VSC Podcast

In this episode, VSC's Violence Prevention Educator speaks with VSC advocate, Shaye Stall and Dr. Brenda Arroyo Crespo to explore the impact of traumatic experiences on the brain and the ways in which this can affect behavior, emotions, and overall well-being. The video is designed to be educational and informative and is aimed at helping people better understand the complex relationship betwe...

Violence against Black women is a complex issue that encompasses various forms of violence, including sexual violence, domestic violence, and its impact on mental health. Sexual violence against Black women often goes unrecognized and underreported due to societal stigmas and victim-blaming attitudes. Black women are more likely to experience sexual violence from intimate partners or acquaintances...

Florida's housing crisis has been a growing concern in recent years, affecting a wide range of communities throughout the state. Among those hit the hardest are victims of domestic and sexual violence, who often face unique challenges when seeking safe and stable housing. In this podcast, we will explore the root causes of Florida's housing crisis, including systemic poverty, discrimination, and l...

Previously on this podcast we presented a four-part mini-podcasting series focusing on issues affecting Black and African American Communities, and ways we can advocate for Black survivors of Trauma and Sexual Violence. The mini-series covered topics like mental health within Black communities, anti-racism and therapy, racial trauma and black survivors, and implicit bias. On this week's podcast, w...

It’s possible you’ve heard of ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the impact they have on people in their adult lives. The CDC started conducting ACE studies in the mid-90s and today we know that nearly 60% of adults have experienced one type of ACE. On the newest episode of the VSC Podcast, we sit down with Center for Child Counseling's National Outreach Coordinator, Cherie Benjoseph, and N...

In this episode, VSC's Violence Prevention Educator, Hannah Jenarine, and Senior Advocate, Jocelyn Rayas, explore the power of assertive communication for survivors of violence. We discuss the impact of trauma on communication and provide practical tips and strategies for survivors to find their voice and assert their needs and boundaries. Our goal is to empower survivors to reclaim control over t...

In this episode, VSC's Violence Prevention Educator, Hannah Jenarine speaks with VSC's Crisis Counselor, Nicola Prichard on what toxic masculinity is and why it matters. We explore the negative impact of toxic masculinity on not only men, but also on the society as a whole. We delve into the various ways in which toxic masculinity manifests itself in everyday life, from the pressure to conform to...

Abusive relationships don’t start off that way. In the beginning, there is intense love, passion, and intimacy. The abuser portrays themselves as someone who is devoted, committed, and incredibly romantic; however, over time, these individuals gradually start to become manipulative, controlling, and cruel.  Abusers seek to gain or maintain power and control over a partner. They either believe...

We are already in the last week of December and while this time signifies an ending of a season or chapter in our lives, it can also bring up past memories and negative emotions. Remembering and reliving traumatic experiences through our thoughts and also feeling pressured to have news years resolutions can make us feel anxious, depressed, and stressed In today’s episode, VSC's Violence Prevention...

In this episode, VSC's Education Coordinator, Hannah Jenarine, speaks with Ralph Reinert on the silence of child sexual assault and how he was able to heal his childhood sexual abuse and trauma. Ralph is 74 years old, a Retired Corporate Executive, Father of 2, Grandfather of 5, and a Marine Veteran from 1968-1972. He loves to volunteer (fun fact: he is one of VSC's most active volunteers), and he...

In this episode, VSC’s Education and Prevention Coordinator, Hannah Jenarine, speaks with Diana Oakley, a sexual assault survivor on how to stay empowered after a sexual assault. She shares more about dealing with sexual assault years later in her life and some healing techniques that have helped her throughout her journey. Diana Oakley is a professional speaker and author. She is a member of RAIN...

Now that the holidays are approaching, in this podcast episode, VSC's Education and Prevention Coordinator, Hannah Jenarine chats with Lainey Dorris and Rachel Stachler on how victims of trauma can survive the holidays. Lainey is a 2022-2023 clinical intern and currently in the MSW program at UCF. In her first year of the program, she interned as a case management intern at the Seminole County Pub...

