allies, and why there is a need to critically assess the misrepresentations that are endemic to mainstream media. To hear all about our fears and phobias and to understand why prevention education is so important, tune in now! Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic violence.

We are excited to announce that Season 3 is coming this month! October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and is the perfect time for a season 3 launch. Season 3 will bring some changes... fewer episodes, longer episodes, and new voices, but as always we will be having some great conversations. We celebrate you coming back for a third season of DTRH, and if this is your first we hope you enjoy it. We wish everyone a safe DVAM. Welcome to the Movement! **Stat correction: Just under 40% of survivors in Texas who seek shelter are turned away due to lack of space.**

Welcome to the final episode of Down The Rabbit Hole Season 2! Today, Sarah and Victoria join Samantha and William in a battle royale of MSWs and MPHs (Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health)! In all seriousness, in this episode we explore the differences and similarities in the ways the public health and social work fields approach advocacy and violence prevention. Tuning in you'll hear about our failures during our studies, the paths we took following receiving our Master's degrees, how to become a licensed social public health worker, and how you can tailor your own journey. We also delve into working before receiving your degree, the benefits of doing so, the dangers of lack of community-based research, the different types of research used, and why the collaboration of the entire system is imperative to end violence. Finally, we share some tips for anyone looking to get their MPH or MSW. To hear all this and more, press play now!

Firearms are a big topic of conversation right now in the country, particularly in Texas, and so, in today's episode, we take a deep dive into their impact on domestic violence survivors and their communities. Joined by Mikisha Hooper and Mohini Lal, we discuss the Honoring Texas Victims Report and what it tells us about firearms and their role in domestic violence. We talk about firearm prohibitions and transfer protocols that are already in place, pitfalls related to the enforcement of these, why it's so easy for prohibited possessors to legally buy firearms, the problem of accountability when it comes to the sellers, and how the current system puts first responders at risk. We also share our views on the need for community understanding of domestic violence and social support for victims. We discuss how to move from an approach of response or intervention to one of prevention and share some additional resources on the intersection of firearms and domestic violence. To hear more about some of the preventative measures, strategies, and tactics that we can use to address this serious issue, tune in today! Please note that this episode carries a heavy trigger warning for domestic violence as well as firearms with references to mass shootings. Resources from this episode: 2020 Honoring Texas Victims Report National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms Danger Assessment Just a reminder that you can always email us at prevention@tcfv.org if you have any questions about this episode.

LGBTQ+ inclusive services and policies are essential to help people understand members of the LGBTQ+ community, increase the safety and security of LGBTQ+ people, and ultimately create a more inclusive world. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning as we discuss some sensitive topics such as suicide due to lack of acceptance of gender identity and sexual orientation. Today on Down The Rabbit Hole, we are joined by Leslie McMurray. Leslie, among many things, is the Transgender Education and Advocacy Associate at Resource Center--the largest LGBTQ+ service organization in Texas. Tuning in this pride month you will hear about the policies Leslie uses to help businesses become more LGBTQ+ inclusive, the importance of accepting people for who they are, as well as why empathy and compassion is essential. We also discuss why there is no ‘right time' to come out and the importance of having support systems for people of all ages discovering their gender identity and sexuality. Finally, we delve into gender care for children and how it is handled. Join us to do your part in filling the world with love and pride!

The events of the Uvalde school shooting shocked not only America but also the world. The rise in mass shootings in America in recent years is a great cause for concern and reaching solutions will require difficult discussions to be had. In today's show, the TCFV Prevention Team takes the time to reflect on the recent events in Uvalde and some of the wide-ranging impacts. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning, as we cover topics related to trauma, mass shootings, and other difficult topics. Listener discretion is advised. We discuss how people are feeling after the recent tragic events, why some people feel guilty, and why the proposed solutions will not work, as well as the role of privilege in accessing mental health support, how mass shootings are an intersection of other larger societal problems, and some of the current challenges facing the Uvalde community. We also talk about the stigma that surrounds mental health and why holistic solutions and broader cultural and policy shifts are needed, plus we share some helpful resources for people who need support, as well as how you can help the Uvalde community. Make sure to tune in today for this important conversation. Here are some resources to help the Uvalde community: First State Bank of Uvalde Donate using Zelle Uvalde 24/7 Mental Health Support Hotline: 888-690-0799 Here is the number for the U.S. Capitol Switchboard if you would like to call your senator or representative to demand action: (202) 224-3121. If you have questions about this episode, please email prevention@tcfv.org.

