Podcast on Crimes Against Women

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a New York Times bestselling author and the world's foremost expert on narcissism, joins us for an eye opening and candid conversation about narcissism and how to heal from the trauma it causes. Relying heavily on Dr. Ramani's latest book, "It's Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People," we peel away the layers of confusion for victims ensnared by charismatic abusers, illuminate the societal shadows where these predators lurk, and chart a course for survivors toward understanding and healing. The episode also clarifies what it means to experience gaslighting, the distinctions between everyday narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and provides a compass for distinguishing between these complex behaviors and their profound effects on intimate relationships. Together, we underscore the power of radical acceptance in the healing process and advocate for the strength found in community and survivorship. This empowering dialogue will not only educate but also extend a lifeline to those seeking clarity and solid ground.

Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, joins us for an urgent discussion about the far-reaching effects of domestic and sexual abuse that threatens not only individuals but also the fabric of society itself. Our conversation traverses the vast landscape of public health, from the quality of the air we breathe to the unseen threats like domestic violence that lurk in the shadows. Dr. Benjamin's passion for making healthy choices accessible to all is a clarion call for change in the way we approach community safety and individual well-being. In this episode we dissect the critical role public health plays in our daily lives, especially amidst crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. With Dr. Benjamin's guidance, we navigate the day-to-day victories achieved through public health initiatives, from clean drinking water to safer roads and effective immunization campaigns. Likewise this episode peels back the layers of our health systems, revealing the intricate network that strives to maintain our collective well-being and the importance of collaboration across various sectors to tackle public health emergencies head on. Finally, we cast an unflinching eye on the unique challenges that underserved populations face when confronting domestic violence. Dr. Benjamin spotlights the American Public Health Association's dedication to inclusive health initiatives and their tireless efforts to prevent violence before it begins. Together, we explore the necessity of building trust and resilience within marginalized communities and the imperative to create a healthier, safer nation for every individual. This is a powerful call to action, urging us to recognize and respond to the public health crisis of domestic violence with the urgency and compassion it demands.

When the right to make decisions about one's body is wrestled away by an intimate partner, the shadows of domestic violence become even darker. Marium Durrani from the National Domestic Violence Hotline joins us to illuminate the often-overlooked issue of reproductive coercion and share the hotline's journey since its 1996 inception, including its response to over 6.8 million pleas for help. Amidst the complexities of this subtle abuse, we underscore the survivor's inherent right to self-determination, especially concerning their reproductive health, and the lifesaving importance of recognizing these manipulative tactics. Survivor stories are more than just tales; they are stark reminders of the reality many face when trapped in relationships marred by reproductive coercion. As we hear these personal accounts, we confront the chilling effects of this abuse—from forced pregnancies to the psychological warfare of threats and societal pressures to remain silent. We dissect the abusive mindset that views reproductive control as a weapon, and discuss strategies to empower and protect those caught in such daunting circumstances. Through the National Domestic Violence Hotline's user-friendly website and comprehensive services, we show that help is within reach for those facing domestic violence. Each story, each call for help, is a building block towards a future where violence and coercion have no place, and the hotline is at the forefront of this transformative mission.

Joining forces with Sergeant Michael Wilmore-Crumrine, we venture into the complex terrain of gender-based violence and the unique struggles within the LGBTQI+ community. With Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine's background in law enforcement and his drive for advocacy, our conversation peels back layers on the societal factors that fuel such violence, and how those most vulnerable are often unfairly blamed. His own path to policing, marked by a dedication to standing up to bullies and seeking justice, sets the stage as we explore the inception of the Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association in Austin, Texas, and its vital role in creating a more inclusive and secure environment for everyone. The heartbeat of this episode thrums with the theme of inclusivity, particularly within the echelons of law enforcement. We confront the reality of biases—be it homophobia or transphobia—that can erode the very foundation of trust communities have in their police force. Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine illuminates the intersectional challenges that compound the experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, especially when they intersect with other marginalized identities. He advocates for rigorous training and the establishment of national standards that promise equal protection and respect for each citizen, no matter their background. Capping off our enlightening discussion, we tackle the pivotal role of expert witnesses in LGBTQI+ cases, and how their expertise on trauma and victim behavior is indispensable in the courtroom. Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine shares a compelling narrative of a case involving a male serial rapist, highlighting the systemic obstacles faced by victims from marginalized groups.

