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.

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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

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Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder

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