Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast

Podcast Description/Show Notes: In this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon dive deep into the headlines surrounding the Diddy trial, unpacking what the public response reveals about our cultural understanding of domestic violence. At the heart of the conversation is a question that continues to echo across social media and news outlets: "Why did she stay?"Through the lens of advocacy and lived experience, Sara and Shannon shed light on the complexities that survivors face—barriers that are emotional, financial, societal, and deeply personal. They also explore how celebrity cases like this one influence public perception, often perpetuating harmful myths while also opening doors for deeper conversations.Whether you're a survivor, ally, or someone seeking to better understand domestic violence, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a clear call to shift the narrative from victim-blaming to survivor-centered understanding.Topics Covered:The dynamics of power and control in abusive relationshipsWhy survivors may stay with their abuserThe role of fame, power, and public perception in high-profile abuse casesHow we can all do better in supporting survivors and reshaping the conversationTrigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence and sexual assault, including references to graphic details related to the Diddy/Cassie case. Listener discretion is advised.Resources & Support: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is here to help. Reach out to our 24/7 confidential hotline at 304-529-2382 or visit www.branchesdvs.org for information, support, and services in your area.  If you would like to speak to an advocate about sexual assault, please reach out to our sister program, Contact Rape Crisis Center at (866) 399-7273.

In this episode, we're joined by Sara Blevins O'Toole, advocate, and Amber Ross Chapman, Director of Client Services at Branches, to demystify what happens when someone calls our 24/7 emergency hotline. We walk through the types of questions that may be asked, the purpose behind them, and most importantly, what callers can expect in terms of safety, confidentiality, and compassionate support.Whether you're calling for yourself or someone you care about, this episode offers insight into the calm, human-centered approach our advocates take to ensure every caller feels heard, safe, and supported.For more information, visit our blog: What to Expect When You Call the Branches Hotline

On the latest episode of Root for Each Other, Director of Development Sara Blevins O'Toole speaks with three of our volunteers about their reasons for giving to the cause and what their experience supporting survivors has given them. Join our Board President Kara Hornbuckle, intern Hayley Fadse, and shelter/wellness/all-around survivor cheerleader Michelle Blake as they share how volunteering has cultivated a "kinder conversation" around domestic violence in their community.Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

On this episode of Root for Each Other, Director of Development Sara Blevins O'Toole speaks with three of our volunteers about their reasons for giving to the cause and what their experience supporting survivors has given them. Join our Board President Kara Hornbuckle, intern Hayley Fadse, and shelter/wellness/all-around survivor cheerleader Michelle Blake as they share how volunteering has cultivated a "kinder conversation" around domestic violence in their community. Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

This month, we're welcoming Laurel Thornton, (MA, LPC, ALPS, EMDR CERTIFIED), back to the pod to discuss the implications of Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Situations. Laurel joined us last year to talk about Neurodiversity and Trauma, and we love the way she conceptualizes the possibilities for innovation and trauma-informed practice in brain health. Listen along as we talk about how to identify and address TBIs in the people we serve and how to better our community response to DV with education and intervention. Laurel is a Neuropsychotherapist, Owner of Whole Brain Solutions, and Co-Founder of the Whole Brain Institute. You can learn more about her work at wholebrainsolutionswv.com. We're particularly excited about Whole Brain Institute's new podcast, The Why We Are, and hope you check out their first episode streaming live now. Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

In our newest podcast episode, Amber and Sara recount their recent launch of a curriculum dedicated to engaging young athletes. We'll talk about dating violence prevention, why athletes, and digital abuse in modern relationships. If you are interested in hosting a training for a community group, check out our menu of topics at branchesdvs.org/trainings and email Sara at blevins@branchesdvs.org.Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

This January, we're highlighting Human Trafficking Awareness Month with our dear friend and colleague, Stefani Keys, the Human Trafficking and Housing Coordinator from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. We're talking about the difference between direct and indirect services, the importance of domestic violence interventions investing in trafficking, and where Stefani's expertise sees the future of the movement in West Virginia. Join us as we go out and Root for Each Other!Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

It can be incredibly difficult to love and support a family member or friend who is actively experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, and the abusive party's control often involves isolating a support network. On this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon continue on a topic from our 2022 episode, "Stay Connected: What to Do If Your Friend or Family Member Is In an Abusive Relationship," to talk about secondary trauma, the ripple effect of control tactics, and emotional safety planning to help yourself help your loved one. Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