As Detective Kelly Downey unravels the haunting narrative of "Christine," a woman ensnared by her spouse through her car's GPS, we confront the sobering reality of tech-enabled abuse. Our discussion with digital safety expert Adam Dodge ventures beyond physical violence to expose the psychological and technological warfare waged in abusive relationships. This episode strips bare the complexities of car stalking and the severe implications for victims' safety, questioning the accountability of car companies and the effectiveness of current legislation in protecting those at risk. Peeling back the layers of vehicle tracking apps, we reveal the unsettling truth about modern stalking tactics, where abusers exploit the very tools meant to provide convenience and security. Our conversation takes a critical look at the automotive industry's privacy practices, or lack thereof, and the obstacles law enforcement face when seeking cooperation from tech giants. We spotlight the bold steps necessary to safeguard personal privacy in an era where technology can be both an ally and an adversary. In response to the pervasive threat of digital harassment, we share innovative strategies and resources that offer victims a lifeline. Encrypted messaging and vigilant digital hygiene become shields against abusers, while legislative strides in phone number portability present a beacon of hope.

Confronting the shadows of abuse and the resilience of the human spirit, author Rachel Louise Snyder joins us for an unsettling yet vital conversation in our latest episode. With her raw and deeply personal memoir, "Women we Buried, Women we Burned," Rachel doesn't just recount her own experiences with abuse and addiction, but illuminates the pernicious societal structures that sustain violence against women and children. We traverse the often-misunderstood dynamics of familial abuse, the failures of legal and support systems to grasp the full picture, and the complexities involved in ending abuse without severing the ties that bind. The dialogue takes a turn into darker territories as we explore the devastating realm of child abuse within religious institutions and the tumultuous landscape of foster care, sharing insights from her own life-changing stint in Cambodia. These experiences unearth a profound understanding of abuse and trauma that transcends cultures and borders. As Rachel's narrative gains traction with the possibility of adaptation for a Netflix series, we underscore the increasing need for these critical stories to be shared and recognized in mainstream media, paving the way for change and awareness. Wrapping up the episode, we pause to acknowledge the healing power of books, and the beacon of hope they represent for those in the throes of overcoming abuse. The upcoming 2024 Conference on Crimes Against Women stands as a testament to this commitment, promising to shine a light on these issues and foster a community of support and understanding. Join us for this profound discussion, where stories of adversity are met with unyielding hope, and the conviction that conversations like these can truly make a difference.

The very streets of Dallas light up with a somber blue, a hue that's become the rallying cry against the night's darkest secret – human trafficking. It was a privilege to have Bianca Davis, CEO of New Friends, New Life, join us to unravel this crisis that casts shadows over our city. With January marking National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, our conversation wove through the brutal realities of the trade, the importance of vigilance, and the powerful legislative milestones that propel our fight forward. Faced with the chilling statistic of four hundred trafficked teen girls a night in Dallas alone, the magnitude of this issue is staggering. We dug into the subtle yet coercive tactics that traffickers use to ensnare victims, often exploiting the most vulnerable among us. Awareness is our strongest weapon, and this dialogue serves as an urgent call to action for all. It's not just about recognizing the signs; it's about understanding the hidden languages of control and manipulation that traffickers speak. And it's not only about the victims but also the demand that fuels this black-market industry. Engaging men in the conversation around sex trafficking, through innovative programs like the manKINDness Project, is pivotal in dismantling the societal constructs that allow such exploitation to thrive. In crafting a future free from these chains, we highlighted the vital partnerships between support networks like Genesis and New Friends New Life. Their collaborative efforts not only rescue survivors but also equip them with the tools to rebuild and thrive. Our episode is a clarion call – a plea for engagement and education in the digital age where predators lurk behind screens, targeting our youth. Together, we can turn awareness into action and transform the narrative of human trafficking.

