We Are The Evidence: Finding Your Way After Sexual Violence
Sexual violence leaves survivors searching for answers, often without a roadmap for what comes next. Cheyenne Wilson knows this firsthand. After her own assault, she desperately sought comprehensive guidance but found only fragmented resources. This experience sparked her creation of "We Are the Evidence: A Handbook for Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault" – the resource she wished had existed during her darkest moments.The stark statistics are sobering. Nearly one in four women experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime, with rates even higher among women of color and Indigenous communities. When survivors don't have clear information about definitions, resources, and options, confusion compounds trauma. Wilson's groundbreaking handbook addresses this critical need, offering clarity on everything from terminology to evidence collection to navigating the justice system.Throughout our conversation, Wilson illuminates the power of language in a survivor's healing journey. Many people struggle with questions like "I didn't say no, was it still rape?" or "I didn't fight back, was it still assault?" By addressing these questions head-on and dispelling common myths, she empowers survivors to name their experiences. The handbook also distinguishes between community advocates (who provide confidential support) and victim witness advocates (who work with prosecution) – a crucial distinction many survivors don't understand.What truly sets "We Are the Evidence" apart is its trauma-informed approach. The book incorporates mindful check-ins, diverse survivor perspectives, and acknowledgment that each healing journey looks different. Wilson emphasizes that survivors have choices at every step – from evidence collection to reporting to exploring alternatives like restorative justice. Most importantly, she reminds us that healing isn't linear and there's no single "right way" to recover from sexual violence.Whether you're a survivor seeking guidance, a loved one wanting to provide support, or someone working in advocacy or law enforcement, this resource offers invaluable insights into the complex aftermath of sexual violence.
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Healing Heroes: Dr. T's Holistic Approach to First Responder Wellness
What happens when those who save others need saving themselves? Behind the badge, helmet, or uniform lies a harsh reality few civilians understand: our first responders are suffering in silence.Dr. Heather Twedell (Dr. T), forensic psychologist and founder of F1RST, pulls back the curtain on the devastating toll that repeated trauma takes on police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers. With a brother and father in law enforcement, she combines professional expertise with personal understanding to revolutionize how we approach first responder wellness.The statistics are alarming—first responders experience significantly higher rates of suicide, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and divorce than the general population. But Dr. T explains why this happens through a fascinating exploration of how trauma physically changes the brain and body. That smell at a restaurant that suddenly triggers a police officer's fight-or-flight response? That's the brain's danger-detection system at work, months after a traumatic call.Most compelling is Dr. T's innovative approach to healing. F1RST brings together therapists, nutritionists, physical therapists, and even horses to build resilience in our community protectors. The equine therapy program provides immediate feedback on emotional regulation that many participants say brings more awareness than years of traditional therapy.Perhaps most powerful is Dr. T's insight into how first responder trauma affects entire families through "nervous system synchronization"—where a spouse or child unconsciously absorbs the stress and anxiety the first responder brings home. By including families in the healing process, F1RST addresses the ripple effects of trauma that conventional programs miss.Want to support the first responders in your life or community? Listen now to understand what they're experiencing and discover practical ways to help those who've dedicated their lives to helping others.