This episode of Root for Each Other was recorded LIVE from our Pick Your Potion: Avoiding Toxicity and the Alchemy of Healthy Relationships event from earlier this Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Listen to experts Dr. Wendy Perkins of MU's Criminal Justice department, Jaxson Miller, Counselor in Residence at MU, and Sara Blevins O'Toole, Director of Development at Branches as they discuss how "toxic relationships" aren't just a hot topic. They explore the realities of how understanding healthy relationship patterns can make you and your community safer and take questions from the audience about how to best cultivate positive behaviors for yourself and your partner. Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

Our special guests, Ashley & Mandee, owners of Booktenders, a local bookstore in downtown Barboursville, join Branches advocates to discuss the incredible story that unfolds in Barbara Kingsolver's Pultizer Prize winning novel, Demon Copperhead.  Ahead of a very special visit from the author, our friends at Booktenders sat down to discuss how Demon Copperhead explores a variety of societal ills, including the impact of domestic violence on children and families.  If you're a fan of Barbara Kingsolver and her incredible work in this field--you won't want to miss this very special episode.  Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

Join us as we interview our friend, Laurel Thornton (MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR-C, ALPS), owner of Whole Brain Solutions & The Whole Brain Institute to explore the intersection of domestic violence trauma and neurodivergence. Laurel brings powerful insight to the issue, with her discussion of best practices for working with survivors with all kinds of brains.   

This very special episode is a celebration of the incredible work that is being done at the state level to alleviate barriers for LGBTQ+ and BiPOC survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.  For the first time in history, through the efforts of the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence and a cohort of concerned advocates across the state, the formation and newly appointed 501c3 status of Shoulder to Shoulder solidified a program that is designed to work toward a more inclusive, safer state for survivors.  Join us as we sit down and have a conversation with Kenyatta Grant and Sara Fincham, our brand new co-directors, to get an inside look at how it all began--and most importantly, where we are going from here!  

Join us for this unique episode of Root for Each Other that amplifies the voices of some of the incredible women of color that have inspired, educated, and led us as we navigate the difficult work of advocacy.  This episode is a kick-off for work to come--so join us in July for an in-depth look at WV's first ever culturally specific program, Shoulder to Shoulder!  

Join us for this incredible benchmark in Root For Each Other history,  our first ever live recording, from the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence Shelter's 2024 Advocate Retreat  This special episode takes the opportunity to check in with three advocates across the state, Katie Spriggs, Executive Director of the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center,  Ashley Carpenter, Executive Director of Sexual Assault Help Center, Inc and Sara Blevins O'Toole, Director of Development, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter on the way that advocacy movement has changed and been shaped over time. 

Domestic Violence prevention can sometimes seem like a far-fetched concept, no matter how much we dream of a world without violence. How do we eradicate a crime that is often unacknowledged, generational, and perpetrated behind closed doors? The answer is to be very creative and exceptionally smart, so we contacted one of the most brilliant and innovative advocates we know, Jessica Bender, of the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to talk about the future of DV prevention in West Virginia.Join us as we discuss the challenges and reward of prevention work and learn more about the Coalition's new project NVR in WV. For more info on the project, you can reach Jessica at jbender@wvcadv.org.  Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate.

Legislative session is in full swing here in the Mountain State, and we are honored this month to bring you the story of Celena Roby Henry in celebration of her story of survival and the positive change she made for survivors in West Virginia. Public policy can often be confusing or even disheartening, and it can be daunting for both survivors and advocates to try and communicate needs to lawmakers. Join us as we talk to Celena about her journey of empowerment and what she sees as emerging needs for people experiencing domestic violence in our communities. Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate. 

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and, while we've talked about the evolution of this kind of victimization before, we had yet to delve into the specifics of how advocacy programs serve survivors of trafficking. Join us as we chat with friend and colleague, Katie Spriggs Brown, Executive Director of sister program, Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center. 