Every January, we're reminded of the chilling reality of stalking and its devastating repercussions. This month, we echo the courage of Debbie Riddle, who transformed her grief into advocacy after the murder of her sister Peggy by a stalker. Together with Jennifer Landhuis from the Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC), we tackle the difficult nuances of stalking, from the subtle signs to the overt, with a critical eye on how law enforcement and the public acknowledge and respond to such danger. Their insights expose the gaps in our system and ignite a vital discussion on the need for consistent intervention against this crime. The narrative of Peggy's ordeal is both heartbreaking and a powerful catalyst for change. Debbie's relentless pursuit to raise stalking awareness has not only memorialized her sister but has also pioneered educational reforms. We reflect on the systemic failures that had dire consequences and highlight the importance of initiatives like Stalking Awareness Month. By examining Debbie's journey and Jennifer's expertise, the episode underlines the crucial role of education and the immediate need for law enforcement to develop a deeper understanding and more effective protocols when facing stalking cases. As we wrap up this intense episode, we underscore the importance of community response and SPARC's role in providing resources to better address stalking cases. We delve into the trainings offered to criminal justice agencies, the alarming prevalence of stalking, and the available support systems on college campuses. This session is not just a tribute to Peggy but a call to action for everyone to participate in the national day of action against stalking, to bring awareness and to restore a sense of safety for those affected.

Family courts have a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of families, particularly those experiencing domestic violence. However, numerous systemic failures and hidden truths in these courts have recently come under scrutiny. This episode with Joan Meier, a distinguished lawyer and clinical law professor, aims to shed light on these significant issues. Joan Meier has dedicated her career to rectifying injustices in civil cases, from contentious custody battles to protection orders. She has notably founded and worked with DV Leap, an organization instrumental in providing an essential lifeline to survivors of domestic violence. Despite their commendable efforts, considerable gaps in the legal system persist, emphasizing the urgent call for more resources to aid victims. One significant issue discussed in this episode is the impact of domestic violence on child custody cases. Our conversation is fueled by insights from an extensive study on the denial of family violence in court. Family law sends mixed messages, with a high occurrence of abuse in child custody cases and a formidable struggle faced by victims in court. It's alarming how family courts handle abuse allegations, often dismissing or undermining them. We also delve into the controversial subject of parental alienation. This theory, often misused to discredit mothers who allege abuse by their ex-partners, contributes to the gender bias present in family courts. The gender bias is not only reflected in the treatment of mothers expressing concerns about their children's safety but also in the significant emphasis on fathering, which can lead to harmful outcomes in custody cases. The episode concludes with a passionate advocacy for better representation for children in family court, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their voices., urging for improved training of court personnel, debunking alienation claims, and a more active role for appellate courts in protecting children from dangerous situations. This episode also underscores the urgent need for systemic change in the family court system, highlighting that the fight against domestic violence extends far beyond the household's walls. The information discussed in this episode is a sobering reminder of the struggles faced by survivors of domestic violence in the family court system. It underlines the urgent need for changes to better protect and serve those who are most vulnerable. As Joan Meier aptly points out, there's a pressing need for systemic change in family courts, and we must continue to push for this to protect survivors and their children. The fight for justice continues, and we hope this conversation will inspire action and bring about much-needed reform in the family court system.

