Why be Silent?

This episode explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how early trauma and household dysfunction can influence us as adults and as parents. It explains how ACEs affect emotional availability, discipline, and the risk of repeating harmful patterns, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these impacts. The host offers practical steps—self-reflection, seeking counseling, using age-appr...

Shannon Vincent interviews Lavonda Johnson about her experience with teen sexual assault, the confusion and silence that followed, and how she moved forward. They discuss teen sexual violence statistics, survivor reactions, family and community dynamics, available resources, and practical advice for young people and parents on safety and seeking help.   HOME | YWCA Homepage - RAINN

In this episode Shannon Vincent hosts a candid conversation with family members about how relationships change when one partner is a trauma survivor or works with traumatic cases. They discuss communication, boundaries, therapy, parenting challenges, hypervigilance, and practical ways partners can support each other while protecting their families. Guests share personal stories from domestic viole...

Shannon Vincent interviews York County Coroner Sabrina Gast about the coroner's role in death investigations. They discuss how coroners differ from medical examiners, how cases are handled at the scene, evidence collection, autopsy decisions, family notifications, and the legal and emotional challenges involved. The episode explains qualifications for coroners in South Carolina, the process of wor...

Hello and welcome to another episode of Why be Silent with Shannon Vincent and guest Karin Ho from the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Karin explains what victim advocates do, the differences between community- and system-based advocacy, and the services available post-conviction, including victim notification systems, victim-offender dialogue, restorative programs, training, and barrier...

Host Shannon Vincet speaks with Kenneth James, a PREA expert and corrections leader, about the Prison Rape Elimination Act: its origins, national standards, recent statistics, reporting procedures, protections for victims, and the resources and services available both inside and outside correctional facilities. The episode highlights South Carolina’s initiatives, the importance of leadership and t...

Shannon Vincent returns after a short break to update listeners on recent advocacy work: the push for strangulation felony legislation in South Carolina, threats to reproductive and medical practice under proposed bills, rising violence against healthcare workers, and turmoil within the International Association of Forensic Nurses due to embezzlement. The episode underscores the need for nurses to...

In this episode Shannon Vincent interviews veteran law enforcement instructor Brian Bennett about the role of police in human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse. They explain training for officers, how investigations and arrests work, different response tiers, victim advocacy, court testimony, and how technology and leadership affect outcomes. Brian and Shannon offer pr...

In this episode Shannon Vincent speaks with retired law‑enforcement instructor Brian Bennett about non‑fatal strangulation: what it is, how little force can cause serious internal injury, and why it often leaves few visible marks. They discuss medical signs and long‑term effects, the importance of proper assessment and documentation, legal gaps and advocacy for stronger laws, and resources for sur...

Join host Shannon Vincent as she welcomes back forensic nurse Shellie Keisler in this enlightening episode of "Why Be Silent." Together, they delve into an open and informative discussion about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ms. Keisler, with her extensive background in women's health, shares insights on the history, misconceptions, and the importance of education surrounding STIs. The co...

In this enlightening episode of "Why Be Silent," host Shannon Vincent, a Forensic Nurse Examiner, is joined by guest speaker Cleyardis McDonald-Amaker, a licensed abuse and victim service advocate. Together, they delve into the complex and often overlooked issue of secondary trauma or victimization, exploring how prolonged exposure to trauma affects the mental health of those in caregiving and fir...

In this insightful episode of Why be Silent, Shannon Vincent, a Forensic Nurse Examiner, engages in an enlightening conversation with guest speaker Cleyardis McDonald-Amaker, a licensed master social worker and addictions counselor. They delve into the intricate link between mental health and trauma, examining how traumatic experiences uniquely affect each individual and their loved ones. Shannon...

In this episode of Why be Silent, Shannon Vincent delves into the critical issue of child abuse prevention. As April marks both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, the episode explores the various forms of child abuse, common indicators, and essential prevention methods. Listeners will gain insight into the definition of child abuse and its long-term impacts, referred...

In this compelling episode of "Why Be Silent," host Shannon Vincent sheds light on the often overlooked issue of male victims of sexual assault, particularly those assaulted by female perpetrators. As society tends to focus predominantly on female victims, male survivors are frequently ignored or silenced, leading to underreporting and a lack of support. Shannon discusses the significant underrepo...

In this compelling episode of "Why Be Silent," Shannon Vincent interviews her sister, Desiree, a domestic violence survivor who bravely shares her harrowing story of abuse and resilience. The episode delves into the challenges Desiree faced during and after her abusive relationship, shedding light on the often misunderstood barriers that prevent survivors from seeking help. Despite technical issue...

In this episode of "Why Be Silent," host Shannon Vincent delves deeper into the multifaceted issue of domestic violence, also referred to as interpersonal or intimate partner violence. Following a previous conversation with a survivor, Shannon expands the discussion to explore the different forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, and psychological aggression, as well as stalking. Shannon empha...

In this episode of 'Why Be Silent,' host Shannon Vincent delves into the crucial and often misunderstood topic of human trafficking. Recorded in the aftermath of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the episode seeks to clarify misconceptions prevalent in mainstream media and popular culture. Listeners are guided through a comprehensive understanding of what human trafficking truly entails, includin...

Welcome to this insightful episode of "Why Be Silent," hosted by Shannon Vincent. Joined by forensic nurse examiner Shellie Kiesler, the episode dives into the essential roles of forensic nurses in the aftermath of sexual assault. Focusing on adult protocols, Shannon and Shellie discuss national guidelines for sexual assault forensic exams, emphasizing the victim's choice and medical priorities. T...

In this episode of "Why Be Silent," host Shannon Vincent explores the topic of Adverse Childhood Experience Scores (ACEs) and their profound impact on our lives. Discover what ACEs are, the types of traumatic experiences they encompass, and the alarming prevalence of ACEs among adults and high school students in the U.S. Shannon delves into the long-term health consequences of ACEs, including hear...

Welcome to this episode of Why be Silent with Shannon Vincent, where we delve into the complexities of the neurobiology of trauma and its profound impact on sexual assault survivors. As a forensic nurse examiner, Shannon sheds light on how trauma affects the brain, influencing victims' physical and psychological responses. Join us as we explore key hormones like opioids, oxytocin, catecholamines,...

In the debut episode of "Why Be Silent," forensic nurse examiner Shannon Vincent courageously delves into the harsh realities of society's most taboo topics: sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, and more. Shannon shares her journey as a forensic nurse and her mission to break the silence surrounding these issues, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness and s...