October marked the 40th anniversary of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, a groundbreaking tenet of the federal government's response to domestic violence that continues to support the work of communities and organizations serving survivors and their families.

But we're not just celebrating a milestone. This special episode is an opportunity for listeners to learn directly from Director Shawndell Dawson about what's to come from the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS). Tune in to hear Wendy's conversation with Director Dawson highlighting the possibilities for supporting survivors and whole families outside of criminal-legal systems, how OFVPS is partnering with and supporting the work of culturally specific organizations and tribal communities, and what policies and practices can lead to expanded health and economic access for families.

Virginia Duplessis brings a depth of wisdom to this episode to discuss the experiences of Black birthing people and the barriers they face in seeking quality health care – and how all of this impacts the safety and well-being of their children. As the Director of the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Associate Director of Health at Futures Without Violence, a mother, and a doula, Virginia offers multiple perspectives that underscore the need for us all to understand the inextricable link between gender-based violence and the high rates of harm of Black birthing people and their children.

Survivors are often prevented from seeking health care by the person using violence. This compounds with the fear survivors experience knowing that their children could be taken away (even immediately after birth) if they divulge that there is violence in the home. Systemic racism not only adds another barrier for Black birthing people, but is a root cause of the violence, harm, and even death they experience at higher rates due to racism in medical settings.

Where is the hope? Join us as we explore early prevention strategies, how providers can address bias in health care, and how we can better equip providers through universal education.

Additional Resources:

Safety and Justice for Black Birthing People Coalition

Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community

Black Mamas Matter Alliance

We are joined by Amanda Gould with the Los Angeles LGBT Center for part two on working with LGBTQ+ survivors – and more specifically, diving into the experiences of Black transgender survivors. Amanda shares that Black trans women have the highest rates of IPV and simultaneously have many barriers to accessing services. Amanda reminds us that trans people are often turned away from services and shelters and may also be mistreated during intakes and screening, contributing to experiences of trauma.

We also explore the current legislative climate of anti-LGBT policies across the U.S. and how they affect DV service provision. Amanda shares ways organizations and providers can be more responsive to trans survivors, as well as strategies for better serving the LGBT community. Join us in learning what can be done to advance access to safety and healing for trans survivors in our communities.

In this must-listen conversation with Jennifer Haddad Bell, we lift up the experiences of survivors facing reproductive coercion and the critical role of prevention and early intervention in reproductive health. Gain valuable insights from Jennifer about her work in high schools and on campuses, and her advocacy for comprehensive sexual health education for young individuals. This episode includes actionable guidance for healthcare providers in supporting survivors and invites listeners to challenge their perspectives on reproductive health. Tune in to empower yourself with knowledge on how to educate young people and support survivors meaningfully.

Joining us this month are Elle Roberts and Rebecca Berry from the Domestic Violence Network to share their learnings on restorative justice and working with survivors, communities, and people who cause harm. They discuss the ways intergenerational and historical trauma affect both the survivor and the person who causes harm and how these intersecting experiences of violence impacts their relationships. We dive deeper into the roots of restorative justice and how wisdom in indigenous communities has influenced our current frameworks and approaches. Tune in to learn more on how to have survivor-led healing through restorative justice.

Making the Case: Restorative Justice (Infographic resource)

https://promising.futureswithoutviolence.org/making-the-case-restorative-justice/

What's the boyfriend loophole, and what does Congress have to do with it? And with so much already being said about gun violence in the U.S., what's the value of raising awareness?

In this episode, Tiffany Garner from Futures Without Violence answers these questions and more, with a focus on the impacts of gun violence on children and teens, talking to young people about gun violence, and the measures that can help to keep kids safe. This episode also explores how the issue of gun violence is inextricably connected to the safety of adult survivors of domestic violence and their children. Tune in to learn about current policy and legislative efforts around gun violence and how organizations can contribute to prevention.

When domestic violence is one of the most critical health issues that LGBTQ+ communities face, we all have a responsibility to make sure that our queer and trans community members who have experienced DV feel undoubtedly cared for and seen in services, legal representation, policy, and other supports and protections.

Amanda Gould from the Los Angeles LGBT Center's National LGBTQ Institute on IPV joins us for our special Pride 2024 episode connecting LGBTQ+ liberation and anti-DV work, discussing the historical exclusion of LGBTQ+ people, and focusing on the current gaps in DV services and resources for queer and trans survivors. Tune in to learn more about the most pressing issues – including impacts of anti-LGBT legislation, rhetoric, and violence – and steps professionals and allies can take to practice meaningful inclusion and provide culturally responsive support. For training and more resources, visit the Institute's website, LGBTQIPV.org.

In this episode, guests Lonna Davis and Karen Tronsgard-Scott share their insights and experiences in operationalizing and humanizing Tema Okun’s work on dismantling racism and white supremacy culture. Lonna and Karen discuss their personal journeys as white women discovering the impact of their own views, values and principles and continuously pivoting as they strive to be authentic allies to organizations, individuals and communities of color. Tune in to hear their stories and explore possibilities for transformation in your own work environments, relationships, and lives.