She Is Your Neighbour
by Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
A podcast that explores the realities and complexities of domestic violence. Each week, we address hard topics like domestic violence and the drug trade, violence against Indigenous women, and more. You will hear real, raw stories from people of all walks of life. Produced by Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.
Episodes
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The Evolution of the Violence Against Women Sector with Pamela Cross
Pamela Cross is a feminist lawyer, advocate and an expert on violence against women and the law. In the finale episode of She Is Your Neighbour, Diving Deeper we talk to Pam about her new book, And Sometimes They Kill You, Confronting the Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence. In the episode we...
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The Reality of Listening Without Judgement with Amy Kaufman
Amy Kaufman is a mom and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. In this episode, we talk to Amy about healing after experiencing intimate partner violence and the importance of trauma-informed reporting. We also talk to Amy about her network of support and what listening without judgement...
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Why We Need More Men with Jude Oudshoorn
Jude is a Professor at Conestoga College and a Consultant with the Engaging Men Program at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. In this episode, we talk to Jude about the evolution of the Engaging Men Program at Women’s Crisis Services and talk about our new, short documentary, We Need…
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The Importance of Building Community with Destiny Bailey
Destiny Bailey is the Team Lead at Abbey House Transition Support home and a survivor of domestic violence and human trafficking. In this episode, we talk to Destiny about her personal journey of overcoming addiction, incarceration, and reclaiming her life. We also talk about some of the programs...
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Bystander Intervention and the Rise of AI with Julie Lalonde
Julie Lalonde is an author, public educator, and a survivor of domestic violence and stalking. In this episode, we talk to Julie about the realities of the evolving technological landscape and the risk technology can pose to survivors of gender-based violence. We also talk about consent culture…
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Navigating Trauma and Somatic Healing with Nicole Brown Faulknor
Nicole Brown Faulknor is a registered psychotherapist, trauma consultant, and the founder and CEO of Trauma and Embodiment Association of Ontario otherwise known as TEAO. In this episode, Nicole shares her personal journey as a survivor of domestic violence, psychotherapist and community leader....
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Behind the Scenes with Lillie Proksch and Jenna Mayne
In this bonus episode of She Is Your Neighbour, our producer, Lillie, joins us to talk all things She Is Your Neighbour! In this episode, we reflect on our favourite episodes of the podcast, and discuss the incredible impact these stories have had on us personally. We also talk about the process…
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Educating Youth to Prevent Violence with Angela Stahlbaum
Angela is an Outreach Support Worker at Women’s Crisis Services and since 2019 she has worked in the Youth Education assignment, teaching young people in the community about safe and healthy relationships. In this episode we talk to Angela about the power of prevention work, how we are working…
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Empowering Equity-Deserving Groups with Kiana Ugwuegbula
Kiana is the Equity Lead at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Prior to this role, Kiana was an Outreach Support Worker, connecting with women in the community experiencing domestic violence to provide safety planning and community resources. In this episode, we talk to Kiana about the...
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Building Community Networks for Long-Term Support with Leigh Savage
Leigh is the Residential Program Manager at Women’s Crisis Services Emergency Shelter, Haven House. Leigh is also an energy practitioner, has a private practice and works with her partner, Iona, doing EDI work. In this episode, we talk to Leigh about the shelter system and how spaces have adapted...
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Providing Support at Every Age with Arwaa Mawed
Arwaa is an Outreach Support Worker at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Prior to this role, Arwaa was a Child and Youth Worker, providing programming and supports to children who are staying in emergency shelter. In this episode, we talk to Arwaa about child and youth programming at...
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Meeting Clients Where They Are At with Jay Scott
Jay is a Residential Support Worker at Women’s Crisis Services Emergency Shelter, Anselma House. Jay also owns JayRoots Wellness, a trauma-informed wellness space for self-expression, emotional grounding, and culturally aligned care—designed for BIPOC youth, adults, and communities seeking real...
