Steele Approach

This episode is the third and final of our series on faith, evilness and how we can help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Please listen along to our discussion on ways we can help those around us that may need us. Listening is a skill that we can all adapt and fine tune to our surroundings. It makes us more aware and also better people.

Today we discuss outside influences on our lives. Darren talks about demonic forces and how that plays a role in sexual assault and domestic violence. Please listen along as we follow along on this topic.

Happy New Year! We are kicking off 2026 with a short episode on faith and evil. Please listen along to hear Darren discuss these important topics and how they relate to sexual assault and domestic violence.

Continuing our 3 part series on trust, today we discuss human trafficking. Darren speaks about the ever changing world that we live in and sheds light on some of the topics we fear to think about. Please listen along as we discuss the topic.

In today's episode, Darren talks about trust. Referring to a book "Gift of Fear", Darren discusses personal awareness. Who do we trust in our own lives? From the people we meet and those we have known most of our lives, how do we determine who we trust. Our decisions may determine the course of events that follow. I invite you to listen with me as we discuss trust.

In today's episode Darren talks about trust. Our lives depend on trust and to what degree do we trust ourselves and others. Once it is broken, it is difficult to regain. Who do we trust in our own lives? From our family to our leaders, from our neighbors to our closest friends, from social media to experts? Listen along and take a moment to reflect and possibly to prioritize our trust.

In today's episode, Darren shares his personal view on the threats that we face in our everyday lives today. We are constantly bombarded by the media with stories of violence and threats. It is difficult to decipher what is factual. Consider the source and be true to your beliefs. Please listen with me as we tap into Darren's view on the topic.

In today's episode Darren speaks candidly about abusers. His own personal experience as a survivor has shaped Darren's life to help others that have been abused sexually. We often wonder "why" people act the way they do. What are the patterns and why does it continue? Please join me as we listen to Darren tell his story about "why".

On today's episode, Darren tells the story of Cynthia S., a domestic violence survivor. Join us as we discuss this violent case and how it affected the entire family. Darren also talks about transporting a victim to jail and the words that were exchanged on the way. We also discuss why suspects get away with crimes.

In today's episode we discuss a domestic violence case that happened on Christmas day, 1996 in California. Darren was assigned to a domestic violence case...one he will never forget. A nine year old child was forced to film the abuse. What implications will that have for the remainder of the child's life? Police officers, judges... the list of abusers goes on and on. Why do victims feel responsibl...

Today's podcast is a little different than previous episodes. We are discussing life from the victim's perspective and how Darren and Mike view life and people. Being a victim changes the course of life in many ways and it is up to the victim to decide how to handle the situation and move forward with their own lives. There are many roads to travel in life and one life to live. Please list...

On today's podcast, I will ask Darren the following thought provoking questions. "What would you tell your younger self when you were being abused?" How would you answer the question, "Why did this happen to me?" And, "What should our listeners do if they find themselves in a situation to fight for their lives?" Martial Arts has many forms and there is a darker side. I invite you to listen with me...

Today we are talking about emotional abuse. Physical abuse is talked about primarily when discussing domestic violence but the effect emotional abuse has on the victim and the children involved is devastating and changes the lives of each individual. The outcome from emotional abuse varies with each person and at times victims become offenders themselves. I invite you to follow along with me as we...

In today's podcast we continue our discussion with Mike. Mike is the pastor of the International Christian Fellowship Church in Westmont, IL. and a former marine. Darren and Mike share stories from times they shared together with the DVPS. They discuss, "why victims stay", anger management and the value of friends in our lives. I invite you to spend this time listening with me to my friends who ha...

Darren and Mike have been friends for over 20 years. They are both veterans of the Marine Corp. Mike is currently the pastor at International Christian Fellowship in Westmont, IL. On today's episode Darren and Mike discuss the Domestic Violence Protection Service that they operate in the Chicagoland area. The DVPS escorts victims to court to provide emotional and physical protection. Their presenc...

Hi, I'm Laurie! I am the host of the Steele Approach Podcast. I am a self proclaimed professional listener. I use my skills to follow along with our guests as they go back and relive the stories of their past. It's an emotional journey and there is healing as the story unfolds. There are no rules or limits because this is real life. I listen intently without judgement because I know we are...

988 Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional stress, substance use issues or thoughts of suicide. We talk with Lindsey who is a Crisis Services Counselor about how calls are handled when received. Who is on the other line and how are they qualified to handle situations of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. We learn about additional resources in our communities and w...

We continue our story of Darren and the seminarian. In this episode Darren escapes the place where he was held against his will. He returns home only to deal with feelings of betrayal and hopelessness. His suicidal attempt leaves him feeling alone. Come along on this journey as Darren shows us how courage and faith overcome all evil. Darren is a survivor and his words inspire us to fight because o...

Darren experienced a traumatic incident when he was 16 years old that involved a seminarian at the Catholic Church. Darren's faith in God gave him the strength to take a stance against a man that he looked up to and respected. Darren's intuition and determination helped him face the evil brought about by this human and he survived. Darren speaks candidly and recalls his thoughts and feelin...

Darren attended a parent/teacher conference with his step dad when he was 12. After returning home, he escaped a beating and ran away to live on the streets of Chicago. Join me as we listen to Darren on his journey as he relives those cold, scary nights alone in the city. Now a federal law enforcement officer and a former marine, Darren speaks candidly about his childhood. Listen to how he handled...

Darren was sexually abused at age 5 by his cousin that was also his babysitter. Darren takes us back to the first incident that happened almost 60 years ago. Now a federal law enforcement officer and former marine, Darren speaks candidly about his childhood. Listen to how he handled the situation at the time and how he felt during and after the incident. Listen to how his parents reacted when they...