Ep 32- The Elephant in the Room: Normalizing Violence and the Call for Civility

Rita Smith, an international expert on violence against women and a social justice advocate since 1981 joins Donna to talk about a really big "elephant in the room:” the normalization of violence—from our homes to the highest government offices. We talk about how current political behaviors mirror forms of abuse, including financial, mental, and coercion. Rita emphasizes the urgent need for civility with her call to action, discuss, debate, disagree- stressing that hurting someone is never an option.The conversation sheds light on the life-threatening realities victims face when trying to leave a domestic violence situation and the devastating fact that only 2% of philanthropy goes toward feeling safe at home. She discusses the history of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the link between childhood trauma and mass shootings, and her belief in second chances (citing her work with the NFL). Finally, she challenges us to hold our government to the same safety standards as the NFL, underscoring that women must feel safe in their homes.