Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast

In this episode, Branches advocates Shannon and Sara unpack the growing TikTok conversation surrounding ELF Cosmetics’ latest ad campaign featuring a male comedian known for his history of domestic violence jokes. Together, they reflect on the outrage sparked by his inclusion in a campaign from a brand that has often positioned itself as a champion of women’s empowerment. This discussion explores how advertising choices shape culture, the harm caused when domestic violence is minimized for humor, and why companies may choose to risk their consumer base in this way.   We also discuss what we, as advocates, survivors, and consumers, can do in response to the way domestic violence is presented in the media at large.  

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Bender from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence alongside long-time podcast presence, Sara O'Toole, advocate with Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, to talk about WVCADV's work developing statewide trainings for faith-based communities and advocates.

Jessica shares how these trainings take a more collaborative approach, bringing together faith leaders and domestic violence advocates side-by-side to build mutual understanding, trust, and stronger community responses to survivors. We explore why this partnership matters, what makes these sessions unique, and how they’re working to shift the narrative around support in faith-based spaces.

📅 Upcoming Training Alert!
Join Jessica, and national partner Safe Havens for their next in-person training on August 28th in Charleston, WV. This is a powerful opportunity for faith leaders, advocates, and community members to learn, connect, and grow together.

🔗 Register here: WV CADV Training Registration

Podcast Description/Show Notes:
In this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon dive deep into the headlines surrounding the Diddy trial, unpacking what the public response reveals about our cultural understanding of domestic violence. At the heart of the conversation is a question that continues to echo across social media and news outlets: "Why did she stay?"

Through the lens of advocacy and lived experience, Sara and Shannon shed light on the complexities that survivors face—barriers that are emotional, financial, societal, and deeply personal. They also explore how celebrity cases like this one influence public perception, often perpetuating harmful myths while also opening doors for deeper conversations.

Whether you're a survivor, ally, or someone seeking to better understand domestic violence, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a clear call to shift the narrative from victim-blaming to survivor-centered understanding.

Topics Covered:

• The dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships
• Why survivors may stay with their abuser
• The role of fame, power, and public perception in high-profile abuse cases
• How we can all do better in supporting survivors and reshaping the conversation

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence and sexual assault, including references to graphic details related to the Diddy/Cassie case. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Support:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is here to help. Reach out to our 24/7 confidential hotline at 304-529-2382 or visit www.branchesdvs.org for information, support, and services in your area.  If you would like to speak to an advocate about sexual assault, please reach out to our sister program, Contact Rape Crisis Center at (866) 399-7273.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Blevins O'Toole, advocate, and Amber Ross Chapman, Director of Client Services at Branches, to demystify what happens when someone calls our 24/7 emergency hotline. We walk through the types of questions that may be asked, the purpose behind them, and most importantly, what callers can expect in terms of safety, confidentiality, and compassionate support.

Whether you're calling for yourself or someone you care about, this episode offers insight into the calm, human-centered approach our advocates take to ensure every caller feels heard, safe, and supported.

For more information, visit our blog: What to Expect When You Call the Branches Hotline

On the latest episode of Root for Each Other, Director of Development Sara Blevins O'Toole speaks with three of our volunteers about their reasons for giving to the cause and what their experience supporting survivors has given them. Join our Board President Kara Hornbuckle, intern Hayley Fadse, and shelter/wellness/all-around survivor cheerleader Michelle Blake as they share how volunteering has cultivated a "kinder conversation" around domestic violence in their community.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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On this episode of Root for Each Other, Director of Development Sara Blevins O'Toole speaks with three of our volunteers about their reasons for giving to the cause and what their experience supporting survivors has given them. Join our Board President Kara Hornbuckle, intern Hayley Fadse, and shelter/wellness/all-around survivor cheerleader Michelle Blake as they share how volunteering has cultivated a "kinder conversation" around domestic violence in their community. 

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

Let's Be Friends!
 
On Facebook
On Instagram

Sign up for our Newsletter
Or Donate.

This month, we're welcoming Laurel Thornton, (MA, LPC, ALPS, EMDR CERTIFIED), back to the pod to discuss the implications of Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Situations. Laurel joined us last year to talk about Neurodiversity and Trauma, and we love the way she conceptualizes the possibilities for innovation and trauma-informed practice in brain health. Listen along as we talk about how to identify and address TBIs in the people we serve and how to better our community response to DV with education and intervention. 

Laurel is a Neuropsychotherapist, Owner of Whole Brain Solutions, and Co-Founder of the Whole Brain Institute. You can learn more about her work at wholebrainsolutionswv.com. We're particularly excited about Whole Brain Institute's new podcast, The Why We Are, and hope you check out their first episode streaming live now. 

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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In our newest podcast episode, Amber and Sara recount their recent launch of a curriculum dedicated to engaging young athletes. We'll talk about dating violence prevention, why athletes, and digital abuse in modern relationships. If you are interested in hosting a training for a community group, check out our menu of topics at branchesdvs.org/trainings and email Sara at [email protected].

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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Or Donate.

This January, we're highlighting Human Trafficking Awareness Month with our dear friend and colleague, Stefani Keys, the Human Trafficking and Housing Coordinator from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. We're talking about the difference between direct and indirect services, the importance of domestic violence interventions investing in trafficking, and where Stefani's expertise sees the future of the movement in West Virginia. Join us as we go out and Root for Each Other!

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

Let's Be Friends!
 
On Facebook
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Sign up for our Newsletter
Or Donate.

It can be incredibly difficult to love and support a family member or friend who is actively experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, and the abusive party's control often involves isolating a support network. On this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon continue on a topic from our 2022 episode, "Stay Connected: What to Do If Your Friend or Family Member Is In an Abusive Relationship," to talk about secondary trauma, the ripple effect of control tactics, and emotional safety planning to help yourself help your loved one.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

Let's Be Friends!
 
On Facebook
On Instagram

Sign up for our Newsletter
Or Donate.