In todays show, Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes two remarkable guests, Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, an advocate for victims of domestic violence, and Nikki Addimando, a criminalized survivor from Dutchess County. Together, they delve into the profound impacts of domestic violence on individuals and explore the complexities of navigating the judicial penal system, which often adds layers of trauma instead of providing justice and protection. Highlighting the staggering statistics provided by the CDC and the ACLU, the discussion sheds light on the broader crisis of intimate partner violence and the systemic failures that exacerbate victimization. Kellyann and Nikki candidly share their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding each survivor's unique journey. Throughout the conversation, Kellyann discusses her extensive work with victims, addressing systemic gaps and supporting survivors through multidisciplinary teams. Nikki recounts her harrowing experience of being a criminalized survivor, the challenges she faced during her trial, and her resilience in advocating for the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), which has played a crucial role in re-sentencing her case and offers hope for countless other survivors. The episode also underscores the significant role of voting in shaping the landscape of criminal justice, urging listeners to consider the impact of their choices on domestic violence survivors. Dr. Novatt and her guests advocate for electing informed and empathetic officials who can transform the systems that often fail victims. The discussion calls for continued education, professional accountability, and systemic change to ensure that survivors are protected and supported.

FEARLESS! f/k/a Safe Homes, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Grace Smith House, Office for The Prevention of Domestic Violence