What actually happens during a “rape kit”? And how do you access one if you live in Oxford County?In this episode, we sit down with registered nurse Annyse Alcock from the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London to answer the questions most people are afraid to ask. While many people know them as “rape kits,” the professional term is sexual assault and domestic violence evidence kits—and they’re used in more situations than you might think.From what the exam looks like, to how long you have to get one, to what your options are—this conversation breaks it all down in a clear, honest, and supportive way.Whether you’re curious, supporting someone, or just want to understand the process better, this episode helps take the fear and mystery out of it.Resources & Support:St. Joseph's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment ProgramWebsite: https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-programPhone: 519 646-6100 ext. 64224Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/Cell Phone: 226.232.6149 (call or text)Email: [email protected] Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

In this episode, I sit down with Alex, to share her powerful story of healing, self-trust, and rediscovery.Alex opens up about what it felt like to be disconnected from her intuition and how a turning point came when a blood test confirmed that something wasn’t right. That moment became the catalyst for a deeper journey: learning to reconnect with her body, trust her gut, and develop new tools for navigating her life.We also explore how early experiences shaped patterns like people-pleasing, and how those patterns contributed to her experiences in abusive relationships. Through the support of trusted friends and compassionate professionals, Alex began to rewrite her story, learning to set boundaries, rebuild her sense of self, and recognize that she deserves more.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

In this episode, we sit down with registered nurses Jacqueline Forget and Emily Robertson from the iHEAL program, which supports individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence across Oxford County, Elgin County, and St. Thomas.

Through a trauma- and violence-informed approach, iHEAL helps survivors move beyond crisis and toward long-term healing, safety, and stability. Jacqueline and Emily share what this work looks like on the ground—how they build trust with clients, support both physical and emotional health, and walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives.

We also explore the unique role of healthcare in responding to gender-based violence, the importance of collaboration across sectors, and what communities need to better support survivors.

This conversation offers an inside look at compassionate, survivor-centered care—and the impact it can have when systems work together.

Resources & Support:

Learn more about the iHEAL program: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/my-health/iheal-program/

iHEAL Referral Form: https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/lVHmP

iHEAL app: https://ihealapp.ca/en/

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)

Website: www.daso.ca

Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938

Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)

Website: www.ingamohomes.com

Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

In this episode, I sit down with Patricia Marshal‑DeSutter, founder of Building the Fire (formerly the Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network).Patricia shares about the work Building the Fire is doing to support Indigenous communities, raise awareness, and foster meaningful solidarity in the movement to end violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two‑Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). Together, we explore what it means to move beyond awareness toward real action, centering Indigenous leadership, accountability, and community care.This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their role in supporting justice, truth, and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, and highlights practical ways communities can walk alongside Indigenous advocates in solidarity.

Links from our conversation:

Building the Fire - Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/IISANnetwork/

Mourning 215 Indigenous Children https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2021/06/mourning-canadas-215-indigenous-children.html

Calls for Justice https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Calls_for_Justice.pdf

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Actionhttps://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada-calls-to-action/

Patricia's Specific Sector Recommendations:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s952BrZXmwqcRVIAK-W7lJ_83mWNQaeog7XyGXv1OuE/edit?usp=drivesdk

Resources & Support:

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)

Website: www.daso.ca

Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938

Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)

Website: www.ingamohomes.com

Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

What happens when the legal system meant to protect survivors ends up criminalizing them?In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Jenniffer Olenewa, who shares insights from her PhD research on the criminalization of women and survivors of gender-based violence.Together, we unpack the history of how survivors have been treated by the justice system, explore growing conversations around coercive control and the potential criminalization of femicide, and examine why these issues are far more complex than they might seem. From unintended consequences to difficult questions about justice, accountability, and protection, this episode challenges assumptions and invites deeper reflection.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website:www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

In this special episode, we’re celebrating a major milestone: the closing of our 2025 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant for our Can We Talk About? project. We were honoured to welcome our local MPP, Ernie Hardeman, to join us for our Final Recognition Event — a moment to reflect on the impact of this work and to say a heartfelt thank you to OTF for their support.Together, we highlight what this funding made possible, the community partnerships that brought the project to life, and why investments like these matter for building safer, more resilient communities. This episode is a celebration of collaboration, progress, and the power of funding that supports meaningful, local change.

In this episode, we sit down with Tracey Marshall from Threat Management Matters (TMI) to unpack the realities of criminal harassment. What does it actually look like? Why is it so often misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed? And what are the real risks when it isn’t taken seriously?Together, we explore how criminal harassment impacts survivors, how it escalates, and why recognizing early warning signs is critical for prevention and safety. This conversation challenges common myths and highlights why stronger responses—from systems, communities, and individuals—are urgently needed.Links from our Conversation:Threat Management Mattershttps://threatmanagementmatters.ca/Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

Consent is something many of us were never properly taught — yet its absence has lifelong impacts. In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke McCoy, Ingamo’s Child and Youth Worker, to explore how conversations about consent often fail young people, and what that silence can lead to as they grow into adulthood.Drawing from her frontline experience supporting children and youth impacted by gender-based violence, Brooke shares insight into what kids and teens are actually navigating today, the warning signs adults often miss, and how early, age-appropriate conversations can build confidence, boundaries, and safety. Together, we unpack how schools, families, coaches, and communities can play a role in creating healthier norms — and why prevention must start long before harm occurs.Resources & Support:Tea and Consent Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwvrxVavnQDomestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website:www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

We’re wrapping up our 2025 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant and feeling incredibly grateful 💛

Good news — we’re not saying goodbye.

New podcast episodes will now drop every other Wednesday so we can keep these conversations going sustainably.

Thank you for being here. We can’t wait to share what’s next!

Feel free to put in the comments any topics or guests you have in mind for future episodes 👀

Many of us want to support survivors of gender-based violence—but we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, or we don’t realize that our well-intentioned advice can actually cause harm. In this episode, Krystal Snider joins us to talk about what real support and advocacy look like beyond the phrase “just leave.” We discuss the complexities survivors navigate, the importance of listening and believing, and how friends, family, and community members can offer support that is safer, more respectful, and truly helpful.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website:www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat