In this episode, I sit down with Amy Maddess, who previously served as the Domestic Assault Resource Team (DART) Coordinator for Oxford County, to talk about the ongoing work to prevent femicide and the critical importance of recognizing and responding to strangulation as a serious risk factor for lethality in intimate partner violence.Together, we unpack what femicide means, why strangulation is often a predictor of escalating violence, and what communities and service providers can do to better identify warning signs and intervene early. Amy shares insights from her experience coordinating Oxford County’s DART network, and we discuss what real prevention looks like — from collaboration to community awareness.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comDomestic Abuse Resource Team (DART) OxfordWebsite: https://dartoxford.ca/Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
What happens when care crosses the line into control? In this episode, we’re joined by Margaret McPherson, a research associate for the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children at Western University.
Together, we explore how patterns of power and control can appear in caregiving relationships, the warning signs of financial, emotional, and physical abuse, and what it means to support older adults with dignity, autonomy, and safety.
Whether you work with seniors, support a loved one, or simply want to understand this hidden form of violence, this conversation will help you recognize when care turns controlling — and what we can all do to prevent it.
Links from this episode: Julie Diamond's book - Power: A User's Guide https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/power-a-u...Peter Seng's book - Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the Future
https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/presence-human-purpose-and-the-field-of-the-future/9780385516303.html
It's Not Right: Neighbours Friends and Families for Older Adults
https://eapon.ca/projects/its-not-right-neighbours-friends-and-families/ Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic
Resources:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
How do we actually say what we mean—and hear what others are really saying—in our relationships? In this episode, Joanna Parker joins us to unpack what healthy communication looks like, how to navigate conflict without losing connection, and why clear, compassionate conversations are essential for building safer and more respectful relationships.Whether you’re trying to set boundaries, repair trust, or just communicate better day to day, this episode offers practical tools and insight to help you do it with care and confidence.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
This week’s Reddit Reaction episode is a wild one.I bring back Brooke McCoy, Natasha McMillan, and Czarina Garcia to unpack a real post where a woman gets an unexpected knock at her door — from her neighbour — asking her to dress more modestly in her own home because her husband keeps watching her clean through the window...We dig into what’s really going on here: gender-based violence culture, victim blaming, the way women are pitted against each other, and how society still protects creepy men over women’s comfort and safety.Tune in for an honest (and sometimes hilarious) breakdown of this all-too-real story.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with OPP Detective Lisa Narancsik to explore what happens when someone reports sexual assault. We talk about how police support survivors, what to expect during the process, and how trust is built between communities and law enforcement.Lisa offers an inside look at trauma-informed policing, common misconceptions about reporting, and how survivors can make informed choices about whether and how to come forward.This honest, compassionate conversation sheds light on the challenges and changes happening within policing, and what it takes to create safety and accountability for everyone.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comOxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/Phone (call or text): 226-232-6149Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Brooke McCoy, Child and Youth Worker at Ingamo Homes, to explore how gender-based violence impacts children and youth. We talk about the ways kids experience and understand violence in their homes and communities, what supports can make a difference, and how caregivers and service providers can help break the cycle.Brooke brings years of front-line experience supporting children and families, offering insight into the resilience of young people and the importance of creating safe, supportive environments.This conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked perspectives of children—reminding us that their voices matter, and that the effects of GBV ripple far beyond adults.Resources + Support: Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Human trafficking isn’t always visible — and it isn’t always what people imagine. In this episode, I sit down with Krystal Snider, who brings both lived experience and years of frontline work in the anti-trafficking field.Krystal shares her personal journey, unpacks the myths that keep trafficking hidden, and explains how it shows up in everyday communities like ours. She also offers insight into what prevention, early intervention, and effective response can look like when we truly understand the issue.If you’ve ever thought “that doesn’t happen here,” this episode will challenge and change your perspective.Links from our Conversation:Victim Assistance Services of Oxford CountyWebsite: https://www.vasoc.on.ca/ Canadian Centre to End Human TraffickingWebsite: https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/National Hotline: 1-833-900-1010Resources + Support: Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Tim Kelly, Manager of the Family Violence Counselling Program at Oxford County’s Children's Aid Society (CAS), to explore what it looks like to support men in breaking the cycle of violence. Tim shares insights from his years of experience working directly with men who use violence, offering a nuanced look at accountability, healing, and change. Together, we discuss the importance of prevention, the challenges and successes of intervention programs, and why creating space for men to take responsibility is essential for safer families and communities.Links from our Conversation: https://www.neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca/nff_online_course/index.html Resources + Support: Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comChildren's Aid Society OxfordWebsite: https://www.casoxford.on.ca/Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Employment is more than just a way to pay the bills—it can be a lifeline, a source of independence, and sometimes, a barrier for those experiencing gender-based violence. In this episode, I sit down with Deidre MacDonald, Executive Director of the Women’s Employment Resource Centre (WERC), to explore the powerful link between work and safety.
