Everyone knew bad things were happening on the Naslund farm. Then, in the fall of 2017, Miles Naslund’s body was found welded into a box at the bottom of a pond near his family’s property in Alberta, Canada. His wife and son were charged with first-degree murder. The Globe and Mail’s In Her Defence brings you Helen Naslund’s story in her own words for the first time. Through a series of jailhouse interviews with reporter Jana G. Pruden, Helen speaks about the domestic violence she suffered, and what led to that fateful night on the farm. Meanwhile, Helen’s friends come to terms with the abuse they suspected had been going on for decades, and the reality that Helen could spend the rest of her life in prison. Tens of thousands of Canadians joined the outcry over Helen’s harsh sentence, asking what is fair punishment when a victim becomes the accused. Now they’ll hear firsthand about Helen’s life, her long fight for freedom, and the way the justice and legal systems deal with women who kill their abusers.
The In Her Defence podcast is an incredibly powerful and important series that sheds light on the devastating issue of domestic violence. Through the captivating story of Helen, listeners are taken on a journey that highlights not only the trauma she endured at the hands of her abusive husband but also the failures of those around her to provide proper support and protection. This podcast deserves special recognition for addressing the mental health toll that domestic violence takes on women and emphasizing the need for society to take action.
One of the best aspects of The In Her Defence podcast is its ability to bring attention to the passivity within society when it comes to domestic violence. It points out how witnesses often choose not to intervene or report abuse because they don't want to get involved, perpetuating a culture where such violence remains prevalent. By highlighting this issue, the podcast encourages men and women who witness domestic violence to become advocates rather than silent witnesses.
Furthermore, the podcast exposes flaws within the legal system by showcasing a judge's lack of empathy and understanding towards Helen's experiences. This portrayal reflects a common problem where victims are not adequately protected or supported by law enforcement and other legal authorities. By shedding light on these issues, The In Her Defence educates listeners about systemic problems surrounding domestic violence that need urgent attention.
While this podcast tackles crucial issues with great sensitivity and insight, there are no evident worst aspects worth mentioning. The stories presented are heart-wrenching but necessary for raising awareness and spurring change. However, it should be noted that some listeners might find certain episodes emotionally challenging due to their raw depiction of abuse.
In conclusion, The In Her Defence podcast is an exceptional production that brings attention to an all-too-common yet still widely misunderstood issue: domestic violence. This series prompts both individuals and society as a whole to take action against this form of abuse. With its well-produced episodes and compelling narrator, The In Her Defence offers an essential listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the urgent need for change.
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In this special bonus episode, our host Jana Pruden sits down with Crime Story's Kathleen Goldhar to discuss the question, “How should we deal with women who kill their abusers?” You can listen to more incredible tales of true crime every week on Crime Story. Find them in your podcast app, or here: https://link.chtbl.com/DreYfAFBPlus, details of In Her Defence season 2 are coming soon!
Did Helen really kill Miles? A burning question remains. As Helen works toward release from prison, we think about what made Miles who he was, and consider the legacy of his violence.Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceE-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
Appealing a plea deal is a long-shot, but defence lawyer Mona Duckett wants to take it on. The Crown says justice has been served. The Court of Appeal considers Helen's future.Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceE-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
Helen is sent to prison for the death of her husband. Around the country, people object to her sentence and the way she's treated in court. In the isolation of prison, Helen wonders whether she's done something wrong by accepting the deal, and has to consider what to do next.Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceEmail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
The 1987 case of Angelique Lavallee provides a roadmap for the “battered woman defence.” Canada's first female Supreme Court justice, Bertha Wilson, attempts to expose systemic sexism in the justice system. Helen is charged with first-degree murder, and has to decide whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial.Elizabeth Sheehy's book is Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons from the Transcripts.Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceE-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
Helen is interrogated by police officers who say they understand the abuse she'd been living with, and know that something had to happen for her to get free. Someone she loves has betrayed her. Her life – and the lives of her sons – are all on the line.Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceE-mail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal
Wes Naslund talks about growing up with his father. Miles Naslund is reported missing, but no one seems to care he's gone. Helen and her family live with a haunting secret. One day in 2017, almost exactly six years after Miles was reported missing, two men show up at Helen's work.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceEmail the reporter at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing intimate partner violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdealTheme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.
Helen Naslund speaks from prison for the first time. Helen describes how she met and married Miles, and the only time she tried to leave. Early one morning in September 2011, two gunshots crack through the house.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceE-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing domestic violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal.Our theme song is The Fighter, by Jenn Grant.
Wes Naslund gets a phone call from his brothers at the farm. Friends and family describe the domestic abuse they suspect was going on in the Naslund house. A fight at the bar leaves Miles seriously injured, and things at the farm reach a breaking point.Learn more about this podcast and domestic violence in Canada, or sign up for our newsletter at tgam.ca/inherdefenceE-mail the reporter, Jana Pruden, at jpruden@globeandmail.comIf you're experiencing domestic violence and want to talk to someone, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.caNew subscribers to The Globe and Mail get a deal at globeandmail.com/podcastdeal.Our theme song is The Fighter, by Jenn Grant.
The first two episodes of In Her Defence will be released on October 10th. Follow now so you don't miss a new episode.Theme song, “The Fighter,” by Jenn Grant.If you're experiencing intimate partner violence, you can find resources and your nearest shelter at sheltersafe.ca.Support journalism like this by subscribing to The Globe and Mail. Our listeners get a special discount on new subscriptions at www.globeandmail.com/podcastdeal.
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