Welcome back to Down the Rabbit Hole! During today's episode, we talk about something we have never talked about - DVHRTs, or Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic violence and related topics. Today's guest is our colleague, Dr. David Scott. Join us to hear how he came to train officers on Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams before becoming a policy coordinator. We discuss what a DVHRT is and why leaving domestic violence incidents to the police to manage is insufficient. Dr. Scott shares the goal of DVHRTs - which is to take the guesswork out of domestic violence cases - and reveals how he goes about matching teams to specific cases. We touch on funding, community resources, and dive into some meaningful statistics as well as how these statistics show us the importance of DVHRTs. TW: For listeners who wish to avoid detailed statistics around domestic violence, please skip audio between [00:40:38] and [00:41:51].

We are joined by wonderful co-workers Erika Reyna-Brodhag and Diane Bocklage to discuss BIPPs—Batterer Intervention and Prevention Programs; we break down what they are, the purpose they serve, and how they're facilitated. Erika and Diane are on the Support to Services Providers team at TCFV, specifically the Family Violence Services sub-team, which supports BIPP services and other programs in a variety of services. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning; the focus is on offender services and batterer intervention programs, thus we mention domestic violence. The goal of BIPPs is behavior change and accountability, that's a given, but the true goal is safety in communities and survivor safety. In our conversation with Erika and Diane, we discuss the importance of BIPPs, who the programs are designed for, and how they're structured in Texas, specifically. Tune in to find out more about the society-driven factors that lead to violence and why getting to the root of anger is far more valuable than anger management in putting an end to domestic violence. To learn more about BIPPs in Texas check out TCFV's Tools for Transformation webpage and the Texas Criminal Justice Assistance Division's website for information about accredited programs. For more information about this episode, please contact us at prevention@tcfv.org.

Grieving is a normal emotion that everyone will experience during their life. However, the complexities of society and the misconceptions around grief compound the problem, leaving people feeling helpless. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for those who are grieving. Tune in to hear us discuss the intersection of grief and intimate partner violence, offering a definition for grief, and considering how the traditional view of grief limits our understanding and in-turn our ability to overcome it. We discuss the intersection of race and gender with regards to grief and why this needs to be acknowledged, before providing listeners with some examples of grief and how it can result in risky behaviors. We talk about the importance of grief mitigation for abusers and for those who use violence and provide listeners with some helpful resources to navigate grief and provide support for others who are grieving. Tune in today to hear about an incredibly important subject as we go Down the Rabbit Hole! Here are the resources mentioned in today's episode along with a few others: The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief by Frances Weller Grieving While Black: An Antiracist Take on Oppression and Sorrow by Breeshia Wade It's Ok That You're Not Ok by Megan Devine Grief Belongs in Social Movements. Can We Embrace It? by Malkia Devich-Cyril This chapter in in Holding Change: The Way of Emergent Strategy Facilitation and Meditation by adrienne maree brown: "To Give Your Hands to Freedom, First Give Them to Grief" by Malkia Devich-Cyril. My Grandmother's Hands by Resma Manakem As always if you have any questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

There's a common dichotomy in the way society thinks about domestic violence and financial independence: survivors are simultaneously expected to “just leave” and are also somehow expected to avoid poverty. Joining us today to discuss economic justice is Mona Muro! Please note that this episode comes with a trigger warning about economic abuse, domestic violence, white supremacy, and colonialism. Feel free to take a break as needed, but we hope you can join us to learn about what defines economic justice, how we develop our concepts and contexts of economics and finances, and how our movement can challenge the systems in place that perpetuate economic abuse. We delve into the money messages that we have been exposed to throughout our lives, and how what we have internalized about finances can impact our responses to economic abuse. Mona describes the importance of having the conversation about economic justice in bringing the movement to those who most need it and why she is driving for a shift in the narrative from a place of scarcity to that of abundance. We wrap up the episode with Mona's view of where the movement is going and the changes that need to be implemented to both the tax and the credit systems. For all this and so much more, tune in today. Here are some resources related to Economic Justice: The Allstate Foundation - Money messages, credit, and financial abuse resource: https://allstatefoundation.org/what-we-do/end-domestic-violence/resources/ Freefrom - general webpage (freefrom.org). Exploring our Relationship with money webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjer3v5l7Hg Diagram Colonization, capitalism, supremacy intersection: Decolonizing Health Care by Rupa Marya, MD As always, you can contact us at prevention@tcfv.org for more information.