Domestic Violence services are not often thought of in the realm of "homeless service providers," but it's actually one of the most important things we do, given fleeing abuse is federally-recognized as a leading cause for people to experience homelessness. In this episode, we're highlighting our place within the local homeless service collaborative, The Cabell-Wayne Continuum of Care, as we speak with Brittany Ochoa, the Executive Director of Harmony House and the C-W CoC. Join us as we talk barriers to services, the Housing First model, and how our work together strengthens the community.For more information on the Cabell-Wayne CoC, check out the website and follow the Continuum on Facebook!To reach Brittany, you can call (304)523-2764, ext. 101, or email her at Brittany.Ochoa@harmonyhousewv.comYou can learn more about the Housing First model in our previous episode, "Safe Housing for Survivors." Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate. 

It's officially spooky season! Here at Branches, we're united in our love for Halloween but somewhat divided on how spooky culture makes us feel. For some, it's a wondrous, magical time of our favorite decorations and nostalgic movies, while, for others, it can be just one more way the world seems scary. What do you think?Join us for a conversation about how to prioritize self-care during spooky season, whether that's diving head first into the holiday or changing up your emotional safety plan for yourself and the survivors in your life. Available wherever you stream your podcasts or at branchesdvs.org/podcasts.Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate. 

On a new episode of Root for Each Other, our advocates Sara and Emily are discussing the recent sentencing of convicted rapist, Danny Masterson, and the implications of both character reference letters of support submitted by famous friends of the actor and the powerful Victim Impact Statement read by his former partner at sentencing. As always, this is a difficult topic, so please take care of yourself as you listen and know that you can reach us for support 24/7 at 304.529.2382 and our local partner sexual assault agency, CONTACT Rape Crisis Center at 866.399.7273.Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to. victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Wayne, Mason, Lincoln, and Putnam counties in West Virginia. Let's Be Friends! On FacebookOn InstagramSign up for our NewsletterOr Donate. 

Join us for a look back at our Summertime Advocate Roundtable about BOUNDARIES: What are they? Are they always healthy? Are they a mass conspiracy created by the Wellness Industrial Complex...? Seriously, though, promoting healthy relationships is what we do best, besides, perhaps, having opinions. Check out our opinions on this topic and more on this episode of Root for Each Other: A Branches Podcast.

Welcome back listeners! We're so honored to have our friend and colleague, Ripley Varela from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence joining us for this episode to talk about the complex needs of non-cisgender survivors.   We cover everything from unique barriers they can face, to how trans-erasure can leave domestic violence victims without resources and services. If you'd like to learn more about this topic, we're also offering a FREE virtual training coming up on June 28th at 10am, co-presented by Ripley and Branches advocate, Sara Blevins O'Toole.  Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gender-identity-domestic-violence-training-tickets-656153251037

There's nothing our advocates love more than getting to sit behind this mic and share powerful stories from advocates doing incredible work across the state. Don't miss our latest Root for Each Other episode, out later this week, featuring the incredible Ashley Williams from the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center. Ashley is both poignant and inspiring as she shares her experiences working with sexual assault victims and advocating for survivors of color.  We are so thankful for her taking the time to share with us, and the opportunity to share the episode with you!

In this episode, advocates, Shannon and Sara sit down with advocate, Christina Meade from Contact Rape Crisis Center to discuss the parallel between domestic violence services and sexual assault services.   In this episode, we found out that services can look very different---but still,  it is clear that the experience of trauma informs all of the work that we do.  

Advocates, Shannon & Sara, have an in depth conversation with the Cabell County Quick Response Team (QRT) about the intersections of domestic violence and substance use disorder. The QRT has been a revolutionary evidence-based strategyfor combatting substance use disorder in the Cabell County community--we take a few moments to talk about what really makes a difference in affecting healing and how our two fields overlap.This episode was partially prepared under a grant [21-VAW-011] from the Office for Violence Against Women OVW and JCS. Points of view or opinions expressed in this episode are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the State of West Virginia or of Justice & Community Services or OVW. 15JOVW-21-GG-00572-STOP

This very special episode talks about the real life experiences that led to the creation of Branches' newest training campaign, "Style It in Violet" which provides training for stylists and salon owners on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence as well as the services that are available if they do encounter someone experiencing it.  Advocates Emily & Sara talk about how a conversation with Oliva, a local soon-to-be stylist in our community came up with this idea to help every day folks advocate for victims of domestic violence.  

It's Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we're tackling a difficult but important subject, Familial Trafficking, and its relevance to life in Appalachia. Join us for a conversation with Angie Seay, Coordinator of the Hoops Family Children's Hospital Child Advocacy Center as she enlightens us on the diligent work her organization is doing to make a safer community for children. 

