Voices Against Violence

Charity, Kirstyn, and producer Atticus share their favorite episodes and guests from season 1, who we are, how Voices Against Violence began, and what's coming in 2026.

Kirstyn and Charity continue the conversation about trauma. This episode focuses on trauma-informed care, how to apply it in homes and workplaces, and the positive affect trauma-informed care has on all of us as we move through the world.

Kirstyn and Charity take a deep dive into the topic of trauma. What exactly is trauma? How does it affect us? What can we do about it? They discuss all that and more on this episode.

The holiday season is a magical and festive time for many, but for those in abusive relationships the holidays can bring added barriers and escalated abuse. Kirstyn and Charity discuss factors that can intensify the harm survivors experience and share tips on how to offer support to survivors during this time of the year.

On this episode, Charity and Tesia discuss a chapter from Why Does He Do That: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft (Chapter 2, "The Mythology"). Tesia shares her lived experience to reveal the pattern abusers use to justify their actions while blaming their victims.

Is this bad behavior, or the start of a pattern? Where do you draw the line? On this episode, Kirstyn and Charity are joined by Advocate Office Second Shift Supervisor Kelsey for a powerful conversation on recognizing often overlooked red flags, their own lived experiences, and one question to ask yourself to help you determine when to get out.

Advocate Office Second Shift Supervisor Kelsey joins Charity and Kirstyn to discuss the connection between adverse childhood experiences and unhealthy relationships as adults, what adults can do to support young people in trauma and how to help them build healthy relationships later.

Alexis Smith went viral last year for calling out her abuser on the pageant stage. Since being crowned, she's using her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and the importance of prevention education. She shares her inspiring story on this episode with Charity and Springfield Business Journal's Christine Temple. This episode was recorded with a live audience on September 25th at Har...

Nora Mosby with the Missouri Coalition and host of the Coalition's podcast, MOmentum for Change, joins Charity and Kirstyn on this episode. She discusses the early days of DV advocacy in Missouri, how the Coalition began, and the legislative advocacy work they do to support survivors across Missouri.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Harmony House's Director of Development, Carl, joins Charity and Kirstyn on this episode. He discusses the 11th year of our iCare awareness and fundraising campaign, how people can get involved, and his heart for and personal connection to the mission.

Each survivor’s experience, while similar, is unique. What is it like parenting while experiencing domestic violence and how are children impacted by violence? How do you heal while also helping your child recover and heal? On this episode, survivors Joy and Kate share their stories. They discuss the challenges of parenting in the midst of domestic violence, when they knew they needed to get out,...

What does a healthy relationship really look like? What’s the difference between a toxic and an abusive relationship? Charity and Carlie explore the dynamics of healthy vs toxic vs abusive relationships.

Grants Administrator for Harmony House, Melissa Herr, joins Charity to discuss her role, how non profit funding works, and what has surprised her most about domestic violence in her time at Harmony House.

Former Voices Against Violence co-host Kristen Snell returns to celebrate the 50th episode. Kristen and Charity share their favorite current event topics, including influencer red flags and the viral attention domestic abuse is receiving on TikTok.

The conversation continues with survivor and domestic violence advocate, Janice. She shares the struggles of life and dating after domestic violence and what drives her passion for advocacy for other survivors.

Survivor and Domestic Violence Advocate, Janice, shares her story with Charity. In this conversation Janice sheds light on the threats and coercive control that put survivors and their children at risk. She also talks about life after domestic violence and her first steps towards independence after getting out.

In this bonus interview, Voices Against Violence producer, Atticus, talks with Misty, Family Advocacy Coordinator at Harmony House. Misty shares how creative, intentional programming in shelter is tailored to meet the needs of current residents, from activities for children to programs that help adults build coping skills. She also highlights the many ways Family Advocates support families, nurtur...

Emily Shook, First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Domestic Violence Unit of Greene County, joins Charity in this episode. Emily discusses the challenges of bringing abusers to justice, why preventing domestic violence is so important for the community, and what still gives her hope in humanity.

Parents often shy away from talking about tough topics with young children because it might be too much for them or are unsure of how to talk about it in an age appropriate way. In this episode, Carlie and Charity are joined again by Third Shift Advocate Supervisor, Jaylene, for an in-depth discussion on why you should have the conversation anyway. Jaylene discusses her compassionate approach to u...

In this special bonus interview, Voices Against Violence producer, Atticus, sits down with Cosette, Advocate Office Operations Manager at Harmony House. Cosette shares how the Staff as Survivors program supports employees experiencing domestic violence and explains why workplace policies matter when it comes to creating safer, more supportive environments for survivors. Plus, Cosette offers a simp...

Charity and Carlie are joined by Jaylene, one of Harmony House's Advocate Supervisors. Jaylene shares her story and what survivors can expect when entering shelter.

Harmony House Executive Director, Jared Alexander, joins Carlie and Charity on this episode as he shares the humble beginnings of Harmony House, best and worst parts of the job, and his vision for the organization as it approaches its 50 th anniversary next year.

On this episode, Harmony House’s Outreach Victim Advocate Coordinator, Taylor, joins the conversation. He shares his experience working with survivors at the Family Justice Center, critical elements of safety planning, and how orders of protection work, demystifying the process.

When it comes to domestic violence are there early warning signs? How common is domestic violence? What can I do to help? On this episode, Charity and Carlie answer all these and more as they respond to questions about domestic violence from members of the community.

Abuse is a choice that abusers make based on values they have chosen to uphold. Harmony House’s Agency Therapist, Carlie, again joins Charity on this episode as they discuss early signs of abuse that may get ignored. Carlie also explains why couples therapy doesn’t work when violence is present and why batterer intervention programs have such a low success rate for rehabilitating abusers.