In this episode we explore the intricate dynamics of family courts with Dr. Bandy Lee. Dr. Lee, an expert in violence hailing from Yale School of Medicine and Yale Law School, as well as the current president of the World Mental Health Coalition, delves into the tactics used by domestic violence offenders within the legal system and the profound consequences these actions have on family courts. Family courts, which are meant to be havens of justice and protection, can unfortunately turn into challenging battlegrounds for victims of domestic abuse. In many cases, abusive partners, predominantly fathers, exploit these systems to manipulate and distance their victims, typically mothers, from their children. This manipulation perpetuates a cycle of power and control that can have severe mental, emotional, and financial consequences. Dr. Lee's insights provide a sobering perspective on the unhealthy patterns that can emerge within these courtrooms. Our discussion doesn't end at the courtroom doors. We will also shed light on the often-overlooked issue of reunification camps and the questionable practices that occur within them. Through an in-depth exploration of the Catherine Kassenhoff case, we aim to uncover the underlying problems within these institutions. As we wrap up our conversation, we will explore potential solutions to rectify these injustices and offer a preview of Dr. Lee's forthcoming book on the family court crisis. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Have you ever paused to consider how your perception of Indigenous people is shaped by language and societal narratives? Our guest, Christina Love, challenges us to reevaluate these preconceptions as she candidly shares her journey. An Indigenous speaker, educator, survivor, and activist, Christina provides us with a raw account of her experiences with violence, addiction, and personal healing. Love's personal narrative paints a vivid picture of the high rates of violence and addiction within Native American communities. She breaks down alarming statistics and the tragic history that has led to high rates of substance use disorders and trauma in tribal communities. Her insights extend to societal failures to protect victims, often leading to further victimization. We also delve into the Not Invisible Act and the missing and murdered Indigenous women's movement, revealing an urgent need for change. As if her story isn't compelling enough, Love guides us to explore the body’s role in storing trauma, examining therapy, movement and reflection as catalysts for healing. There's emphasis on the significance of humor and parenting practices in surviving and revitalizing language. We also touch on the importance of organizations focusing on healing and the essential shift in thinking about addiction and recovery.

Join us for a transformative discussion with survivor Lt. Mark Wynn (retired) and film producers Kirsten Kelly and Andrew Schwertfeger as we talk about the new film, "This is Where I Learned Not to Sleep." Released in 2023, this documentary film explores Mark's journey after experiencing domestic violence as a child, as well as his commitment to transforming the law enforcement response to domestic violence. In our behind-the-scenes look at the documentary, we learn about the compelling reasons behind its creation and the process of returning to Mark's hometown in Texas. Mark's story, depicted in the film, serves as an inspiration to survivors of abuse, encouraging men to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence and addressing the necessity for victim-centered law enforcement leadership. With references to impacts from movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too, the conversation delves into issues of white male privilege and police reform as we emphasize the collective responsibility to end domestic violence, an issue that resonates in households across the world. Watch the film's trailer at https://www.thisiswherefilm.com/

Have you ever found yourself questioning the truth behind the words of a person accused of a crime? What if there was a tool that could potentially detect deception patterns and reflect the truth? In today's episode, we're thrilled to have the creator of such an instrument, Dr. Darrell Turner, who will enlighten us about the Analysis of Patterns of Denial (APOD), designed specifically to detect deception among those accused of sexual offenses. Dr. Turner isn't just teaching us about APOD in this episode, he's showing us its application in real and high-profile cases. We'll be delving into the infamous BBC interview of Prince Andrew and his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The conversation doesn't stop there; we also examine how APOD can be applied in different cultural contexts and languages, even in situations where English isn't the first language of the interviewee. Then, we journey into the past, revisiting some of the most notorious criminal cases in history, such as Casey Anthony and Ted Bundy. We discuss how APOD could help detect patterns of denial and deflection in these cases, potentially shedding new light on their attempts to mask the truth. But APOD isn't just about exposing the guilty - we'll also explore how it can be used to vindicate those falsely accused of serious crimes. So, join us and Dr. Turner as we unravel an intriguing web of denial and deception, and search for truth in criminal cases involving sexual offenses. We recommend listening to our previous conversation with Dr. Turner released on June 26, 2023 titled, "Analysis of Patterns of Denial: Evaluating the spectrum of denial to reveal sexual offenders", to learn how APOD was researched and developed.

