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 are faced by marginalized communities who experience domestic violence, the importance of intersectionality in talking about complex social issues and how visibility can support those who are worried about sharing their story. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect wit ..read more

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 Services of Waterloo Region’s Engaging Men program. He also explains the importance of early intervention strategies to prevent domestic violence from happening in the future.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbou ..read more

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 conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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 using her story to inspire others to be better neighbours.  Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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 hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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 region. She shares how her personal experience with abuse inspired her to co-found VoicesWR, a peer-support group for survivors of intimate partner violence, which she currently co-chairs.   Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNe ..read more

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 free from abuse. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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 explains how she is using Keira’s story to create change in the family court system. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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 Métis woman and advocate, and learn how she has used her story to help others heal from violence. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more