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PODCAST · society

Why be Silent?

by Shannon Vincent

Domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, the list goes on. So many topics that are considered hush-hush. Topics that are whispered about or not spoken of at all because it’s not nice conversation. Why be silent? Listen as a forensic nurse examiner talks about these things openly and learn information and resources that may save someone’s life, including your own.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Aug 15, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Red Zone: Protecting College Students from Sexual Assault

    Forensic nurse Shannon Vincent explains the ‘red zone’—the spike in college sexual assaults from the start of fall semester through Thanksgiving—and why freshmen, alcohol, and unfamiliar environments increase risk. She outlines Title IX protections, reporting and medical options, and...

  2. How ACEs Shape Parenting: Breaking the Cycle

    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...

  3. When Silence Isn't an Option: A Teen Survivor's Story

    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...

  4. When Trauma Meets Love: Navigating Relationships with First Responders and Survivors

    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…

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  5. Coroners Uncovered: What They Do and Why It Matters

    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...

  6. Inside Victim Services: Healing, Notification & Corrections

    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,...

  7. Inside PREA: How Prisons Are Protecting the Vulnerable

    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...

  8. Why Be Silent: The Fight for Change in South Carolina

    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...

  9. When the Badge Meets the Vulnerable: Law Enforcement's Role in Abuse Cases

    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...

  10. When Silence Strangles: Understanding Non‑Fatal Strangulation

    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…

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  11. Unveiling Silent Threats: STIs Demystified

    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,...

  12. Understanding Secondary Trauma: The Hidden Cost of Caregiving

    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...

  13. Understanding the Invisible Wounds: Mental Health and Trauma

    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...

  14. Understanding Child Abuse: Red Flags and Prevention Strategies

    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...

  15. Breaking the Silence: Male Victims of Female Perpetrators

    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...

  16. Breaking Silence: A Survivor's Story

    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…

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  17. Unmasking Domestic Violence: Understanding the Silent Epidemic

    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...

  18. Unmasking the Reality of Human Trafficking: Beyond Hollywood's Glare

    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....

  19. Empowering Survivors: Understanding Forensic Nursing Protocols

    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...

  20. Uncovering the Impact of ACEs: Your Health and Future

    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...

  21. Understanding the Neurobiology of Trauma

    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…

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  22. No More Silence: Confronting Society's Taboo Topics

    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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, the list goes on. So many topics that are considered hush-hush. Topics that are whispered about or not spoken of at all because it’s not nice conversation. Why be silent? Listen as a forensic nurse examiner talks about these things openly and learn information and resources that may save someone’s life, including your own.

HOSTED BY

Shannon Vincent

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Why be Silent? have?

Why be Silent? currently has 22 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Why be Silent? about?

Domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, child abuse, the list goes on. So many topics that are considered hush-hush. Topics that are whispered about or not spoken of at all because it’s not nice conversation. Why be silent? Listen as a forensic nurse examiner talks about...

How often does Why be Silent? release new episodes?

Why be Silent? has 22 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Why be Silent??

You can listen to Why be Silent? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Why be Silent??

Why be Silent? is created and hosted by Shannon Vincent.
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