Shows
Can We Talk About That?Episode 33 - When Survival is Criminalized: The Justice System and GBV SurvivorsWhat happens when the legal system meant to protect survivors ends up criminalizing them?In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Jenniffer Olenewa, who shares insights from her PhD research on the criminalization of women and survivors of gender-based violence.Together, we unpack the history of how survivors have been treated by the justice system, explore growing conversations around coercive control and the potential criminalization of femicide, and examine why these issues are far more complex than they might seem. From unintended consequences to difficult questions about justice, accountability, and protection, this episode challenges assumptions an...
2026-02-2554 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 32 - Reflecting on Impact: Our 2025 OTF Seed Grant with MPP Ernie HardemanIn this special episode, we’re celebrating a major milestone: the closing of our 2025 Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant for our Can We Talk About? project. We were honoured to welcome our local MPP, Ernie Hardeman, to join us for our Final Recognition Event — a moment to reflect on the impact of this work and to say a heartfelt thank you to OTF for their support.Together, we highlight what this funding made possible, the community partnerships that brought the project to life, and why investments like these matter for building safer, more resilient communities. This episode is a ce...
2026-02-1124 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 31 - You’re Not Overreacting: Understanding Criminal Harassment with Tracey MarshallIn this episode, we sit down with Tracey Marshall from Threat Management Matters (TMI) to unpack the realities of criminal harassment. What does it actually look like? Why is it so often misunderstood, minimized, or dismissed? And what are the real risks when it isn’t taken seriously?Together, we explore how criminal harassment impacts survivors, how it escalates, and why recognizing early warning signs is critical for prevention and safety. This conversation challenges common myths and highlights why stronger responses—from systems, communities, and individuals—are urgently needed.Links from our Conversation:Threat Management Mattershttps://threatmanagementmatters.ca/Resources & Suppor...
2026-01-2831 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 30 - Nobody Taught Us This: Consent, Youth, and the Lessons We All MissedConsent is something many of us were never properly taught — yet its absence has lifelong impacts. In this episode, we’re joined by Brooke McCoy, Ingamo’s Child and Youth Worker, to explore how conversations about consent often fail young people, and what that silence can lead to as they grow into adulthood.Drawing from her frontline experience supporting children and youth impacted by gender-based violence, Brooke shares insight into what kids and teens are actually navigating today, the warning signs adults often miss, and how early, age-appropriate conversations can build confidence, boundaries, and safety. Together, we unpack how school...
2026-01-1425 minCan We Talk About That?2026 Podcast UpdateWe’re wrapping up our 2025 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant and feeling incredibly grateful 💛Good news — we’re not saying goodbye.New podcast episodes will now drop every other Wednesday so we can keep these conversations going sustainably.Thank you for being here. We can’t wait to share what’s next!Feel free to put in the comments any topics or guests you have in mind for future episodes 👀
2026-01-0701 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 29 - Beyond "Just Leave": Real Support for GBV SurvivorsMany of us want to support survivors of gender-based violence—but we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, or we don’t realize that our well-intentioned advice can actually cause harm. In this episode, Krystal Snider joins us to talk about what real support and advocacy look like beyond the phrase “just leave.” We discuss the complexities survivors navigate, the importance of listening and believing, and how friends, family, and community members can offer support that is safer, more respectful, and truly helpful.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free...
2025-12-3135 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 28 - How We Know It’s Getting Dangerous: Risk Assessment and GBV with Tracey MarshallIn this episode, we’re joined by Tracey Marshall, founder of Threat Management Matters, to explore how risk is assessed in situations of gender-based violence. Drawing on her extensive experience in threat assessment and law enforcement, Tracey explains how professionals determine when a situation is becoming dangerous and what signs to watch for. We discuss practical strategies for survivors, allies, and service providers to recognize escalating risk and take steps to stay safe. This conversation offers crucial insight into understanding danger, making informed decisions, and supporting those affected by GBV.Links from our Conversation:Threat Management Mattershttps://threatmanagementmatters.ca/El...
2025-12-2437 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 27 - When It’s Someone You Know: Sexual Abuse from Friends, Family, and People You TrustedIn this episode, we sit down with Sarah Ferguson from Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS) to talk about one of the most difficult but important realities: sexual abuse that happens at the hands of friends, family members, and people we trust.Sarah helps us unpack why this type of harm is so often minimized or misunderstood, how grooming and trust-building play a role, and what survivors need in the aftermath.We also discuss how supporters can respond in trauma-informed, non-judgmental ways—and why believing survivors matters.Resources & Support:Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/ox...
2025-12-1719 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 26 - Reddit Reactions: "Why Didn't My Partner Show Up for Me?"In today’s Reddit Reactions episode, we dive into a heartbreaking relationship story shared by a woman who becomes seriously ill and ends up in the hospital for a week. Instead of getting the support she needs, she’s met with distance, defensiveness, and signs of emotional abuse she can no longer ignore.We also explore the bigger picture: her partner recently lost his job, may be struggling with depression, and the hospital stay seems to expose deeper issues that have been building in their relationship for a long time.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line...
