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, narcissism and suicide. 

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month and we dive into the details of human trafficking and related criminal activity with expert Janet Jensen, founder of The Jensen Project. Through a unique partnership focused on no-cost civil legal representation for women who experience violence from an intimate partner, Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support and The Jensen Project serve the most pressing legal needs of survivors. Together we explore the intersection of domestic violence and human trafficking as well as the possibilities and limitations of legislation in this area. By allowing survivor voices to shape our work, Genesis and The Jensen Project are advancing the legal rights of women and children in Texas, a state that ranks #2 on the list of states in the U.S. with the highest number of reported human trafficking cases. This episode discusses human trafficking, human slavery, sexual assault, and domestic violence. 

Abuse by withholding food and proper nutrition is a highly manipulative tactic that can often go undetected among women and children experiencing domestic violence. Trauma-informed services at Genesis include a nutrition program that addresses food insecurity through healthy meals, relationship building, and the restoration of power and control to women and children all with the intention of healing both body and mind of the trauma survivor. Connie Test, Genesis' Director of Residential Services, leads the program with a compassion for survivors that transforms food service into nutritional empowerment. This episode discusses domestic violence, child abuse, food insecurity, and poverty.

Domestic violence shelters remain fully functional 24/7, 365 days of the year - even during the holidays. And just because Genesis clients are in a shelter over the holidays, that doesn’t mean they can’t celebrate, have fun and wait up for Santa! Jan Langbein, CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support has been ringing in the new year at Genesis for 30 years. She’s here to tell us all about holidays Genesis style! Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming to Genesis in 2022! 

Similar to mindfulness, intentional activity can establish purpose and renewed enthusiasm for living. For survivors of domestic violence, redefining purpose after an abusive relationship is a crucial step in healing and moving forward. To encourage that healing and facilitate client progress in purposeful living, Genesis recently launched an occupational therapy program that complements its support services for domestic violence survivors. Dr. Laura Rae, OTD, MBA, OTR, Assistant Professor of the University of St. Augustine shares how occupational therapy empowers women and children at Genesis through "tiny wins" that restore control over one's life and create pathways to both access and opportunity.

Trauma from domestic violence is real and among the top concerns expressed by Genesis clients. In response to their needs, Genesis provides a comprehensive clinical counseling program to heal that trauma and restore hope to women and children. Ruth Guerreiro, senior director of clinical services at Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support, joins the conversation to discuss the importance of applying clinical counseling approaches to the complex trauma that results from domestic violence. In this episode, we dive into EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and its heart-brain connection method that is clinically proven to effectively reduce trauma symptoms. We also discuss the variety of options for connecting with the Genesis clinical team, with opportunities for healing in both English and Spanish through call, text, in-person, Telehealth, YouTube, groups and more. And to better serve women and children who are Spanish-speaking, we added information about services and how to reach Genesis within this episode.  

Génesis está disponible las 24 horas del día para llamar o mandar un mensaje en ambos idiomas inglés y español. Escuche la versión en español que le indica cómo contactar a Génesis Women’s Shelter y Support, un refugio y apoyo para mujeres.  

(Genesis is available 24/7 by call or text in both English and Spanish. Listen for the Spanish-only version of how to reach Genesis Women's Shelter & Support.)

October and November have been some of the deadliest months of the year for women in Texas. We dive into some of the recent cases around the state and highlight the needs for new policies and opportunities that support the safety of women. We also follow up on last month’s conversation about strangulation and discuss its effects in-depth with Jan Langbein and Jordyn Lawson of Genesis. Specifically, we discuss the recent case of Derik Tobar-Gonzalez, a convicted violent offender sentenced to 65 years in prison for charges related to domestic violence, as well as other headline cases of family violence across Texas. This episode discusses domestic violence, strangulation, physical violence, homicide, gun violence, stalking, child abuse, date rape, and trauma. 

For many, the holidays are a time of joy and peace and spending time with family and friends. But for women living in abusive relationships, holiday time can be a slippery slope that requires careful planning and thoughtful action steps in order to stay safe. Genesis' own Jordyn Lawson, LPC, joins the show to discuss how women, and those who care about them, can safely navigate the holidays and still enjoy the season.

The Hospitality Alliance of Dallas, Texas recently formed the Hospitality Coalition Against Domestic Violence (HCADV), an organization that is taking a stand for women in abusive situations. CEO Kevin Lillis and Genesis' own Amy Norton provide details on the HCDAV - how it works, who it helps and why all hospitality venues have an obligation to support patrons who feel threatened by a partner, date, or encounter in a restaurant or bar. With the holiday season approaching, women everywhere should learn how to stay safe and get help when celebrating a night on the town.