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What happens when the system designed to protect fails those who need it most?

In this episode, I will share with you the tragic story of Meghan Santiago, a devoted mother and military spouse who endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of her husband, Joseph Santiago, a Special Forces soldier. Through detailed court records, personal testimonies, and chilling recounts of the abuse Meghan faced, I will uncover the systemic failures that left her and her children vulnerable.

Meghan's story is one of love, sacrifice, and a planned escape that came just days too late. I hope this episode serves as a call to action and urges you to recognize the signs of abuse and understand the complexities faced by victims trying to leave dangerous situations. Let’s honor Meghan’s memory and explore how we can better protect those most vulnerable in our society.

What You’ll Learn:

• Personal reflections on Shel Silverstein’s ‘The Giving Tree.’
• The tragic story of Meghan Santiago.
• Prevalence of femicide in America and its connection to domestic violence.
• How the justice system handles military domestic violence cases.
• Complexities and challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in military families.
• Impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “Femicide is an epidemic in this country, across the world, actually. Three women a day die in America.” - Tressa Brady
• “If you're going to bring on recruits who already have grown up in toxic environments, you have to preemptively give them the support and mental health resources that they will need.” - Tressa Brady
• "Women are dying across this world from intimate partner abuse, and the military and the justice system in this country are culpable.” Tressa Brady

Resources:

• The Giving Tree
• Nursing student Lauren Johansen found beaten to death after dad's chilling warning to judge
• US Army Court-Martial Public Record System
• Private messages, photos reveal desperate plan to rescue Fort Campbell wife before her murder