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Leading in the Violence Against Women Sector with Jennifer Hutton
Jennifer Hutton is the CEO of Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and she has passionately led the organization since 2018. In this special, bonus episode of She Is Your Neighbour, Jen discusses her journey in social services. She also shares her personal connection to the issue and talks...
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Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma with Serena Wesley
Serena works at the Healing of the Seven Generations in Waterloo Region as a Program Manager and Bail Supervisor. In this episode, Serena shares her personal experience with domestic violence and how it led to the loss of her mother’s life when Serena was only 9 years old. She was taken into care...
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Supporting Survivors with Culturally Safe Housing with Qwuy’um’aat Elliott
Qwuy’um’aat works as a Senior Strategic Advisor at BC Housing. She is also the owner of Ever Plan Consulting and an Instructor at Vancouver Island University where she teaches Indigenous Lands Management and Indigenous Community Planning. In this episode, Qwuy’um’aat talks about the challenges…
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Holistic Approaches to Indigenous Healing with Amber Silversmith
Amber is a Counsellor at Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services. In this episode, Amber talks about the various programs offered by Ganohkwasra, including safe shelter, counselling, and other supports for women, men, youth and children seeking safety from violence. She also talks about the...
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Understanding Indigenous Identity and Trauma with Destiny Bailey
Destiny Bailey is the Program Coordinator at Abbey House – a transitional home for women with or without children who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or who are facing other trauma and crisis situations. In this episode, Destiny shares her powerful journey as an Indigenous woman who has...
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Sharing Stories of Narcissistic Abuse with Brandon Chadwick
Brandon Chadwick is the host of a popular podcast called, Narcissist Apocalypse. Narcissist Apocalypse is a raw and unfiltered podcast that gives a voice to survivors of domestic abuse – it’s also an online community and peer support group. In this episode, we talk to Brandon about the evolution…
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Strangulation and Physical Abuse with Christine Taylor
Christine Taylor is the Program Manager at the Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre out of St. Mary’s Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Waterloo Region. In this episode of She Is Your Neighbour we talk to Christine about the dangers of strangulation and escalating physical...
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Culture, Spirituality and Domestic Violence with Oluseun Olayinka
Oluseun Olayinka is the Executive Director at Adventure4Change in Waterloo, Ontario. In this episode, Oluseun explains how cultural norms can influence the way a person navigates an abusive relationship, as well as the role the couple’s family, friends, and faith community may have in determining...
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Financial Abuse and its Impact on Children with Christina Silva and Christy Phillips
Christina Silva and Christy Phillips work at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Christina is the Outreach Supervisor and Christy is a Child and Youth Worker. In this episode of She Is Your Neighbour we talked to Christina and Christy about the various ways that domestic violence impacts...
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Understanding Sexual Violence and Trafficking with Sara Casselman
Sara Casselman is the Executive Director at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. In this episode, we talk to Sara about myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence, the intersection between domestic violence and human trafficking, and what Sexual Assault Support Centres...
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The Realities of Stalking and Harassment with Julie Lalonde
Julie Lalonde is an author, public educator and a survivor of domestic violence. In the first episode of She Is Your Neighbour: Back to Basics, we talk to Julie about her personal experience with domestic violence and stalking, and how it led her to write her book, Resilience is Futile, the Life...
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Grieving and Healing from Trauma with Stephanie Bryenton
Stephanie Bryenton is a Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisor at the Region of Waterloo. A former child protection worker and Indigenous advocate, Stephanie now works to support Indigenous partners across the Region. She also runs a small business with her sister called Wiingashk...