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When "I'm Fine" Isn't Fine: Recognizing the Hidden Signs of Abuse
What does safety really mean when you're trapped in an abusive relationship? For forty years, Genesis Women's Shelter & Support has been answering this question through action, evolving from a seven-room emergency shelter into a comprehensive support system that recognizes both physical and emotional dimensions of safety.In this revealing conversation, Genesis CEO Jan Langbein and Chief Residential Officer Jordyn Lawson take us through the history of domestic violence services in America—a journey that began long before shelter doors opened, tracing back to women's suffrage and the fight against laws that once permitted husbands to beat their wives legally. They share how Genesis has continuously adapted to meet survivor needs, from adding transitional housing to legal services to innovative occupational therapy for traumatized children.The most dangerous misconception about domestic violence? That victims are safe once they leave. In reality, 75% of women murdered by partners are killed after separation. This stark reality explains why "just leaving" isn't simple, especially when abusers use isolation, financial control, and threats as weapons. Lawson expertly dismantles our understanding of abuse, explaining how controlling behaviors combined with any physical aggression represent the highest risk for homicide, while strangulation increases murder risk elevenfold.Perhaps most importantly, Langbein and Lawson offer practical guidance for everyone who suspects someone might be suffering. "Trust your gut," they urge, explaining that even when victims deny abuse initially, simply knowing someone cares enough to ask can become a lifeline. Whether you're concerned about someone you know or working in a position to help survivors, this episode provides the knowledge to recognize warning signs that media sensationalism often obscures.Ready to be part of the solution? Genesis offers 24/7 support at 214-946-HELP. Because as this episode reminds us: abuse won't stop until abusers stop abusing—but we can all help create pathways to safety.
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When Your Boyfriend is an Algorithm: The Dark Side of AI Companions
The digital world has created a dangerous new frontier for abuse that goes far beyond basic stalking or harassment. AI technology now enables perpetrators to manufacture entirely false realities, trapping victims in a matrix of manipulation where even their own experiences can be called into question.Sloan Thompson and Dr. Saed Hill from End Technology-Enabled Abuse (ENDTab) join us to explore how AI applications have evolved from productivity tools into weapons of control and vehicles for deeply problematic relationship dynamics. The statistics they share are alarming: over 1 billion chatbot downloads worldwide in less than two years, with millions of users forming emotional and sexual relationships with AI companions programmed to validate their every desire.The conversation reveals how these technologies exploit fundamental human needs for connection while reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes. AI boyfriends marketed to young women and girls feature characters that are jealous, possessive, and manipulative—with one popular "abusive boyfriend" character accumulating over 64 million interactions. Meanwhile, AI girlfriend apps targeting men promise partners who "never fight back" and always validate, creating unrealistic expectations that real relationships can never satisfy.Most disturbing are the concrete ways abusers can weaponize AI: generating deepfake sexual content, fabricating false evidence for legal proceedings, creating convincing impersonations of real people, and accessing victims' private AI interactions to gather sensitive information. These tools don't just enable traditional forms of abuse—they fundamentally alter how abuse operates by attacking the victim's perception of reality itself.The experts emphasize that while technology evolves rapidly, the underlying patterns of abuse remain consistent. Our challenge is to develop prevention frameworks that address both the technological innovations and the human vulnerabilities they exploit.
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What You Need to Know About Domestic Violence and Brain Trauma
Discover the connections between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury in this eye-opening episode. Our guest, Dr. María Garay-Serratos , a leading expert in domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, shares her powerful personal story and professional insights. Dr. Garay-Serratos reveals the often overlooked traumatic brain injuries resulting from violence in the home, advocating for better recognition, screening, and treatment of these issues within healthcare systems. Our discussion will unravel the shocking truths behind the silent epidemic of domestic violence, the overwhelming statistics regarding reported crimes, and the long-term health implications for survivors. Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the urgency surrounding this topic and hear firsthand stories that highlight the necessity of systemic change. Join us in imparting hope, healing, and awareness as we explore the resources available for those affected by domestic violence and advocate for a future where everyone's health and safety are prioritized.
The Conference on Crimes Against Women (CCAW) is thrilled the announce the Podcast on Crimes Against Women (PCAW). Continuing with our fourth season, the PCAW releases new episodes every Monday. The PCAW serves as an extension of the information and topics presented at the annual Conference, providing in-depth dialogue, fresh perspectives, and relevant updates by experts in the fields of victim advocacy, criminal justice, medicine, and more. This podcast’s format hopes to create a space for topical conversations aimed to engage and educate community members on the issue of violence against women, how it impacts our daily lives, and how we can work together to create lasting cultural and systemic change.
Österreich