All too often, the people making the rules on survivor care and policy don't have personal experience in this area. This week William and cohost Samantha are joined by Liz Bailey to talk about her journey to advocacy and the importance of diverse survivors' voices in this space. A speech therapist by trade, she is a survivor, an advocate, and the host of a podcast herself, The Pretty Truth, and she is currently writing a book about her experiences. In this episode, Liz shares the steps she found most useful in the lifelong process of regaining self-trust after leaving an abusive relationship, before shedding light on the value of getting quiet inside and how this action helps build a solid relationship with yourself, from the inside out. We then dive into her passion for advocacy in order to address a system that is broken, and the need for diverse and inclusive survivor voices to fully inform policy and care that is supportive. We also discuss the opportunity to address systemic change and prevention with the next generation, and discuss some all-too-familiar scenarios where education of officers of the law and court is crucial in creating a trauma-informed lens. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic abuse. We hope you can join us to hear Liz's vision for the future, plus the perceptive and realistic advice from a friend that allowed her to take the first steps toward empowerment!

On today's episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, William and Kate are joined by Jennifer Mudge and Mohini Lal to discuss reproductive justice and how it intersects with intimate partner violence. Serving as a TCFV Public Policy Coordinator and Public Policy Manager respectively, Jen and Mohini have many years of demonstrated experience in the gender-based violence and reproductive justice movements between them. Listen in as we reflect on the intersectional nature of reproductive justice and how it encompasses not just the right to choose if, when, and how to have children, but also broader social issues such as environmental justice, domestic violence, and gender-affirming care. We also touch on common taboos and misconceptions, how reproductive coercion is rooted in systems of oppression, and Jen and Mohini share some helpful resources for survivors and listeners in Texas and beyond. Reproductive justice is a complex topic that can be difficult to talk about. As such, please be aware that today's episode carries a trigger warning for trauma related to reproductive justice, reproductive coercion, and abortion, as well as domestic and sexual violence. We hope that you find this conversation insightful and informative, but please feel free to take a break should any of today's content be triggering for you. If you have any questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org. Below is a list of the resources mentioned in this episode plus a couple of additional ones: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman (the book Kate mentioned during the icebreaker) PATH Framework (path-framework.com) Jane's Due Process (janesdueprocess.org) Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (URGE) (urge.org) Avow Texas (avowtexas.org) All-Options (all-options.org) Center for Reproductive Rights (reproductiverights.org) National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF) (napawf.org) Black Women's Health Imperative (bwhi.org) Sister Song (sistersong.net) National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (latinainstitute.org) Reproductive Abuse and Coercion- WomensLaw (womenslaw.org) Power to Decide's Once Key Question Campaign (powertodecide.org/one-key-question) [previously mentioned in the "Pregnancy & DV" episode] Every Body Texas (everybodytexas.org)

Claire and Samantha join William on the podcast today to explore the theme of how masculinity is represented in popular media. Please be aware that this episode includes references to abusive and violent behavior towards women and this may be triggering and upsetting for certain listeners, we advise that if you want to skip certain portions to go ahead and do that. We start off the chat by getting some background from our co-hosts and how they became involved in TCFV before diving into the topic of toxic masculinity and how it crops up in some of the most popular TV shows. Another warning: we will be discussing content and events in a few different TV shows and movies, and there are some spoilers! The majority of today's discussion is centered on the contemporary series, You, and the problematic nature of the antagonist in the show. We talk about the mixed feelings this brings up for us, and how to best approach this ambivalence. Our conversation also covers themes of money and guilt, outdated elements to our favorite old shows, and how media influences young people and their idea of societal standards and norms. So to hear it all on this important subject, listen in with us as we go Down the Rabbit Hole! If you have any questions about this episode, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org. If you're curious, here is the article Samantha referenced early on in the episode: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/01/when-pop-culture-sells-dangerous-myths-about-romance/549749/