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Gender-Based Violence in the Craft Beer Industry with Ren Navarro
Ren Navarro is the founder of B. Diversity, a company that brings equity, diversity and inclusion to the craft beer industry and beyond. After seeing a lack of representation in the beer industry, Ren made it her mission to diversify the way that beer is perceived, highlighting there is no one…
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The Consequences of Using Violence with Pamela Cross
Pamela Cross is a feminist lawyer, advocate and an expert on violence against women and the law. Pamela has been an expert witness on Inquests and Inquires across Canada to make recommendations to prevent future femicides from occurring. In this episode, we talk to Pamela about the difference...
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When Violence Escalates During Pregnancy with Amy Kaufman
Amy Kaufman is a mom and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. During her marriage to a famous sports broadcaster, Amy experienced domestic violence which escalated during her pregnancy. Her experience also included a lengthy, public court battle for all to see and hear. Following her...
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Compounding Violence in Queer Relationships with Iona Sky
Iona is an equity, diversity and inclusion consultant and professor. After experiencing domestic violence in a past relationship, Iona recognized a gap in messaging and support around domestic violence in marginalized communities. In this episode, we talk to Iona about the unique struggles that…
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Holding Men Accountable with Jude Oudshoorn
Growing up, Jude lived in an abusive household. As an adult, he works with men to hold them accountable when they use violence against their families and partners. In this episode, Jude tells us about his story of domestic violence and shares his experience working with men through Women’s Crisis...
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The Psychology of Domestic Violence with Dr. Katreena Scott
Dr Katreena Scott is the Academic Director of the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children. In this episode, we learn about why people use violence in relationships, the cycle of violence and the psychology behind how and why violence escalates. Join in the...
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Why Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time with Colette Martin
After a near-fatal altercation with her ex-boyfriend in 1997, Colette Martin spent many years trying to process her experience. In this episode of She Is Your Neighbour, Colette talks about the red flags leading up to the night of the attack, her experience healing from trauma and how she is…
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A Future Free from Femicide with Marlene Ham
Marlene Ham is the Executive Director of Ontario Association of Interval and Transitional Houses. In this episode, we talk with Marlene about the discourse around femicide, femicide rates in Ontario and how we can prevent more deaths from happening in the future. Join in the conversation! Use the...
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The Need For Peer Support with Sofia Aresta
As a survivor of domestic violence, Sofia saw a need for more peer-support services in Waterloo Region to prevent domestic violence tragedies. In this episode, Sofia explains how her stay in Women’s Crisis Services’ emergency shelter led her to explore the support services available in the…
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How Femicide Affects Children with Sarah Robertson
Sarah Robertson is a child welfare worker and survivor of domestic violence. When her relationship ended and a tragedy occurred, Sarah used her knowledge of child welfare to protect her family. In this episode, we learn how Sarah was able to move forward with her children and build a new life…
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A Brief Overview of Femicide with Dr. Myrna Dawson
Myrna Dawson is known as one of the most prominent femicide researchers in Canada, who co-founded the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee in 2002. In this episode, we talk about the definition of femicide, collateral victims, and groups that have been disproportionately impacted by abuse.…
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When Systems Fail with Dr. Jennifer Kagan-Viater
In early 2020, Jennifer Kagan-Viater’s daughter, Keira, was believed to be killed by her father in a murder-suicide as an act of revenge. In this episode, Jennifer shares a mother’s perspective on child loss relating to domestic violence. She talks about love-bombing, coercive control and…
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A Family Story of Femicide with Fallon Farinacci
The loss of Fallon’s mother and father shaped who she was from a very young age. The subsequent death of her brother further impacted her and contributed to the survivor’s guilt she experienced. In this episode, we talk to Fallon about her tragic family experience with femicide, her life as a…
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Experiencing Violence Amidst the Rwandan Genocide with Alpha Nkuranga
Alpha Nkuranga is a Residential Support Worker at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. In this episode, Alpha talks about experiencing with domestic violence as a child and the violence she endured while living in a Tanzanian refugee camp during the Rwandan genocide. We talk about the...
