The Victim Assistant

S4:Ep2. What is trauma? How to heal? In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Andrea Mack, certified life coach and transformational speaker. We discuss her story of child sexual abuse, healing journey and how she helps others overcome adversity.Info in podcast: https://www.wellandgood.com/how-heal-from-trauma/Guest Andrea Mack- Andrea-Mack.comNational Suicide Prevention Hotline-988Crisis Hotlines-https://www.apa.org/topics/crisis-hotlinesTherapyRoute.com- international crisis hotlinesSupport for adult survivors-https://www.childwelfare.govTo work with me 1:1 coaching, read my blog, or visit my socials: https://linktr.ee/thevictimassistant

S3:Ep1 According to a recent FBI report, hate crimes, in the United States, rose to the highest levels in 12 years in 2020. In this episode, I will discuss hate crimes, the rise, reasons, prevention, and the state of our social and political climate that contributed to a surge in assaults on Black and Asian Americans in 2020. Articles: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/31/us-hate-crimes-2020-fbi-reporthttps://www.statista.com/topics/4178/hate-crimes-in-the-united-states/#topicHeader__wrapper https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/trayvon-martin-boy-movement-rcna17188https://www.vox.com/videos/2017/2/27/14738170/former-neo-nazi-dont-ignore-threat-of-white-extremism-piccioliniResource: https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimeshttps://nnedv.org/latest_update/8-everyday-ways-to-fight-racism/*If you like to work with me 1:1 with my Empowerment Coaching Program visit my website: https://va-s-empowerment-coaching.teachable.com/p/home

In this episode, I will discuss multiple solutions to help combat gun violence in America. Get ready for a strong discussion on creating a culture of safety. I will highlight sensible solutions, combating myths about guns and self-defense, and prevention strategies that work. Americans will see gun violence prevention through a public health perspective. Let's listen and learn. No more senseless suffering. Resources and Information used in this podcast: Everytown.org, preventioninstitute.org, Giffords Law Center https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/, Gunviolencearchive.org, The Gun Shop Project https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/means-matter/gun-shop-project/Articles: Quinnipiac Poll https://poll.qu.edu/Poll-Release-Legacy?releaseid=3639, https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/guns-crime/reports/2017/10/05/440373/myth-vs-fact-debunking-gun-lobbys-favorite-talking-points/

Crime victims have rights! In this episode, I am excited to share a valuable resource in the arena of victims' rights: National Crime Victim Law Institute. This non-profit fights for victims' rights through legal advocacy, training and public policy. I interview, Executive Director, Meg Garvin and we discuss the organization and how they can help crime victims with resources and support in the court system. https://law.lclark.edu/centers/national_crime_victim_law_institute/ Visit their social media: Twitter @NCVLIYouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/NCVLIFacebook https://www.facebook.com/ncvli/

In this special episode, I speak to Melanie Infinger, a mother, who is fighting for bail reform in Texas after her daughter's murderer is set free on a PR bond at no cost. Melanie shares her daughter's domestic violence relationship, the events leading to her death and her passionate fight to enact Caitlynne's Law. Listener discretion advised. To learn more about Caitlynne's story and how to support Caitlynne's Law visit http://caitlynneslaw.org. Additional resources: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/11/texas-bail-reform/ , womenslaw.org, National DV Hotline hotline.org 1800799SAFE, https://www.facebook.com/caitlynneslaw/

On this episode, we will explore the dangers and dynamics of cults and their leaders. Who joins a cult and why? Cult or Religion? Many times these cult leaders commit crimes that leads to victimization. We'll take a look at cult leader James Arthur Ray, featured on Oprah and The Secret, and "The Fatal Retreat" where three people died and many injured as a result of a spiritual exercise gone wrong. I hope that this episode can raise awareness. My sincere condolences to the families of the three people that died in this incident. Peace and Love to you. https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/4/5038930/the-death-dealer-james-arthur-sweat-lodge-deaths-in-sedona ;Mental Health Resource: https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/mental-health-resources; Crime Victim Resource: The VictimConnect Resource Center https://victimconnect.org/about-us/about-our-services/ 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) *This episode contains adult language.

Families of murder victims need long term advocacy and support. Through this episode, you will receive information and guidance on the benefits of grief support services and resources. For more information and a comprehensive list of support services visit https://www.verywellhealth.com/grief-loss-bereavement-support-groups-1132533 https://ovc.ojp.gov/topics/homicide-victims-co-survivorsGoodtherapy.org

Part two of the Child Sexual Abuse Series. Episode contains sensitive, adult material and language. In this episode, we take a look at the two controversial documentaries, Leaving Neverland and Surviving R. Kelly. In an effort to build a culture of acceptance for survivors and create change, its important to recognize and call out the red flags of abuse. Understanding the signs of abuse can help us determine the truth. An honest, transparent discussion of disclosures of sexual abuse. For more information, resources and support visit rainn.org . The article discussed in Podcast , 10 Undeniable Facts About The Michael Jackson Sexual-Abuse Allegations https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/03/10-undeniable-facts-about-the-michael-jackson-sexual-abuse-allegations

This is part one of a two part series. Episode contains sensitive material and adult language. April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. Every year there are over 3 million reports of child abuse and neglect. In this episode, you will learn the definition, warning signs, the profile of predators, reporting and prevention. It's important to recognize the signs of abuse and crimes against children. For more information and prevention material visit Crimes Against Children Resource Center www.unh.edu/ccrc or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Reporting material Childhelp 1-800-422-4453 Other helpful info used in podcast obtained from Stopitnow.org

This episode explores and disbands the myths surrounding sexual assault and rape culture and highlights the case of Chanel Miller, survivor of Sexual Assault. I will define rape culture and its role in creating a culture that is insensitive to survivors of rape and sexual assault. We will discuss consent, prevention, and intervention. Information in this episode is of sensitive nature. For more information on sexual assault visit RAINN.org or call hotline 800-656-HOPE for support. Information obtained for episode from RAINN, CDC.gov (STOPSV), National Sexual Violence Center, and Campussaveact.org. Visit cbsnews.com for full interview of Chanel Miller and her powerful victim impact statement.