What does safety really mean when you're trapped in an abusive relationship? For forty years, Genesis Women's Shelter & Support has been answering this question through action, evolving from a seven-room emergency shelter into a comprehensive support system that recognizes both physical and emotional dimensions of safety.

In this revealing conversation, Genesis CEO Jan Langbein and Chief Residential Officer Jordyn Lawson take us through the history of domestic violence services in America—a journey that began long before shelter doors opened, tracing back to women's suffrage and the fight against laws that once permitted husbands to beat their wives legally. They share how Genesis has continuously adapted to meet survivor needs, from adding transitional housing to legal services to innovative occupational therapy for traumatized children.

The most dangerous misconception about domestic violence? That victims are safe once they leave. In reality, 75% of women murdered by partners are killed after separation. This stark reality explains why "just leaving" isn't simple, especially when abusers use isolation, financial control, and threats as weapons. Lawson expertly dismantles our understanding of abuse, explaining how controlling behaviors combined with any physical aggression represent the highest risk for homicide, while strangulation increases murder risk elevenfold.

Perhaps most importantly, Langbein and Lawson offer practical guidance for everyone who suspects someone might be suffering. "Trust your gut," they urge, explaining that even when victims deny abuse initially, simply knowing someone cares enough to ask can become a lifeline. Whether you're concerned about someone you know or working in a position to help survivors, this episode provides the knowledge to recognize warning signs that media sensationalism often obscures.

Ready to be part of the solution? Genesis offers 24/7 support at 214-946-HELP. Because as this episode reminds us: abuse won't stop until abusers stop abusing—but we can all help create pathways to safety.

The digital world has created a dangerous new frontier for abuse that goes far beyond basic stalking or harassment. AI technology now enables perpetrators to manufacture entirely false realities, trapping victims in a matrix of manipulation where even their own experiences can be called into question.

Sloan Thompson and Dr. Saed Hill from End Technology-Enabled Abuse (ENDTab) join us to explore how AI applications have evolved from productivity tools into weapons of control and vehicles for deeply problematic relationship dynamics. The statistics they share are alarming: over 1 billion chatbot downloads worldwide in less than two years, with millions of users forming emotional and sexual relationships with AI companions programmed to validate their every desire.

The conversation reveals how these technologies exploit fundamental human needs for connection while reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes. AI boyfriends marketed to young women and girls feature characters that are jealous, possessive, and manipulative—with one popular "abusive boyfriend" character accumulating over 64 million interactions. Meanwhile, AI girlfriend apps targeting men promise partners who "never fight back" and always validate, creating unrealistic expectations that real relationships can never satisfy.

Most disturbing are the concrete ways abusers can weaponize AI: generating deepfake sexual content, fabricating false evidence for legal proceedings, creating convincing impersonations of real people, and accessing victims' private AI interactions to gather sensitive information. These tools don't just enable traditional forms of abuse—they fundamentally alter how abuse operates by attacking the victim's perception of reality itself.

The experts emphasize that while technology evolves rapidly, the underlying patterns of abuse remain consistent. Our challenge is to develop prevention frameworks that address both the technological innovations and the human vulnerabilities they exploit. 

Discover the connections between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury in this eye-opening episode. Our guest, Dr. María Garay-Serratos , a leading expert in domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, shares her powerful personal story and professional insights. 

Dr. Garay-Serratos  reveals the often overlooked traumatic brain injuries resulting from violence in the home, advocating for better recognition, screening, and treatment of these issues within healthcare systems. Our discussion will unravel the shocking truths behind the silent epidemic of domestic violence, the overwhelming statistics regarding reported crimes, and the long-term health implications for survivors. 

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the urgency surrounding this topic and hear firsthand stories that highlight the necessity of systemic change. Join us in imparting hope, healing, and awareness as we explore the resources available for those affected by domestic violence and advocate for a future where everyone's health and safety are prioritized. 

Discover the alarming truth about teen dating violence with Katie Blackburn, executive director of Jana's Campaign, as she shares powerful insights and strategies to combat this pervasive issue. Through the tragic story of Jana Mackey, whose advocacy ignited a movement, Katie outlines how education is key to preventing relationship violence among teens. Get ready to learn how understanding and recognizing early warning signs can empower young people to foster healthy, respectful relationships.

Explore the often-hidden world of emotional abuse in teen relationships, where manipulation and love bombing are more than just buzzwords—they're dangerous patterns that can have lasting impacts. Our conversation sheds light on how early education around consent, boundaries, and healthy communication can disrupt the generational cycle of violence. Katie passionately emphasizes the importance of teaching teens to recognize and reject these harmful behaviors before they can take root.

