Every first responder or crisis worker has a case that haunts them. Mine was my first crisis call after a woman was murdered by her ex in front of her two young children. The call was horrific, especially for a new advocate, but it was exacerbated by my boss, an unethical woman who loved power and had a twisted relationship with a corrupt police chief. The worst part, though, was hiding the truth from two young children. In the end, the youngest called me out.

For help with understanding the warning signs for domestic violence and safety planning, please visit thehotline.org.

To read the Victim Advocate Colleen Heenan series by Deborah Dobbs, visit her page on Amazon. Both The Psychotic Son and VILE are available on KU.

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