Voices Against Violence

Domestic violence is preventable. Charity and Kirstyn define primary prevention, how prevention works to reduce violence, and debunk the common misperception that the solution is more domestic violence shelters.

Please note, this episode contains descriptions of domestic and sexual violence and child sexual abuse. Charity is joined by Community Education Coordinator Emily Stoinski of Safe Connections in St. Louis, for a book discussion on the posthumous memoir, Nobody's Girl by survivor Virginia Giuffre. They discuss the parts of her story that were the hardest to read and the lessons to be learned in her...

Harmony House's Development Director, Carl, joins Charity and Kirstyn on this episode to talk about the importance of building relationships with individuals and organizations in our community; the behind-the-scenes work of fundraising, volunteering, and donations; and remind us that there is a place for anyone who wants to be involved in helping support our mission.

Charity and Kirstyn welcome award-winning community partner, Paula Rector to the podcast. Paula discusses a career rooted in a passion for domestic violence prevention and advocacy. She shares stories from her experiences as a Senior Criminology Instructor at Missouri State University, board member for The Rebound Foundation, and her service as a former Harmony House board member.

Power and control wheels are used all over the world and have been translated into 40 languages. On this episode, Charity and Kirstyn give a guided tour of this resource, explaining each segment of the wheel with its tactics and examples of behaviors, and how this tool is used to help survivors and educate others on the complex dynamics of domestic violence.

This episode contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence which may be disturbing or triggering. Please be advised. Charity and Kirstyn are joined by Missouri Representative Cecelie Williams for a powerful conversation. She discusses legislative updates and her legislative advocacy, including sponsoring and getting passed HB1908 which bans judges from delaying a divorce due to pregnancy. Rep...

New Development Coordinator, Sara, joins Charity and Kirstyn to discuss the numerous opportunities available for people to support the mission and work of Harmony House. From the upcoming Golden Hour Gala happening next month to fundraising to third party events, Sara explains it all and shares how others can get involved. Event info: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026goldenhourgala/ NOTE: Since r...

Charity and Kirstyn discuss the tactic of isolation as a form of coercive control. Listen to learn warning signs, common expressions and how you can support survivors experiencing isolation.

What does a healthy relationship mean to you? Why don't people just leave abusive relationships? Charity and Kirstyn address responses to those questions given by attendees at recent prevention trainings. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube!

Charity and Kirstyn are joined again by Greene County Family Justice Center Program Director Jamie and Program Coordinator Courtney to discuss Camp Hope, a new initiative to Greene County. Camp Hope is a program for youth impacted by domestic violence and trauma. Jamie and Courtney explain the purpose of the program, how it benefits youth, and ways for families and community members to get involve...

An educated community is a safer community. After all these episodes, Charity is featured as our guest on VAV to teach us more about her role educating the community and preventing DV. To schedule a training with Charity, please reach out here: charityj@myharmonyhouse.org

Charity and Kirstyn sit down with the Program Director and Program Coordinator of the GCFJC, Jamie and Courtney, to learn more about the only Family Justice Center in Missouri. To learn more about Family Justice Center click here .

Charity and Kirstyn invite the Glo Center to share about the ways LGBTQIA+ individuals experience abuse and barriers to care. The Glo Center serves the LGBTQIA+ community in the Ozarks through support, resources, education, and advocacy, to create a more inclusive and welcoming community where all can thrive. The Glo Center

May was Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Awareness Month. The American Indian Center joins Chairty and Kirstyn for a discussion of the resources the American Indian Center offers in the Springfield area, and what everyone can do to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women. To find out more about The American Indian Center, check out their website: https://www.aicspr...

Charity and Kirstyn sit down with Dr. Lillard, Director of Behavioral Health Services from Healthy Blue, to discuss the barriers survivors face when accessing behavioral health resources, and what Healthy Blue is doing to care for the community.

Charity and Kirstyn answer the questions they are asked the most frequently about domestic violence. Join us as we dispel myths, address stigma and more! Do you have a question you want featured on an episode of Voices Against Violence? Let's continue the conversation -email us at podcasts@myharmonyhouse.org or find us our social media! https://www.facebook.com/MyHarmonyHouse/ https://www.instagra...

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) play a critical role in the care of survivors. Join Kirstyn and Charity as they sit down with a local medical practitioner, for a conversation about the role of SANEs, and what everyone should know about supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender. Kirstyn and Charity discuss the ways abusers and abusive systems work to discredit and blame victims.

Advocate Office Operations Manager, Brooke joins Charity and Kirstyn to discuss the ins-and-outs of safety planning. It’s not just a process or a checklist, it’s a way of thinking that all survivors engage in whether they know it or not.

Power and control in the headlines. Charity and Kirstyn discuss recent news stories, including a hope filled legislative update.

For Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Charity and Kirstyn sit down with The Victim Center to learn more about the role of a victim advocate, and how they support survivors of sexual violence. Join us for a discussion about how Harmony House and The Victim Center have been serving the community for fifty years, and what you can do to support survivors.

Kirstyn and Charity talk about domestic and sexual violence: what is it, what's at the root, and how power and control tactics show up in society.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month so Charity and Kirstyn sat down with Jenay, a Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist to "Look Back, and Move Forward". What is sexual violence? Why do some people not report what happened? Are there actions city leaders can take to make a community safer? We answer these questions and much more in this conversation.

March is Women's History Month! Kirstyn and Charity discuss highlights of women's history in the US from the founding of the United States through current day. They review key achievements through the years and the challenges that still exist as we strive for equality.

Join Charity and Kirstyn for a conversation that centers on the often-overlooked intersection of domestic violence and disability. Guest host Shelby from Empower Abilities explores how power and control can manifest in unique ways for individuals with disabilities, and how service providers can be better equipped to serve all survivors of domestic violence. Who we are - empower: abilities in Sprin...