Technology plays a dual role in teen relationships, offering both connection and potential for harm. Hear how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok influence teens' interactions, sometimes facilitating abuse through blurred boundaries and cyberbullying. We dive into the critical role adults must play in shaping safe environments and policies, fostering open dialogues about digital safety and respectful relationships. Tune in to understand how comprehensive education and community involvement are crucial in breaking the silence and building a culture that stands firmly against abuse.

This episode tackles the challenges faced by self-represented litigants in domestic violence cases and how courts can ensure procedural justice and safety for victims. Three legal experts join the conversation to discuss the role of technology and training in improving legal responses and empowering survivors.

The content of this episode is for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.

The Honorable Lora Livingston, the Honorable Mary Madden, and Attorney Darren Mitchell guide us through the intricacies of supporting self-represented litigants, shedding light on the critical responsibilities of judicial officers. Discover how separating victims from perpetrators, addressing intimidation, and maintaining a safe court environment can empower those seeking justice without legal representation. 

Our discussion also ventures into the transformative effects of remote court proceedings, a shift hastened by the pandemic. Learn how this transition has eased logistical burdens, enhanced safety, boosted participation in domestic violence cases, and how virtual hearings continue to shape the future of justice access, offering a dignified platform for victims and ensuring procedural fairness remains intact.

Furthermore, we unravel the delicate balance between providing legal information and advice, especially for non-lawyer advocates assisting victims. Through examples and practical tips, we explore the permissible roles of advocates while underscoring the importance of collaboration with legal services. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies and insights aimed at improving court support for domestic violence survivors, ensuring they are equipped with the tools necessary to navigate their cases effectively.

You might want to take notes as you listen! Key resources from this episode include:

lawhelp.org
womenslaw.org
ncjfcj.org

Episode highlights:
• Discussing the statistics of violence against women
• Exploring the importance of procedural justice
• Highlighting judges' roles with self-represented litigants
• Examining courtroom management considerations for safety
• Learning about technology's role in enhancing access to justice
• Understanding the benefits of trained advocates for victims
• Sharing insights on systemic changes to support litigants
• Providing resources for further information and assistance

Every January, we're reminded of the chilling reality of stalking and its devastating repercussions. This month, we echo the courage of Debbie Riddle, who transformed her grief into advocacy after the murder of her sister Peggy by a stalker. Together with Jennifer Landhuis from the Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC), we tackle the difficult nuances of stalking, from the subtle signs to the overt, with a critical eye on how law enforcement and the public acknowledge and respond to such danger. Their insights expose the gaps in our system and ignite a vital discussion on the need for consistent intervention against this crime.

The narrative of Peggy's ordeal is both heartbreaking and a powerful catalyst for change. Debbie's relentless pursuit to raise stalking awareness has not only memorialized her sister but has also pioneered educational reforms. We reflect on the systemic failures that had dire consequences and highlight the importance of initiatives like Stalking Awareness Month. By examining Debbie's journey and Jennifer's expertise, the episode underlines the crucial role of education and the immediate need for law enforcement to develop a deeper understanding and more effective protocols when facing stalking cases.

As we wrap up this intense episode, we underscore the importance of community response and SPARC's role in providing resources to better address stalking cases. We delve into the trainings offered to criminal justice agencies, the alarming prevalence of stalking, and the available support systems on college campuses. This session is not just a tribute to Peggy but a call to action for everyone to participate in the national day of action against stalking, to bring awareness and to restore a sense of safety for those affected.

In the time that it takes to read this episode overview, at least one person in the United States of America will be sexually assaulted. The victim will likely be a woman who could be as young as 12 years old.* Sexual violence against women has elevated to a crisis that we can no longer ignore, live with, or deny. It is not only the crisis of our time, but also a matter of time before yet another life is absorbed into the statistical reminder that women are not safe from sexual predators at home, while on vacation, maybe not anywhere at all. Sexual violence against women remains the weapon of choice for intimate partners, serial offenders, military invasions, and many others who believe it is their right to victimize women through sexual dominance. Crimes of rape and sexual assault require more than just our full attention, they require an understanding of the core issues related to gender-based violence and the application of strategies that both hold offenders accountable and offer justice to survivors.

