Bonus Content

E3: Law Enforcement and Domestic Violence: A Collaborative Approach

Dep. Chief Maurice Holmes, Tallahassee Police Department

Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities.

In this episode, Deputy Chief Maurice Holmes of the Tallahassee Police Department says that throughout his career, he has seen more training to better equip officers for DV and child welfare–related responses. Today’s training recognizes DV is a complicated cycle of childhood trauma, mental illness, and patterns of harm.

While arrests rarely provide a full solution, Deputy Chief Holmes says achieving long-term success for families must include effective collaboration among community partners on interventions.

“We want to make a positive impact in children’s lives because they’re suffering trauma. We’re all working together. I just wish everyone had the mindset that we’re a team.” Dep. Chief Maurice Holmes

Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support.

For confidential help, contact:

National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)

📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788

💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org

Provides 24/7 confidential support, crisis intervention, and referrals.

https://www.thehotline.org/

https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh

https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)

Provides confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, which often overlaps with intimate partner violence. https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors

Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119

📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202

https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline

https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence

https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/

Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) – Domestic Violence Resources

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119

📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202

https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence

https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/

The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has a specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation.

Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU

Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare

http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare

Host: Dr. Lisa Magruder

Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

Domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities.

In this episode, Maria Folsom discusses her work as a victim advocate with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Ms. Folsom provides 24/7 support to survivors of all crimes. With 30 years of service as a victim advocate, she has experience teaching life skills to female inmates, helping others manage trauma, and supporting individuals with disabilities.

“I build rapport, and I do try to let them feel I’m on their side.” Maria Folsom

Leon County Victim Advocate Unit: https://www.leoncountyso.com/citizen-center/victim-information

Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support.

For confidential help, contact:

National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)

📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788

💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org

https://www.thehotline.org/

https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh

https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)

Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

📞 Phone: 1‑866‑331‑9474

📞 TTY: 1‑866‑331‑8453

Florida-Specific Domestic Violence Hotlines

Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119

📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202

https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline

https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence

https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/

Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) – Domestic Violence Resources

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119

📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202

DCF partners with certified shelters and programs statewide and helps locate services in your area.

https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence

https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/

The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation.

Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU

Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare

http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare

Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder

Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

Domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities.

In this episode, survivor and parent advocate Sharwline Nicholson shares her experience and advocacy work. A nationally recognized speaker, Nicholson offers invaluable insights into how systems can better support families affected by domestic violence and child welfare involvement.

“I am who I am. I speak authentically and this is my experience, and I'll share my experience.”

—Sharwline Nicholson

About Sharwline: https://iamnicholson.com/

Nicholson’s Four Factors for Judicial Consideration in Cases Involving Domestic Violence and Children: https://promising.futureswithoutviolence.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Nicholsons-Four-Factors-for-Judicial-Consideration-in-Cases-Involving-Domestic-Violence-and-Children.pdf

Florida’s Professionally Mandated Reporter Course by the Department of Children and Families (DCF): https://www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/PT/FlProMandatedReporter/story.html

Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support.

For confidential help, contact:

National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)

📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788

💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors

Florida-specific Domestic Violence Hotlines

Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119

📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202

https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline

https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence

https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/

Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) – Domestic Violence Resources

📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119

📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202

DCF partners with certified shelters and programs statewide and helps locate services in your area.

https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence

https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/

The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation.

Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU

Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare

http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare

Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder

Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

Content & Support Disclaimer: This episode features in-depth discussion of human trafficking involving children and young adults. While essential for awareness, some details may be distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In this episode, Lauren Herod speaks with three guests who lead efforts to prevent human trafficking and help victims of commercial sexual abuse in Florida.

Dr. Vicky Basra, Stephanie Burke, and Jennifer Brooks of the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, also known as “See the Girl,” discuss the need for more training among child welfare professionals on human trafficking. They explain how systemic gaps complicate prevention efforts and what policy changes are needed to make more progress on the problem.

Tune in to learn about their success stories with trafficking survivors, including a 13-year-old girl, and how the organization offers hope by leading with compassion, patience, and new practices backed by the latest research.

If you—or someone you know—needs help or wishes to report trafficking, here are 24/7 confidential resources:

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Phone: 1‑888‑373‑7888

Text: HELP → 233733 (“BEFREE”)

TTY (hearing impaired): 711

Email: [email protected]

Live Chat: via humantraffickinghotline.org

Child Abuse & Exploitation Specific Hotlines:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1‑800‑843‑5678 or report online at Cybertipline.org [youth.gov]

Florida-specific Support

Florida Abuse Hotline (for children/vulnerable adults): 1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873) [myflfamilies.com], [floridahealth.gov]

Florida Human Trafficking Reporting Line: 1‑855‑FLA‑SAFE (1‑855‑352‑7233) [djj.state.fl.us], [floridahealth.gov]

Office of Human Trafficking Intervention (FL Dept. Juvenile Justice): (850) 717‑2714 [djj.state.fl.us]

Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU

Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare

http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare

Host: Lauren Herod

Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

Content & Support Disclaimer: This episode features in-depth discussion of human trafficking involving children and young adults. While essential for awareness, some details may be distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In this episode, Dr. Joan Reid, professor of criminology at the University of South Florida and director of the USF Trafficking in Persons Research Lab, explains how her research is helping create solutions to prevent trafficking.

