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 Sisters to honour the legacy of their mother through beadwork.  In this episode, we talk to Stephanie about her work as a child protection worker and how it led her to the work she does today. We also talk about and the importance of community partnerships, advocacy work, reconciliation and un ..read more

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 type of person who drinks beer and changing marketing campaigns isn’t enough — policies need to reflect that too! In this episode, we talk to Ren about what harm reduction looks like in the beer industry, unique examples of gender-based violence in the beer industry and about how policies need to reflect ..read more

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 between an Inquest and Inquiry, the consequences of criminalizing coercive control and talk about what needs to change in the legal system. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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 experience, Amy has become an advocate for survivors, using her story and her network to support others. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @SheIsYourNeighbour and @WomensCrisisSWR ..read more

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