We talk about the challenges survivors face when employment is disrupted by abuse, how financial dependence can trap someone in a dangerous situation, and the role workplaces can play in recognizing and responding to GBV. Deidre also shares how WERC is supporting women in building skills, confidence, and pathways to independence.
Resources & SupportDomestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with guests from DASO and Ingamo Homes for another real-time Reddit reaction — and this one is as unforgettable as it is heartbreaking.
A mother-in-law decides to “teach a lesson” about what it means to be a man. Her tactic? Destroying her son-in-law’s cherished Millennium Falcon Lego set.
What might look like “tough love” is actually something far more dangerous: emotional abuse disguised as care. We unpack the toxic family dynamics at play, why “abuse out of love” is still abuse, and how these moments can shape a person’s sense of worth and safety in relationships.
If you’ve ever questioned whether family interference crosses the line, this one will give you the clarity you need.
Resources & Support
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Going to court is hard for anyone — but for survivors of gender-based violence, the system often feels overwhelming, intimidating, and deeply unprepared to meet their needs.In this episode, I sit down once again with Mary Anne Da Costa (Intake Coordinator) and Joanna Parker (Transitional Support Worker) from Ingamo Homes. Together, we unpack what it looks like for survivors navigating the court system, the advocacy and support Ingamo provides along the way, and the stark reality of how difficult the process can be.If you’ve ever wondered what “support through the court system” really means — or why so many survivors describe it as another layer of trauma — this conversation shines a light on both the struggles and the people working hard to walk survivors through it.Resources:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comLuke's PlaceWebsite: https://lukesplace.ca/Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO)Website: https://www.cleo.on.ca/en/resources-and-publications/family-law Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
Workplace violence and harassment are far more common than most people realize — and often rooted in subtle but powerful dynamics. In this episode, I sit down with Margaret MacPherson, Research Associate at the Western University Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, to talk about power literacy — understanding how power operates in the workplace and how it can be abused.We explore why these behaviours are so normalized, how to recognize when something isn’t right, and what to do next: from seeking support, to documenting everything, to starting the conversation. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better navigate, challenge, and change toxic workplace cultures.Links from this episode:Make It Our Business provides information and education to help employers and other workplace stakeholders to meet their obligations under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. https://www.makeitourbusiness.ca/ Julie Diamond's book - Power: A User's Guide https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/power-a-users-guide/9780996660303.htmlNational Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girlshttps://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/ Resources:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comWomen's Employment Resource Centre (WERC)Website: https://werc.ca/Email: werc@werc.ca Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Narancsik, Detective Constable with the Ontario Provincial Police, to unpack what actually happens when someone calls the police about abuse.We talk about what information officers look for when responding to calls, how decisions around charges are made, and what support can look like during and after police involvement.
If you've ever wondered, "What really happens if I call the police?" or "What if I’m not ready to press charges?" — this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and answers.