Just as our survivors have unique and transformative stories to share--so too, do our advocates. This special series highlights a personal moment with an advocate as we chat with them about why they do this sometimes difficult work. To kick off this series, we're taking a moment to catch up with our Director of Client Services, Amber!  Amber has served in many roles at Branches and has a strong advocacy approach that focuses on housing first, being trauma-informed, and survivor centered interventions.   Today, we'll chat about why these things are so important to remember when working with survivors.  Finally, the "Why" Series was created to bring to the light the complexity and beauty of the relationship between advocate and survivor and to intimately connect our listeners with the healing, reconstructive power of advocacy.  We hope you enjoy! 

It's November, and we want to pause in a moment of gratitude for the people we serve. In this episode, you'll hear stories from advocates across our programming and service area about the privilege of advocacy and how survivors have impacted their lives and work. We're honored to witness their strength and resilience, and we hope these stories are enlightening about the realities of so many of our neighbors who have experienced violence. 

This domestic violence awareness month, we're challenging our beloved state motto, "Montani Semper Liberi," as many mountaineers are not free even in their own home or relationships. For this episode, we're honored to be joined by Joyce Yedlosky, one of two Team Coordinators at the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to talk about bystander intervention, both what it means and its role in the community's responsibility to end domestic violence. 

Join our advocates, Sara, Darian, & Suzie as we discuss how domestic violence affects our favorite furry companions and also how pets can make a difference in the road to freedom from abuse for survivors.  

As advocates, the question we get the most is, "What can we do to help our friends or family members that are experiencing domestic violence?"  If you've ever asked yourself this question, we invite you to join advocates Shannon and Amber as they discuss strategies for support.  You won't want to miss this episode! 

Branches advocates Sara & Ally join Sara Fincham the leader of the WV State Chapter of Free Mom Hugs  to discuss how adult mentors can make all the difference for LGBTQ+ youth, especially those who have the lived experience of losing familial support and care.  

Have you seen Maid? What about the new season of Euphoria? What do you think about Kimye? Is it significant that Johnny Depp was friendly with Marilyn Manson?We're delving back into why portrayals of domestic violence matter to the public consciousness and how we think some of the recent discourse helps or hurts survivors. Dig in with us to learn what our advocates are thinking about some of the more recent chatter and streaming gems addressing domestic violence. 

Branches advocates Shannon, Amber, Emily, and Sara sit down to talk about the domestic violence elements of the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard defamation case that is rising to the top of all our media and social media  feeds the last few weeks. What does the case mean in the long term? What does it mean for survivors?  

Join advocates Sarah and Amber as they discuss the connection between self-care and emotional awareness through the empowering practice of yoga! This podcast explores the potential for survivors to connect with emotional healing and growth as they practice low-impact yoga or cultivate a meditative practice into their routine. . Bonus!  Amber walks us through a practical meditative sitting yoga practice suitable for busy schedules and every day use.   

Join Branches advocates Amber, Director of Client Services and Hannah, Rapid Rehousing Case Manager as they talk with Dr. Amanda Coleman on what safe housing for survivors looks like in our local community.  The intersection of the homeless experience and the domestic violence experience is a powerful factor in appropriate advocacy---this episode delves into the reason low barrier, victim centered  housing advocacy makes all the difference for domestic violence survivors.   

Join our Rapid Rehousing Case Manager, Ally Layman, as she talks about the upcoming United for Love event with one of the featured speakers, Dr. Sydnee McElroy. The first of its kind, the United for Love event will focus on promoting health and safety resources for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. 

Branches teams up on this episode with Dana Fleitman from the national organization, Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC) to discuss the importance of acknowledging the crime of stalking as its own victimization with its own red flags and potentially dangerous indicators.  Sometimes overlooked or misrepresented, stalking is a serious issue that affects victims every day of their lives. Join us as we discuss why it's more important than ever to understand the crime of stalking for exactly  what it is! 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and Branches advocates, Courtney Newsome, Youth Services Coordinator and Sara sat down with The Center--Youth Opportunity and Development Hub to discuss the intersections between teen dating violence and youth homelessness as well as green flags to look for to help make sure your relationships stay safe and healthy!  

In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month,  Branches advocates talk with survivor and She Who Dares founder, Angie Conn about the common misconceptions and types of victimization involved in human trafficking.  Angie is an educator, leader, advocate, yogi and thriver. She works as an independent consultant for SheWhoDares Consulting, LLC., which she founded in 2018, to empower other survivors to dare to step out and overcome their trauma.  Angie knows it's an honor to be present in sacred space with other survivors. Her vision is to continue creating sacred spaces so that survivors of sexual trauma can fully thrive. In 2021 she received her 200 R-YT certification and is working on a specialty certification becoming a Yoga Therapist, aiding others in their journey of healing complex trauma and shifting into post-traumatic growth. She collaborates and contracts with several agencies, nonprofits, and organizations across the country working on presentations, projects, and curriculums to better the mental wellness and physical health of survivors of trafficking, exploitation, and sexual trauma. In 2018, she was Awarded the ‘Special Courage Award' by the United States Attorney (Southern District) of West Virginia for being a ‘champion' for victims and survivors of human trafficking in her home state and nationally.

In this brand new Root for Each Other series, join advocate and social worker, Sarah Cunningham for episodes dedicated to self-compassion and healthy healing.  In this episode, Sarah discusses how we can turn common New Year's resolutions into meaningful goals that best serve our individual needs.   

In this episode, domestic violence advocates talk about volunteers and donors that have made a huge difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. If you've ever wondered what you could do to help, this episode talks about our favorite volunteerism ideas, as well as things we often need in the shelter that you might not think of! 

In another "Read for Each Other" installment of the podcast, Sara and Shannon talk with our editor, Josh, about Branches' most recent staff book club selection, What Happened to You?  by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey. It's a book about the effects of trauma on the human brain and how a collective mindfulness of trauma could solve chronic social issues, so obviously we're excited to dig in! Join us as we mix in a non-advocate perspective on the book and how awareness of the universal trauma experience is helpful for everyone, not just victim advocates. 

Join us for this episode when we take a look at what we mean when we say trauma-informed advocacy and how that relates to running and participating in a support group;.  If you've ever considered what it would be like to join a a support group but hesitated--this is a great episode for you!  Sarah talks us through what they look like, why they're effective, and most importantly, how they help survivors heal from domestic violence related trauma.   

We're here for the fourth and final installment in the Lorena series. Join us for the conclusion of our podcast series following 'Lorena' as we try to make sense of what this case meant to individual survivors and the movement to end domestic violence. WARNING: This documentary and the podcast conversation address scenes of assault and sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please watch and listen only in accordance with your comfort level and be mindful to take care of yourself. Our work to end domestic violence requires healthy conversation, but we understand participation in that conversation is not always healthy for everyone. Your healing comes first! 

We're back with episode 3 of Lorena as the trial winds to a close and unexpected witness testimony comes to light.  Lorena's intersectionality continues to frame her experience, and the social commentary about domestic violence continues to work against her. Join us to find out why Emily and Shannon wanna "blame it on the edit." WARNING: This documentary and the podcast conversation address scenes of assault and sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please watch and listen only in accordance with your comfort level and be mindful to take care of yourself. Our work to end domestic violence requires healthy conversation, but we understand participation in that conversation is not always healthy for everyone. Your healing comes first! 

It's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we're paying homage to the brave pioneers on whose shoulders we stand. Join us as we talk to a pillar of the anti-violence movement in West Virginia, Sue Julian, about the origins of domestic violence programming and how anti-oppression work was built into its foundation. 

Emily and Shannon are downloading from episode 2 of the docuseries Lorena and continue to explore the historical significance of this case. Tune in as Shannon promises this will be the last time she does her ridiculous Foghorn Leghorn prosecutor impression. WARNING: This documentary and the podcast conversation address scenes of assault and sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please watch and listen only in accordance with your comfort level and be mindful to take care of yourself. Our work to end domestic violence requires healthy conversation, but we understand participation in that conversation is not always healthy for everyone. Your healing comes first! 

Emily and Shannon are back talking true crime as they watch episode 1 of the docuseries Lorena. Join them as they explore the eccentricities of this case and how the media coverage surrounding it influenced the movement in America. WARNING: This documentary and the podcast conversation address scenes of assault and sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please watch and listen only in accordance with your comfort level and be mindful to take care of yourself. Our work to end domestic violence requires healthy conversation, but we understand participation in that conversation is not always healthy for everyone. Your healing comes first!