In this episode, VSC's Education and Prevention Coordinator, Hannah Jenarine chats with Child Sexual Abuse Survivor, Tracy Kelly on how she was able to take back her power from this traumatic situation. ----------------------------------- Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some sug...

This week we have a VERY special guest, Natasha Mc Coy who is a child sexual abuse survivor and living testimony. In this episode, VSC's Education and Prevention Training Coordinator, Hannah Jenarine, speaks with Natasha on how she was able to take back her power after a sexual assault. Natasha McCoy is a Licensed Occupational Therapist, providing service professionally in this capacity for the pa...

This week, we are talking about self-care and ongoing wellness. VSC's Education and Prevention Coordinator, Hannah Jenarine, talks with Mental Health Counselor, Stepfan Jones on how survivors of trauma can prioritize their overall well-being.   Stepfan Jones enjoys working with all types of individuals in various walks of life. He has worked with individuals with depression, anxiety, and ange...

This week we are talking about trauma-based relationships and how to develop healthy connections with others. Join Hannah Jenarine, Education and Prevention Coordinator as she discusses trauma-bonds, red flags, and self-awareness with Leslie Pender.  Leslie Pender is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida and the private practice owner of Seeds of Transition Counsel...

This month, we are discussing Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes . Join VSC LGBTQ+ Advocate Roxane Perret as she chats with Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy, and the Press Secretary for Equality Florida, and Eli Coston, a faculty member of the  Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. In this episode, we will discuss what hate crimes...

This Disability Pride month we wanted to uplift the experiences of trans disabled individuals. Join VSC LGBTQ+ Advocate Roxane Perret as she chats with Basically Wonderful Founder and Director, Beck DeTrempe and Basically Wonderful Peer Supporter, Caroline Pittman about different disability related terms, some myths about disability, the intersections of being transgender and disabled, what disabi...

Hello VSC Podcast listeners! It is bittersweet to share that our VSC Podcast host Emilie Mitchell (she/her) is departing the Victim Service Center of Central Florida to pursue her Master's of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family therapy.  Before she officially signs off as the VSC Podcast Host, she wanted to share a message of thanks to VSC Podcast guests and listeners - thank you!! We are also...

This Pride month we wanted to reflect on why thoughtful representation matters. Join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell and VSC LGBTQ+ Advocate Roxane Perret as they chat with Orlando Filmmaker Mel Turnage about Trans Representation in Film, its importance, and ways we can be better allies and supporters for Trans folks. Roxane Perret (she/her) earned her Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology f...

On the newest episode of the VSC Podcast we discuss the intersections of poverty and trauma. Join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell as she chats with two amazing people from United Against Poverty Paemla Rivera and Jay Silvagnoli as well as VSC’s Paola Kalb to chat about myths surrounding poverty, how poverty can affect survivors of trauma, and ways we can all help support those experienci...

As we close out Mental Health Awareness Month, join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell as she chats with Baker Center for Children and Families’s Dr. Rachel Kim and VSC Program Director JoEllen Revell about Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and how it can help youth process their trauma. Dr. Rachel Kim uses she/her pronouns and is a clinical psychologist and the Director of Implem...

With the new Marvel show Moon Knight, Dissociative Identity Disorder or DID is being talked about a lot in the media, but is it a proper representation? In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell as she chats with VSC therapist Michelle Langrock and Jen who has DID along with her partner Sarah as they dispel myths around this Mental Health Condition,...

On this week’s podcast join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell as she chats more about Romance scams with Advocate Rebecca D’Antonio and ScamHaters United Founder Ruth Grover. Learn about the emotional impacts love fraud can have on survivors, what healing can look like, and how amazing resources like ScamHaters United can help. Rebecca D’Antonio uses she/her pronouns and was the victim of...

What do you think of when you hear the word Scam? Did you know according to the FTC, in the last 5 years people have reported losing 1.3 billion dollars to Romance Scams - more than any other type of fraud category? On this week’s podcast Join VSC Education Coordinator Emilie Mitchell as she chats with Advocate Rebecca D’Antonio and anonymous Amy Gdala from Securewomen.org about Romance Scams, the...