**CONTENT WARNING: DISCUSSIONS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, MURDER, CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND UNALIVED BODIES**
In the season two opener of Off Script, Celene Beth is joined by Emma Shrapnel, one of the hosts of the victim-centered podcast Ossuary Investigates, to explore the unsettling topics of gender-based violence in America and Australia.
Emma opens up about the rising rates of femicide in her home country of Australia and discusses the story of Isla Bell, a victim whose case continues to haunt the community. The conversation also delves into the mysterious deaths around Newtown Creek in Brooklyn, New York, shedding light on the unresolved cases that demand attention.
Emma and Celene also reflect on the vilification of women in the media, particularly in the case of powerful figures like Beyoncé, before turning to the lessons we can learn from Ms. Rachel!
Resources for Domestic Violence in Australia
- 1800RESPECT - National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counseling Service
Phone: 1800 737 732
Website: https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Confidential online and phone counselling for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Phone: 1800 015 188
Website: https://www.safesteps.org.au/
24/7 support, information, and referrals for people experiencing domestic violence in Victoria.
- The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS)
Phone: 02 6280 0900
Website: https://www.dvcs.org.au/
Crisis support for those experiencing domestic and family violence in the Australian Capital Territory.
- Women's Health NSW
Website: https://www.womenshealthnsw.org.au/
Resources and information on domestic violence services across New South Wales.
- Men's Referral Service
Phone: 1300 766 491
Website: https://www.mensreferralservice.org.au/](https://www.mensreferralservice.org.au/
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence or concerned about their behavior.
National Resources for Domestic Violence (USA)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-7233
Text: "START" to 88788
Website: https://www.thehotline.org/
Provides 24/7 confidential support for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Offers information, safety planning, and resources.
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)
Website: https://www.ncadv.org/
A leading organization in the U.S. that works to improve public policy, enhance services, and create educational programs to support survivors.
- Loveisrespect
Text: "LOVEIS" to 22522
Website: https://www.loveisrespect.org/
A resource specifically for teens and young adults who are experiencing or have experienced dating violence. Offers online chat, phone support, and text services.
- The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)
Website: https://www.nrcdv.org/
Provides national leadership to end domestic violence through a range of educational materials, training, and advocacy.
Resources for Those Affected by Fires in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County Fire Department
Website: https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/
Updates, alerts, and resources related to fire safety and emergency management in Los Angeles.
- American Red Cross – Los Angeles Chapter
Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles.html
Provides disaster relief, shelters, and recovery resources for fire-affected communities.
- California Wildfire Relief
Phone: Dial 211 or visit: https://www.211la.org/
24/7 helpline offering fire relief resources, shelters, food, and financial assistance.
- Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
Website: https://emergency.lacity.org/
Emergency alerts, evacuation info, and disaster recovery resources for Los Angeles residents.
