In this episode of Rooted Connections, recorded at Stella Nova in Charleston, we explore the critical phase of life after survivors exit domestic violence programs.

Host Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister’s House, is joined by Dr. Lindsay Vance, CEO of Empowered Analytics, and Mackenzie Logan, Clinical Therapist at My Sister’s House, for a thoughtful conversation about the complex, non-linear journey from surviving to thriving.

Together, they unpack the lasting effects of post-separation abuse, financial and technological control, and the systemic barriers survivors often face long after leaving an abusive relationship. The discussion also highlights the power of human connection, trauma-informed care, and community awareness in supporting long-term healing and empowerment.

This episode calls on institutions, service providers, and the broader community to better understand what survivors truly need beyond “the exit” — and how collective support can shape safer, more informed futures.

Highlights

• Why “leaving” is often the most dangerous and complex phase of a survivor’s journey
• The realities of post-separation abuse, including financial, technological, and emotional control
• Systemic barriers survivors face when navigating institutions designed to help
• Rebuilding trust — in systems, in community, and in oneself
• How research, data, and survivor-centered metrics influence public perception and policy
• Redefining success through a survivor-informed, non-linear lens
• The importance of trauma-informed, community-wide responses beyond crisis intervention

Episode Timeline
02:13 – Focus on Survivors: Life Beyond the Exit
03:57 – Challenges After Leaving: Rebuilding and Public Perception
09:36 – Misconceptions and Realities of Leaving an Abusive Relationship
10:34 – Post-Separation Abuse: Power and Control Beyond the Relationship
12:29 – Financial and Technological Abuse as Barriers to Healing
17:53 – The Role of Public Institutions and Community Awareness
21:22 – Rebuilding Trust and the Importance of Human Connection
24:13 – Defining Success: Survivor Perspectives and Research Insights
28:22 – Grief and Loss in Abusive Relationships
29:36 – Ongoing Challenges After Exiting Programs
30:55 – The Importance of Mental Health Services
32:36 – Evolving Research in Domestic Violence
40:11 – Trauma-Informed Responses
45:16 – Public Perceptions and Systemic Barriers
49:32 – Hope and Progress in Domestic Violence Awareness

Local and National DV Hotlines:

My Sister’s House

Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties

1-800-273-HOPE (4673)

Hopeful Horizons

Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties

843-770-1070

Casa Family Services

Orangeburg Counties

1-888-524-3901

National Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Text “START” to 88788

What stories get told? Who tells them? And how do public institutions play a role in changing community awareness and response? 

In this episode of Rooted Connections, Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister’s House, hosts a powerful discussion with Emily Johnson, Investigative Reporter at Live5 News, and Natalie Caula Hauff, Director of Innovation at Charleston County Public Library and Pulitzer Prize winning reporter on the Till Death Do Us Part series. Together, they explore how journalism and public institutions shape public understanding of domestic violence. The conversation dives into the responsibilities of storytellers, the influence of media representation, and the importance of trusted community spaces like libraries in raising awareness and fostering safety.

Highlighted topics include victim blaming, ethical reporting, and the role of community support in helping survivors thrive beyond crisis. This episode calls on listeners to challenge perceptions, amplify survivor voices, and help build a more informed, compassionate future.

00:00 — Introduction: Atlas Tech & My Sister’s House

00:27 — Welcome to Rooted Connections

01:45 — Episode Overview: “The Power of Perception”

02:20 — Meet the Guests: Emily Johnson & Natalie Caula Hauff

03:27 — Emily Johnson’s Journey in Investigative Reporting

05:02 — Challenges in Reporting on Domestic Violence

06:49 — The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception

16:00 — Natalie Caula Hauff: Bridging Journalism and Civic Leadership

17:44 — Libraries as Safe Havens and Community Resources

27:19 — The Importance of Storytelling in Journalism

29:57 — Intersection of Journalism, Civic Spaces & Leadership

30:21 — Collaborations Between Libraries & Media

31:45 — Oral History Projects & The Role of AI

34:56 — Virtual Engagement and Technology in Libraries

36:11 — AI in Journalism: Ethics & Considerations

40:15 — Addressing Marginalized Voices in Domestic Violence

46:58 — Community Awareness and Support Services

59:56 — Closing Reflections and Resources

Till Death Do Us Part Series, The Post and Courier: 

https://www.postandcourier.com/app/till-death/partone.html 

 

Emily Johnson, Recent Articles: https://www.live5news.com/authors/emily-johnson/ 

 

South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence 

https://www.sccadvasa.org/ 

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Local and National DV Hotlines:

My Sister’s House

Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties

1-800-273-HOPE (4673)

Hopeful Horizons

Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties

843-770-1070

Casa Family Services

Orangeburg Counties

1-888-524-3901

National Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Text “START” to 88788

In this episode, we’re diving into the data behind your recent survey to uncover what the community thinks it knows about domestic violence — and what’s missing. Host, Tosha Connors and guests, Komlavi Adissem of The Post and Courier and Dr. Shelby Shumard of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston, discuss the gaps between perception and reality, and how that informs future outreach, education, and intervention. 

The Riley Center 2025 Community Awareness Study

Komlavi Adissem, Recent Articles

The Riley Center, Active Partnerships

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Local and National DV Hotlines:

My Sister’s House

Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties

1-800-273-HOPE (4673)

Hopeful Horizons

Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties

843-770-1070

Casa Family Services

Orangeburg Counties

1-888-524-3901

National Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Text “START” to 88788