This week, in continued recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), three youth leaders take over our podcast to discuss youth leadership advocacy and activism. Tune in to hear about the challenges each of our guests have faced as teenagers advocating for themselves, and what their experience of backlash has looked like. You'll hear how they have fought back and inspired others to do the same, and why they believe that teens are uniquely positioned to support other teens. Tune in to hear what they recommend if you want to get involved in youth leadership and how they have been affected by mentorship in their lives. We hope you join us to hear some more insights from these inspiring young people today and that you feel inspired with new ways to engage youth during the rest of TDVAM and beyond. If you have any questions about this episode or would like engage Santino, Vivian, or Noah in a speaking event or training, please email us at prevention@tcfv.org.

Today's episode of Down The Rabbit Hole is about the intersection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) in people who have experienced domestic abuse, and an invaluable healing modality called neurofeedback. Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for domestic violence. Joining us we have two experts who are widely experienced in the field of helping survivors heal: Josh Brown from Fort Bend Women's Center and Abeer Monem from the Harris Country Domestic Violence Coordinating Council. We start by learning that neurofeedback (also known as neurotherapy) teaches self-control of brain functions to develop healthier emotional patterns, before diving into the program that Abeer and Josh created that is pushing neurotherapy to the frontline of survivor care and support. You'll hear Abeer describe the lightbulb moment when she realized the missing neurological information necessary for her patients' healing, how she teamed up with Josh Brown, and the long road that led to the creation of the program. We also touch on issues of transport and hear some visionary steps to create much-needed mobile advocacy services. Finally, you'll hear some moving testimonies of the truly transformational impact that neurofeedback has! Join us for another inspiring conversation highlighting the incredible work that's driving healing care. Find the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council online at hcdvcc.org, and the Fort Bend Women's Center at fbwc.org. Other resources mentioned in this episode include the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (nrcdv.org) and VAWnet (vawnet.org). If you want more information on this episode, you can email us at prevention@TCFV.org. You can also reach out to Josh (jbrown@fbwc.org) and Abeer (abeermonem@hcdvcc.org) directly.

It's a new year, and Sarah is back to visit! You can tell none of us are feeling our best, but we were still excited to be together again. Sarah talks about bringing Prevention into new places and spaces. She shares the challenges that she has faced through transitioning from the macro-scale prevention work she did at TCFV to the micro-scale counseling space, some of the enlightening experiences she has had during this journey, and the invaluable lessons she has learned about privilege, self-care and wellness, and creating safe spaces for people who have never had one before. We're so thankful Sarah was able to come back and hope this isn't the last time she jumps down a rabbit hole with us! If you have any questions about this episode, email us at prevention@tcfv.org. And of course... here is our book list from the beginning of the episode: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown; The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander; Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston; The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes; A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson; The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood; the mermaid gets her voice back in this one by Amanda Lovelace (William said the wrong title in the episode--oops!); Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson; Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements by Charlene Carruthers

This week on Down the Rabbit Hole we are joined by one of our star young people, Santino Camacho, who has been engaged with TCFV on multiple levels, to talk about the important topic of youth advocacy and engagement. As adults, we often lose touch with how busy young people can be and the immense pressure they are under. Not only are they occupied with school work, socializing, and getting ready for college, but they're also figuring out what they'd like to do with their lives. In our conversation, we discuss why you should never pigeonhole yourself, no matter your age, and unpack some of the important benefits of becoming involved with advocacy. We explore the many ways that young people can get involved, like leadership and volunteering, and reflect on some of the challenges that can come with advocacy work. Santino also speaks to his experience as a young man who has never experienced domestic violence, how he came to be involved in advocacy, and ways to encourage young people to engage with movements that aren't directly related to their experiences. To learn more about youth advocacy, how to nurture engagement, and Santino's insights on collaboration and coaching, tune in today! Please note that this episode carries a trigger warning for dating and domestic violence.