In May 2023 the White House launched the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence to address the national concerns related to gender-based violence and provide a roadmap for the vision that "theUnited States will be a place where all people live free from gender-based violence in all aspects of their lives." On July 13, 2023, the Podcast on Crimes Against Women met with Rosie Hidalgo for an in-depth dialogue about this plan which she describes as "a pathway to safety." In this episode, Ms. Hidalgo provides a comprehensive overview of the plan including the 7 pillars of support and strategies for action developed through a gender-based violence lens. Rosie Hidalgo serves as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor on Gender-Based Violence at the White House Gender Policy Council. Rosie has worked in the movement to end gender-based violence for over thirty years as a public interest attorney and as a national policy advocate. Most recently she was the Senior Director of Public Policy for Esperanza United, a national resource center with a focus on providing training, research, and policy advocacy to prevent and end domestic violence and sexual assault and served on the Steering Committee of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. Rosie previously served as the Deputy Director for Policy at the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) at the U.S. Department of Justice during the Obama-Biden Administration and served on a detail to the Office of the Vice President, working with the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women. Rosie also served on the American Bar Association’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and New York University School of Law. The U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence can be found on the White House website, wh.gov.

Clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Darrel Turner spent 12 years developing a tool with the primary function to evaluate the truthfulness of denial in interviews with alleged sexual offenders. The result of his research is APOD, a scientifically sound instrument that aids investigators and clinicians in the Analysis of Patterns of Denial. Dr. Turner joins the conversation to discuss this new approach, how it works, and the key terms and patterns investigators can look for when determining the likelihood of a suspect's involvement in crimes of a sexual nature.

Genetic genealogy has the potential to solve up to 90% of crimes including cold cases that have gone unsolved for decades. We first witnessed the power of this technology in the case of the Golden State Killer (GSK) in 2020. But it's more than just a tool for identifying perpetrators: genetic genealogy transforms how - and how quickly - crimes can be solved, and it accelerates both justice and potential healing for survivors of those crimes. In this episode we explore the impact of genetic genealogy with survivors of GSK Gay Hardwick and Kris Pedretti, as well as retired Sacramento County D.A. Anne Marie Schubert who led the investigation of the GSK case, to understand how solving this cold case after more than 40 years of silence has transformed their lives and how it will potentially change the future for all. This episode includes a discussion about sexual violence and homicide. Gay Hardwick Advocate, Sexual Assault Survivor Gay Hardwick is a former Marketing Director for a Real Estate Development firm, a retired California Elementary School Teacher, and a survivor of the Golden State Killer. Ms. Hardwick has been an outspoken supporter of sexual assault survivors, both on social media, in televised interviews, and in the HBO documentary, I’ll be Gone in the Dark. She has participated in the Sacramento Victims’ Rights Coalition, and police department training in Elk Grove, California. Ms. Hardwick’s goals are to alleviate the silence and shame that victims of sexual assault take on as they move through the legal system or suffer in isolation as their cases remain unresolved. In conjunction with Kris Pedretti, her fellow survivor, Ms. Hardwick helps moderate the Facebook site, Sexual Assault Survivors, It’s Time to Tell Your Story. Kris Pedretti Survivor Advocate & Educator , Sexual Assault Survivors Kris Pedretti was 15 years old on December 18, 1976, when she became Victim #10 and was raped multiple times by the Golden State Killer. After refusing several requests to discuss her attack publicly, and undergoing much therapy, Ms. Pedretti found her voice with the positive support from friends and the community. She participated in television interviews and documentaries on the GSK stating that it was freeing for her to say out loud, “This happened to me.” Today, Ms. Pedretti has started a support group for sexual assault survivors, a private Facebook group titled “Sexual Assault Survivors: It is Time to Tell Your Story.” She also began hosting monthly gatherings for sexual assault survivors. Ms. Pedretti also speaks with groups and individuals to take away the stigma of sexual assault on victims. She believes deeply if we stand together, we can take back the control of our bodies and our lives. Anne Marie Schubert Strategic Advisor, Government Affairs, Verogen Anne Marie Schubert has over 32 years of law enforcement experience and is a nationally recognized expert in forensic DNA. She was elected District Attorney for Sacramento County, California in 2014 and served in this capacity until December 2022. Notably, in 2018, her office led the investigation and prosecution of Joseph DeAngelo, the “Golden State Killer using Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG). Since the arrest of DeAngelo, her team has used FIGG to identify the NorCal Rapist, unidentified human remains and partnered with the California Innocence Project to exonerate Ricky Davis after 15 years of wrongful conviction. Today, she is nationally recognized in her knowledge of forensic DNA and has trained law enforcement across the world on the use of Forensic investigative Genetic Genealogy (FiGG) to solve violent crime, exonerate the innocent and identify human remains.

