Brave Enough to Ask

If you're listening to this and wondering whether what's happening at home is "bad enough" to talk about, this episode is for you. If you're a friend, a teacher, or a neighbor who has noticed something and doesn't know what to say, it's for you too. Dr. Ingrid Herrera-Yee joins us for a conversation about domestic abuse and domestic violence in military families: what it looks like, why reaching out feels so hard, and what happens when you finally do. There is no shame in asking for help. There's only courage, and people ready to meet you there, as many times as it takes. Today's episode goes beyond the psychology and into the practical: how do you speak up? And what will happen next? SHOW NOTES This podcast is made possible through generous funding by the USAA Foundation. Mixed and mastered by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas, USA. Biography for Dr. Ingrid Herrera-Yee: Dr. Herrera-Yee’s background in research is extensive and her knowledge of military-connected communities is even deeper. Her expertise spans from Military Suicide Prevention/Postvention and Policy SME, Researcher, Data Scientist, Speaker, Writer and Founder to a personal lens of being a military spouse. Her approach is refreshing: she speaks without judgment and with genuine empathetic clarity. Her focus on the research and actionable steps enable movement beyond the typical conversation around domestic abuse. It is her passion “to help people” especially after being witness to the needs in her own military-connected life. Her career continues to focus on advocacy and work on suicide prevention, mental health awareness and fighting stigma, and supporting our military families and communities. RESOURCES: National Domestic Violence Hotline 888-779-SAFE (888-799-7233) The Military Family Advocacy Program Department of War Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator [how to find your nearest Family Advocacy Program] The Military Family Advocacy Program, Department of War DODi 6400.06 [Department of Defense Instruction 6400.06] Military OneSource, Department of War, Family Advocacy Program War Department Policies Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Department of War