2025-12-1018 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 25 - Survivor Story: Jerry AcchioneThis episode features Jerry Acchione, the City of Woodstock's Mayor, who opens up about his childhood living with an abusive father and the strength it took for his mother to seek safety for their family. At just 11 years old, Jerry entered a women’s shelter with his mom and siblings—an experience that would change the course of his life. Jerry talks about resilience, generational trauma, and the importance of supporting shelters and violence-prevention work in our communities.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Home...
2025-12-0320 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 24 - Not Just a Partner Problem: The Role of Abuse in Parenting and FatherhoodIn this episode, we’re joined by Tim Kelly, past Manager of the Family Violence and Counselling Program with the Children’s Aid Society, and a long-time leader in supporting families impacted by abuse.Tim helps unpack a crucial reality: abuse in relationships is never just a partner problem—it directly affects parenting, children’s wellbeing, and the overall safety of the home.We discuss how abusive behaviours can show up in fatherhood, the lasting impact on children, and why meaningful accountability is essential for change. Links from our Conversation: Childhood Trauma a...
2025-11-2621 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 23 - The Overlooked Intersection: Disability and Gender-Based ViolenceIn this episode, we sit down with consultant and advocate Marianne Park-Ruffin for an honest and eye-opening conversation about the intersection of disability and gender-based violence. Marianne offers both lived and professional insight into how people with disabilities experience GBV, the unique vulnerabilities they face, and the barriers that often prevent them from accessing support.Together, we explore what inclusive services should look like, how organizations can better respond, and why accessibility must be central in the fight to end GBV. This is a powerful and important conversation for anyone working in social services, advocacy, or community care.Resources...
2025-11-1944 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 22 - Survivor Story: TajayIn this moving episode, we sit down with Tajay, a survivor of gender-based violence, who shares her story with honesty, courage, and grace. Tajay takes us through her journey — from surviving abuse to rebuilding her life, reclaiming her voice, and rediscovering who she is beyond what she’s endured.Together, we talk about what life after leaving really looks like — the quiet strength it takes to heal, the uncertainty of new relationships, and the beauty of learning to love yourself again. Tajay reflects on the process of finding out what she likes, who she wants...
2025-11-121h 13Can We Talk About That?Episode 21 - It Should Never Get This Far: Preventing Femicide in Our Community with Amy MaddessIn 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 wh...
2025-11-0528 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 20 - When Care Turns Controlling: Understanding Elder Abuse with Margaret McPhersonWhat 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 fo...
2025-10-2927 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 19 - Say What You Mean: Building Healthier Communication in Relationships with Joanna ParkerHow 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 T...
2025-10-2218 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 18 - Reacting to Reddit: “Check Your Husband, Not Me”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...
2025-10-1515 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 17 - Building Trust: Reporting Sexual Assault and Talking to PoliceIn 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...
2025-10-0827 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 16 - Little Voices, Big Impact: How GBV Affects ChildrenIn 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, an...
2025-10-0124 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 15 - Hidden in Plain Sight: Understanding Human Trafficking in Our CommunityHuman 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...
2025-09-2429 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 14 - It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way: Supporting Men to Stop ViolenceIn 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.ne...
2025-09-1722 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 13 - More Than a Paycheck: How Employment and GBV Are ConnectedEmployment 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 s...
2025-09-1026 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 12: Reacting to Reddit: “She Destroyed His Millennium Falcon”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 a...
2025-09-0313 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 11 - The System Isn’t Built for This: GBV Survivors in CourtGoing 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 survi...
2025-08-2722 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 10 - It Happens at Work Too: Violence and Harassment on the JobWorkplace 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 an...
2025-08-2031 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 9 - Calling for Help: What Happens When You Call the Police About Abuse?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...
2025-08-1322 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 8 - When Home Isn’t Safe: GBV, Kids, and CASIn 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-Questionnair...
2025-08-0636 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 7 - What Support After Sexual Violence Actually Looks Like: Accessing OSASIn 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...
2025-07-3021 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 6 - Reacting to Reddit: The Wedding WarningIn 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)We...
2025-07-2315 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 5 - More Than Housing: Ingamo’s Story and the Power of Second-Stage SupportIn 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 supp...
2025-07-1617 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 4 - What Happens When You Call: Inside DASO - Oxford County’s Emergency ShelterWhat 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 Abus...
2025-07-0919 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 3 - From Then to Now: The History of GBV Services in Oxford County with Brenda BoswellWhat 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....
2025-07-0227 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 2 - Reacting to Reddit: “Am I in an abusive relationship?”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...
2025-06-2513 minCan We Talk About That?Episode 1 - GBV, IPV? Breaking Down the Buzzwords with Ashley BrownYou’ve probably seen terms like GBV (gender-based violence) or IPV (intimate partner violence) popping up more and more online — but what do they really mean? And why does the language matter?In this kickoff episode, we sit down with Ashley Brown, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Services Oxford, to unpack the acronyms, and how they show up in real life. This episode is about making the conversation more human — because violence isn’t just a statistic. It’s something people in our community live through every day.Resources & Support:Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Em...
2025-06-1738 min