We continue our conversation about the Tulane University School of Law Women's Prison Project to explore the work of jailhouse lawyers within women's prisons in the state of Louisiana. Hannah Groedel, the Emil Gumpert Access to Justice Legal Fellow at Tulane Law, leads the effort to educate and support jailhouse lawyers, also known as counsel subs. Ms. Groedel joins the conversation to provide an overview of the work, its challenges and the long road to justice that women experience when wrongfully incarcerated. This episode was recorded on location at the 2023 CCAW and discusses incarceration, gender-based violence, and discrimination.

The Women's Prison Project offers transformative no-cost legal representation for survivors of domestic violence who have been wrongfully incarcerated in the state of Louisiana. Co-director Becki Kondar, and supervising attorneys Carlotta Lepingwell and Stas Moroz join the conversation to discuss how domestic violence can impact a woman's chances for incarceration and how the project is working to change that. The Women's Prison Project was awarded the Ignite Award at the 2023 CCAW. The project is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Tulane’s Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice Clinics. The organization was honored for its work to support survivors charged or imprisoned after killing an abuser in self-defense or for having committed crimes under an abuser’s coercion or duress. This episode was recorded on location at the 2023 CCAW and discusses incarceration, gender-based violence, and discrimination.

Two-thirds of mass shootings in the U.S. are committed by perpetrators with a history of domestic violence. A recent report from the Office of Justice Programs’ National Criminal Justice Reference Service explores the connection between domestic violence and mass shootings offering both findings as well as opportunities for improving prevention and response. Jan Langbein and Jordyn Lawson of Genesis explore the highlights of the report, characteristics of these offenders, issues of entitlement and male privilege, and how Genesis responds to survivors of these experiences. This episode discusses mass shootings, gun violence, domestic violence, and suicide.

Research demonstrates that people who experience abuse have significantly higher risks for both mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The complex pattern of abuse that is coercive control increases these dangers for survivors especially when an abuser uses a mental health diagnosis or substance use against the victim. Taken a step further, when an abusive partner alleges substance use or mental health concerns against a survivor, the legal justice system will often revictimize the survivor leading to loss of child custody or other penalties and consequences. From a 2014 study conducted by the National Center on Domestic Violence we learn in-depth the dangers of these types of coercions such as treatment sabotage and emotional abuse. We take a deep dive with Gabriela Zapata-Alma of the National Center on Domestic Violence about how these types of coercion are inflicted, their consequences, the red flags that warn mental health and substance use coercions are happening, and how the use of a trauma lens by medical providers and the court system could better cultivate safety and effective solutions for domestic violence survivors. Gabriela Zapata-Alma, is a licensed clinical social worker, the Associate Director of the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, and a faculty member at the University of Chicago, where they direct the Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor Training Program within the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Ms. Zapata-Alma brings over 15 years of experience supporting people impacted by structural and interpersonal violence through innovative and evidence-based clinical, housing, resource advocacy, peer-led, harm reduction, and HIV-integrated care programs. As a person with lived experience of violence and trauma, Ms. Zapata-Alma centers survivor-driven solutions, non-pathologizing approaches, and intergenerational healing in the work. Currently, Ms. Zapata-Alma authors best practices, leads national capacity-building efforts, and provides trauma-informed policy consultation to advance health equity and social justice.