To address this crisis, this episode explores the current state of violence against women as well as proven strategies to advance the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of the crimes of rape and sexual assault. Our guest, retired chief of police Tom Tremblay, has dedicated his entire career to improving law enforcement responses to the crimes of rape and sexual assault by developing trauma-informed teams of professionals who pursue justice for survivors. Now a world-renown expert in these investigations, he works as an advisor and trainer for police, prosecutors, advocates, higher education, the military, and the government/private sector. Our conversation reveals the current state of sexual violence against women in this country, including the startling statistics of its prevalence, its root causes, and solutions for investigation, pursuing justice, and prevention.  

*According to RAINN, every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted and the vast majority of victims are female aged 12-34. RAINN.org

Brace yourself for a candid conversation about the urgent and often hidden issues of violence and digital abuse against women. Dani Pinter, Senior Legal Counsel for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, joins us to pull back the curtain on the alarming reality of non-consensual sexual exploitation online. We confront shocking statistics and explore the staggering impact of these crimes on victims, as Dani shares insights into the history and mission of her organization to combat these deeply entrenched societal problems.

Our discussion takes a hard look at image-based sexual abuse and the complex landscape of legal accountability surrounding platforms like Backpage and Pornhub. We draw parallels between past legal actions against industries like big tobacco and current efforts to hold websites responsible for enabling exploitation. The conversation highlights the alarming rise of voyeuristic content and fake sexual images created by AI, as we unravel the challenges of curbing these offenses in the digital age and the significant implications for privacy and consent.

Navigating the murky waters of online accountability, we tackle the barriers victims face as they seek justice and content removal. The conversation zeroes in on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, emphasizing the urgent need for legal reform to empower victims and hold tech companies accountable. We also spotlight the progress made in addressing image-based sexual abuse, including amendments to the Violence Against Women Act, marking key steps toward more robust legal protections. Join us as we chart a path forward in advocating for victims and challenging societal norms and institutional practices.

Detective Brandon Wootan joins us to uncover the transformative impact of Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams in preventing intimate partner homicides. Drawing from his extensive law enforcement background, Detective Wootan shares the approach that has dramatically reduced fatalities in his jurisdiction, where a staggering 40% of homicides are linked to domestic violence. Learn how these multidisciplinary teams bridge the gap between law enforcement, prosecutors, and service providers, creating a united front against domestic violence and prioritizing long-term support for survivors, especially within the Latinx community.

From this discussion listeners will grasp the core components of these high-risk teams—early identification, improved offender monitoring, and a collaborative response—that make them a powerful force in combating domestic violence. Drawing from the groundbreaking work of experts like Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell and the pioneering efforts of the Geiger Institute, we discover how evidence-based risk assessments play a pivotal role in identifying potentially lethal situations. You will also learn about the seamless collaboration that has not only revolutionized the judicial process but also provided a lifeline for at-risk individuals.

We also discuss Light the Way Consulting, a project inspired by Detective Wootan's personal experiences that is dedicated to helping agencies nationwide establish their own high-risk teams. We explore how this initiative aims to foster societal change by reshaping how domestic violence is perceived and handled and paves the way for safer communities and a more supportive environment for survivors.

Unlock the secrets of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) as we welcome former FBI trailblazers Steve Busch and Steve Kramer. Discover how this innovative method is revolutionizing law enforcement by solving cold cases and active investigations alike. Learn about the compelling case of actress Eva LaRue, who endured years of torment from a stalker, and how IGG finally brought him to justice. Our guests take you inside the high-profile pursuit and capture of the Golden State Killer, showcasing the power of IGG to solve one of the longest serial killer mysteries of our time and bring closure to families and victims.

We also explore the fascinating intersection of DNA technology and law enforcement with our experts as they reveal the creative strategies behind using public genealogy databases. From the historic Golden State Killer case to the recent breakthrough in the Idaho student murders, hear how IGG is becoming a standard tool for invesitgations and ultimately, justice. Our conversation also delves into the founding of Indago Solutions (indago is latin for "to hunt"), where AI is harnessed to propel investigative methods into the future, accelerating the hunt for answers through machine learning. In doing so, solving cold cases and apprehending serial offenders can happen in less than half the time as using traditional methods. 

Steve Busch and Steve Kramer also help us navigate the complexities of privacy and DNA collection as we delve into the delicate balance between solving crimes and respecting individual rights. Through captivating anecdotes, we discuss the legalities of DNA collection and the unique case prioritization process in law enforcement. With over 1.3 million profiles waiting for resolution in CODIS, our discussion underscores the urgency of embracing faster methods like IGG. We also break down the nuances between genealogy and law enforcement DNA profiles, highlighting the potential of genetic genealogy to illuminate even the darkest of cases.