Her key goals include:

- Developing more effective ways to connect trafficking survivors to services.

- Supporting child welfare professionals’ efforts to help victims and survivors.

Dr. Reid has written more than 60 articles focused on child sex trafficking in Florida, including groundbreaking research documenting a disproportionate risk of exploitation in sex trafficking among children with disabilities. Her research has been used in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and state courts.

Tune in to learn how Dr. Reid’s research is influencing government policy and helping Florida to become a leader in data-driven policy targeting human trafficking.

Dr. Reid encourages child welfare professionals and anti-trafficking programs to contact the USF Trafficking in Persons Research Lab to learn how to better serve trafficking victims and survivors. Find resources here: https://www.usftiplab.org/resources/

If you—or someone you know—needs help or wishes to report trafficking, here are 24/7 confidential resources:

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Phone: 1‑888‑373‑7888

Text: HELP → 233733 (“BEFREE”)

TTY (hearing impaired): 711

Email: [email protected]

Live Chat: via humantraffickinghotline.org

Child Abuse & Exploitation Specific Hotlines:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1‑800‑843‑5678 or report online at Cybertipline.org [youth.gov]

Florida-specific Support

Florida Abuse Hotline (for children/vulnerable adults): 1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873) [myflfamilies.com], [floridahealth.gov]

Florida Human Trafficking Reporting Line: 1‑855‑FLA‑SAFE (1‑855‑352‑7233) [djj.state.fl.us], [floridahealth.gov]

Office of Human Trafficking Intervention (FL Dept. Juvenile Justice): (850) 717‑2714 [djj.state.fl.us]

Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU

Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare

http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare

Host:  Lauren Herod

Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

Content & Support Disclaimer: This episode features in-depth discussion of human trafficking involving children and young adults. While essential for awareness, some details may be distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

In this episode, Dr. Charrita Ernewein, assistant professor at the University of Tampa and director of community education for the ⁠FREE Network⁠, joins host Lauren Herod to discuss efforts to prevent human trafficking in Florida. As a destination state, Florida ranks among the highest in the nation in human trafficking rates, according to a ⁠2024 state report⁠.

In her role at the FREE Network, Dr. Ernewein focuses on human trafficking education, advocacy, and collaboration. She works to bring together organizations, including law enforcement and child welfare agencies, to address this persistent problem.

Her doctoral research explored ways to help survivors of human trafficking reintegrate into the community. Their key needs include long-term housing, financial support, legal assistance, and better access to health care.

Dr. Ernewein says many survivors were trafficked as children, often through familial connections. She says too many survivors are stigmatized, complicating their recovery.

Dr. Ernewein is advocating for more trauma-informed training among professionals in child welfare, law enforcement, and health care. She’s also working to expand education among families about internet crimes against children.

If you—or someone you know—needs help or wishes to report trafficking, here are 24/7 confidential resources:

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Phone: 1‑888‑373‑7888

Text: HELP → 233733 (“BEFREE”)

TTY (hearing impaired): 711

Email: [email protected]

Live Chat: via humantraffickinghotline.org

Child Abuse & Exploitation Specific Hotlines:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1‑800‑843‑5678 or report online at Cybertipline.org [youth.gov]

Florida-specific Support

Florida Abuse Hotline (for children/vulnerable adults): 1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873) [myflfamilies.com], [floridahealth.gov]

Florida Human Trafficking Reporting Line: 1‑855‑FLA‑SAFE (1‑855‑352‑7233) [djj.state.fl.us], [floridahealth.gov]

Office of Human Trafficking Intervention (FL Dept. Juvenile Justice): (850) 717‑2714 [djj.state.fl.us]

Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare.

Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU

Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare

http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare

http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare

Host:  Lauren Herod

Producer: David Heller

Sound Engineer/Editor: Brantley Jones

Join us for a conversation about the complicated relationship between poverty and neglect, and how new research aims to disentangle them to improve the well-being of families. Experts Clare Anderson and Luke Waldo discuss the importance of shifting support for parents to a prevention approach and offer data-informed suggestions for best practices.

Researcher Elizabeth Curley discusses novel interventions for supporting parents and caregivers during incarceration, such as the recently developed INTER program, in this episode.

This episode explores ways to better support foster parents. Adoptive parent and former foster parent Dr. Vivian Mills shares preliminary findings from the Institute’s first foster parent survey and implications for supporting foster parent partners. Dr. Taylor Dowdy-Hazlett discusses findings from her research regarding foster parent retention.

A new partnership between Florida universities is helping child welfare professionals enhance services for mothers with substance use disorders. In this episode, experts Ellen Piekalkiewicz and Dr. Heather Howard share insights from their work with mothers with substance use disorders, including data-driven best practice recommendations for supporting these mothers.