Resources & Support:
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)
Website: www.daso.ca
Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)
Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Butt and Jacqueline McGann, Service Managers from the Children's Aid Society Oxford, to talk openly about what CAS really does—and what it doesn’t.We unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about working with CAS, what happens when a concern is reported, and how their work supports families, not just investigates them.If you’ve ever felt unsure or uneasy about calling CAS—or just want to better understand their role—this one’s for you.Links from our conversation: Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire: https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdfResources + Support: Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comChildren's Aid Society OxfordWebsite: https://www.casoxford.on.ca/Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Ferguson from Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS) to talk about what sexual violence is, what reaching out for support can actually look like, and how healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.We unpack what happens when someone contacts OSAS, what supports are available and why it’s okay that many survivors take time before they're ready to talk about what happened — support is still available.We also reference this consent video (yes, the iconic tea analogy ☕️) — worth a watch or rewatch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGoWLWS4-kU Whether you're a survivor, a supporter, or just curious to learn more — this episode is for you. 💜Resources & Support:Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/ Cell Phone: 226.232.6149 (call or text)Email: osas@oxchc.ca Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I sit down with our amazing guests from DASO and Ingamo Homes for a real-time reaction to a Reddit post you won’t forget.A sister (and Maid of Honour) tells the bride just 2 days before the wedding:“You’re making the biggest mistake of your life.”We dive into the tough conversation around bystander intervention — what this sister did right, what missed the mark, and how things could have gone differently.If you’ve ever wondered when to speak up (and how), this one’s for you.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, we sit down with two Ingamo Homes staff, Joanna Parker, Transitional Support Worker, and Mary Anne Da Costa, the Intake Coordinator, to explore the critical—but often overlooked—role of second-stage housing in supporting survivors of gender-based violence.Together, Joanna and Mary Anne share powerful stories from their work at Ingamo Homes, a second-stage housing program that provides safety, stability, and long-term support for women and children rebuilding their lives. We unpack the difference between emergency shelters and second-stage housing, discuss the barriers survivors face even after escaping violence, and highlight the transformative impact of wraparound supports, from counseling to community connection.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand the full journey of healing after violence—and why housing is only the beginning.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
What actually happens when someone calls a women's shelter for help? In this episode, we speak with Eden Foster-Martin from Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) to walk through what support looks like from that very first phone call.
Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or someone you care about, this conversation is all about breaking down fear and building trust. We cover what to expect, how the 24/7 crisis line works, and what happens behind the scenes at Oxford County’s emergency shelter for survivors of abuse.
Resources & Support:
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)
Website: www.daso.ca
Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)
Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
What did support for survivors of gender-based violence look like 50 years ago — and how did we get to where we are now? In this episode, we sit down with Brenda Boswell, a longtime advocate and frontline worker, to look back on the early days of GBV services in Oxford County.
From grassroots beginnings to today’s coordinated community response, Brenda shares stories, lessons, and the growing pains of building a local support system for survivors. It’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come — and how much further we still need to go.
Resources & Support:
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)
Website: www.daso.ca
Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)
Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat
In this episode, I’m joined by three incredible guests working on the frontlines of gender-based violence support: Czarina Garcia (Manager of Programs and Outreach at Ingamo Homes), Natasha McMillan (Outreach Worker at DASO), and Brooke McCoy (Child and Youth Worker at Ingamo Homes).
Together, we live-react to a Reddit post that starts out like a lot of relationships do—loving, supportive, even “perfect.” But as the story unfolds, we hear about a boyfriend who screams, smashes things, threatens to leave during fights, controls the space at home, and rarely apologizes—yet expects sex just days later.
So… is this abuse?
We unpack the signs, talk about why situations like this can feel confusing, and help break down what emotional and psychological abuse can actually look like. It’s honest, grounded, and full of insight from the people who do this work every day.
Tune in to hear what our guests think—and maybe start seeing things a little differently.
Resources & Support:
Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)
Website: www.daso.ca
Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938
Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)
Website: www.ingamohomes.com
Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat