She Is Your Neighbour

Marlene Ham is the Executive Director of Ontario Association of Interval and Transitional Houses. In this episode, we talk with Marlene about the discourse around femicide, femicide rates in Ontario and how we can prevent more deaths from happening in the future. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

As a survivor of domestic violence, Sofia saw a need for more peer-support services in Waterloo Region to prevent domestic violence tragedies. In this episode, Sofia explains how her stay in Women's Crisis Services' emergency shelter led her to explore the support services available in the region. She shares how her personal experience with abuse inspired her to co-found VoicesWR, a peer-support group for survivors of intimate partner violence, which she currently co-chairs.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Sarah Robertson is a child welfare worker and survivor of domestic violence. When her relationship ended and a tragedy occurred, Sarah used her knowledge of child welfare to protect her family. In this episode, we learn how Sarah was able to move forward with her children and build a new life free from abuse. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Myrna Dawson is known as one of the most prominent femicide researchers in Canada, who co-founded the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee in 2002. In this episode, we talk about the definition of femicide, collateral victims, and groups that have been disproportionately impacted by abuse. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

In early 2020, Jennifer Kagan-Viater's daughter, Keira, was believed to be killed by her father in a murder-suicide as an act of revenge. In this episode, Jennifer shares a mother's perspective on child loss relating to domestic violence. She talks about love-bombing, coercive control and explains how she is using Keira's story to create change in the family court system. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

The loss of Fallon's mother and father shaped who she was from a very young age. The subsequent death of her brother further impacted her and contributed to the survivor's guilt she experienced. In this episode, we talk to Fallon about her tragic family experience with femicide, her life as a Métis woman and advocate, and learn how she has used her story to help others heal from violence. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Alpha Nkuranga is a Residential Support Worker at Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. In this episode, Alpha talks about experiencing with domestic violence as a child and the violence she endured while living in a Tanzanian refugee camp during the Rwandan genocide. We talk about the journey to her new life in Canada, her upcoming book, and the different support services that Women's Crisis Services provides to women. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Sarah Tieleman is an entrepreneur and a member of Women's Crisis Services' Board of Directors. In this episode, Sarah opens up about her journey as a teen mom experiencing domestic violence. She explains how she stayed at Anselma House in Kitchener and how her journey came full circle 20 years later, when she became a board member of Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.  Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Samra Zafar is a best-selling author, motivational speaker and mental health advocate. In 2019, Samra released her book “A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose”.  In this episode, Samra shares her experience with domestic violence. She talks about the importance of having cultural support from your community and explains why she chose to write her book, A Good Wife.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Carlos Morgan is a Canadian Rhythm and Blues singer. He won a juno award in 1997 for his R&B - Soul album called “Feeling Alright”. In this episode, Carlos talks about experiencing domestic violence as a child and the impact this had on his life and future relationships. He also explains about how his music has been an outlet for him to heal from trauma.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Cheryl Haskett is an entrepreneur, who runs her goat milk ice cream company, Udderly Ridiculous, from her family's farm in Bright, Ontario. In this episode, Cheryl talks about her previous abusive marriage and how this led her to stay in a women's shelter in Barrie, Ontario with her two young children. We talk about the services that she was able to access while in shelter and how she uses her business, Udderly Ridiculous, to give back to organizations that support women.    Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

Anna Maria Tremonti is a Canadian journalist who is well known for her hard-hitting work with CBC. In the winter of 2022, Anna Maria opened up about her experience with domestic violence, a secret she had been keeping for 40 years. In this episode, Anna Maria shares her experience dealing with the long tail of domestic violence. She talks about the shame that survivors feel and explains why she chose to share her story on her podcast, Welcome to Paradise.    Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR.

In 2011, Raven Lacerte went on a hunting trip with her father near the infamous Highway of Tears, a section of highway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, BC, where many Indigenous women have gone missing or been murdered. Little did they know this trip would mark the beginning of the Moose Hide Campaign – a grassroots movement focused on ending violence against Indigenous women and children. In this episode, Raven Lacerte and David Stevenson explain what the Moose Hide Campaign is all about and how it has evolved over the years. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Michael Parkinson, who works for the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, is an expert on addiction and substance use. In this episode, Michael talks about the connection between addiction and domestic violence, how drugs can be a coping mechanism for survivors, and what we can do to support women in these situations.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR.

The vast majority of women in prison are survivors of sexual abuse and interpersonal violence. In this episode, we hear from PH.D. candidate, Jessica Hutchison, whose research focuses on the use of strip-searching in women's prisons. Jessica discusses some of the reasons why survivors of domestic violence go to prison and how their prison experience can cause them to re-live their trauma.  Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com. 

Stewart Reynolds has made a name for himself online as Brittlestar, the internet's favourite dad. In 2020, he started the Christmas Wish Tree to provide gifts to women and children living in shelters and second stage housing. In this episode, he talks about this initiative and shares how small gestures can make a big difference to those experiencing domestic violence. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR.

Kimberlee Walker is a social worker, actor and a founding member of Theatre of The Beat, a theatre company that works to start conversations around a variety of social issues. In this episode, Kimberlee talks about her experience creating Unmute, a forum theatre production that challenges the way we recognize and respond to instances of domestic violence.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com

Elizabeth Renzetti is a Globe and Mail columnist and feature writer who has covered domestic violence stories for many years. In this episode, Elizabeth speaks about her experience reporting on this taboo subject. She also discusses trauma-informed reporting and how the media can give a voice to survivors of domestic violence. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Dr. Peter Jaffe is one of Canada's top researchers on domestic homicides, serving as a member and co-founder of the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. In this episode, Dr. Jaffe talks about the process of reviewing domestic homicides and explains how we can use these findings to prevent future tragedies.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com. 

Ryan Wicklum's aunt is one of his favourite people – she is also a survivor of domestic violence. In this episode, Ryan reflects on his childhood, sharing what it was like to learn details of his aunt's previous relationship. He also explains how she overcame the experience and how he uses this information to support women in the workplace. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Traumatic brain injury survivor and researcher, Lin Haag is committed to understanding the connection between intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injury. In this episode, Lin explains how common traumatic brain injuries are for women experiencing domestic violence. She shares shocking statistics, discussing how these injuries can impact a woman's ability to leave, and offers hope to those who may be in this situation. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

At the age of thirteen, Serena Lalani entered a dating relationship, not knowing it would become abusive. Six years later, when she was finally able to leave the relationship, she shared her experience with the world. In this episode, Serena explains what unfolded after she shared her story. Joined by her friend Jenny Jay, together, they share their perspectives on how domestic violence impacts South Asian communities, discussing relationship norms, expectations, and more. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Together, we explore the realities and complexities of domestic violence 

November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario and for this special episode we are joined by Jill Dunlop, the Associate Minister of Children and Women's Issues. In this episode, the Minister talks about how domestic violence is impacting Ontario women and children and explains what role the government plays when it comes to domestic violence. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Loren is the Vice President and General Manager of Shopify. In this episode, he opens up about his childhood experience with domestic violence. He also talks about the importance of male allies and explains what men can do to help. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Ashleigh is a rural innovator and community capacity builder, currently pursuing her PhD in Rural Studies at the University of Guelph. In this episode, she talks about the many ways the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women. She discusses the economic and social challenges and explains how these challenges are amplified for women living rurally. Ashleigh also talks about the various care roles that women have taken on and the importance of having feminist leaders. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

For more than 20 years, Kieran Duby has worked as a Children's Services Worker at Family and Children's Services of Guelph and Wellington County. In this episode, he talks about the challenges that transgender youth face when seeking support for domestic violence. Kieran also shares his perspective as a trans man and explains why it's so important for young people to have positive LGBTQ2S+ role models. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Director of the Indigenous Student Centre at the University of Waterloo, Lori Campbell is a child of the Sixties Scoop and an intergenerational survivor of the residential school system in Canada. In this episode, Lori speaks about violence against Indigenous women and girls, while opening up about her childhood and sharing her personal experience as a Two-Spirit woman and a survivor of domestic violence. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Dave Morneau was a family lawyer for more than 20 years before becoming the Executive Director of a non-profit organization that supports children who have experienced or witnessed abuse and crime. In this episode, he explains what forms of domestic violence are recognized by law, reflects on his experience working in the field, and shares his perspective on how we can work together to create a more holistic system. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

In this episode, trauma consultant and registered psychotherapist, Nicole Brown Faulknor talks about intergenerational trauma, how domestic violence impacts Black women and much more. She opens up about her personal experience with domestic violence and speaks to the importance of believing women. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Chris Linklater's passion to help others started at a young age and led him to become a firefighter for the City of Kitchener. In this episode, Chris breaks his silence and speaks candidly about witnessing his mother's abuse as a young boy and describes what it was like to stay in a women's shelter. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.

Emily O'Brien's life changed dramatically when her boyfriend invited her to take a trip down south. Listen to her remarkable journey from a drug-smuggling convict to popcorn entrepreneur and founder of Comeback Snacks. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.  

Former mayor of Waterloo, Brenda Halloran, shares her experience with domestic violence and offers words of encouragement to those who may be suffering in silence. Listen in to learn how the She Is Your Neighbour project began and what you can expect from this series. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more at www.sheisyourneighbour.com.