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Staying in Shelter as a Teen Mom with Sarah Tieleman
Sarah Tieleman is an entrepreneur and a member of Women’s Crisis Services’ Board of Directors. In this episode, Sarah opens up about her journey as a teen mom experiencing domestic violence. She explains how she stayed at Anselma House in Kitchener and how her journey came full circle 20 years...
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Escaping the Abusive Life of a Child Bride with Samra Zafar
Samra Zafar is a best-selling author, motivational speaker and mental health advocate. In 2019, Samra released her book “A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose”. In this episode, Samra shares her experience with domestic violence. She talks about the importance of having cultural support…
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Using Music to Heal from Trauma and Abuse with Carlos Morgan
Carlos Morgan is a Canadian Rhythm and Blues singer. He won a juno award in 1997 for his R&B - Soul album called “Feeling Alright”. In this episode, Carlos talks about experiencing domestic violence as a child and the impact this had on his life and future relationships. He also explains about…
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A Story of Mental Health and Coercive Control with Cheryl Haskett
Cheryl Haskett is an entrepreneur, who runs her goat milk ice cream company, Udderly Ridiculous, from her family’s farm in Bright, Ontario. In this episode, Cheryl talks about her previous abusive marriage and how this led her to stay in a women’s shelter in Barrie, Ontario with her two young...
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Sharing a Secret History of Trauma with Anna Maria Tremonti
Anna Maria Tremonti is a Canadian journalist who is well known for her hard-hitting work with CBC. In the winter of 2022, Anna Maria opened up about her experience with domestic violence, a secret she had been keeping for 40 years. In this episode, Anna Maria shares her experience dealing with…
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Taking Action along the Highway of Tears with The Moose Hide Campaign
In 2011, Raven Lacerte went on a hunting trip with her father near the infamous Highway of Tears, a section of highway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, BC, where many Indigenous women have gone missing or been murdered. Little did they know this trip would mark the beginning of the Moose...
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The Connection between Addiction and Domestic Violence with Michael Parkinson
Michael Parkinson, who works for the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, is an expert on addiction and substance use. In this episode, Michael talks about the connection between addiction and domestic violence, how drugs can be a coping mechanism for survivors, and what we can do to support...
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Unpacking Incarceration and Abuse with Jessica Hutchison
The vast majority of women in prison are survivors of sexual abuse and interpersonal violence. In this episode, we hear from PH.D. candidate, Jessica Hutchison, whose research focuses on the use of strip-searching in women’s prisons. Jessica discusses some of the reasons why survivors of domestic...
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A Conversation on Providing Support with Brittlestar
Stewart Reynolds has made a name for himself online as Brittlestar, the internet’s favourite dad. In 2020, he started the Christmas Wish Tree to provide gifts to women and children living in shelters and second stage housing. In this episode, he talks about this initiative and shares how small...
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Using Theatre to Break the Stigma with Kimberlee Walker
Kimberlee Walker is a social worker, actor and a founding member of Theatre of The Beat, a theatre company that works to start conversations around a variety of social issues. In this episode, Kimberlee talks about her experience creating Unmute, a forum theatre production that challenges the way...
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Domestic Violence in the Media with Elizabeth Renzetti
Elizabeth Renzetti is a Globe and Mail columnist and feature writer who has covered domestic violence stories for many years. In this episode, Elizabeth speaks about her experience reporting on this taboo subject. She also discusses trauma-informed reporting and how the media can give a voice to...
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Learning from Domestic Homicides with Dr. Peter Jaffe
Dr. Peter Jaffe is one of Canada’s top researchers on domestic homicides, serving as a member and co-founder of the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. In this episode, Dr. Jaffe talks about the process of reviewing domestic homicides and explains how we can use these findings to prevent...
About this show
A podcast that explores the realities and complexities of domestic violence. Each week, we address hard topics like domestic violence and the drug trade, violence against Indigenous women, and more. You will hear real, raw stories from people of all walks of life. Produced by Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.
Hosted by
Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region