At the Intersection of Addiction and Violence: The complex connection between substance use and abuse Season 3, Episode 15 The interconnection between addiction and domestic violence is intricate and profound. On this episode of Genesis the Podcast, host Maria MacMullin offers a deep dive into the invisible threads that bind these two social crises through the story of Amy, a woman entangled in the web of substance dependency and an abusive environment. Addiction is often misunderstood as a matter of choice, but the episode illuminates its true nature as a complex brain disorder. It is highlig ..read more

Entering the realm of teenage years can bring a whirlwind of firsts—first loves, first heartbreaks, and, for many, the first glimpse into the complexities of relationships. Yet, amidst the excitement of navigating these newfound emotions, there is a sobering reality that parents and teens alike must confront: the prevalence of teen dating violence.    It is estimated that 1 in 3 teens will experience some form of abuse by the time they are 20 years old. However, too many teens suffer in silence, afraid to talk about their experiences or unaware that what they are experiencing is ..read more

Policing with Compassion: Responses to Domestic Violence and Child Abuse from Survivor, Mark Wynn Season 3, Episode 10 When we consider the harrowing impact of domestic violence, it is often the immediate physical harm that comes to mind. However, the shadows cast by such trauma extend far beyond the bruises and scars, affecting the psyche and shaping futures. This is a tale not just of survival but of transformation, as told by Mark Wynn, a former lieutenant and survivor of domestic violence.   The darkness of his childhood, impacted by the tyranny of abuse, unveils a profound truth abou ..read more

From Memory to Memoir: Rachel Louise Snyder tells the story of her life In the realm of storytelling, few narratives are as gripping and transformative as those that stem from personal trials and the quest for redemption. The latest episode of our podcast features Rachel Louise Snyder, who gives a candid and raw account of her life’s journey as depicted in her new memoir, “Women We Buried, Women We Burned.” This episode isn’t just a recounting of the darkness cast by abuse; it is also an exploration of the ensuing light of understanding and the path to healing. Snyder’s memoir lays bare the im ..read more

Behind the Courtroom Door: Understanding the Role of Expert Witnesses in Domestic Violence Trials Season 3 Episode 7 Understanding the role of expert witnesses in domestic violence trials can be challenging. This episode of Genesis The Podcast offers invaluable insights, unraveling the intricacies of these cases. Our guests, Genesis Chief Clinical Officer Ruth Guerreiro and Genesis Chief Residential Officer Jordyn Lawson, are licensed professionals with significant experience as expert witnesses in domestic violence trials who share their experiences and expertise. Walking us through the lab ..read more

Genesis The Podcast Season 3, Episode 6 The 21st century brings a unique set of challenges when it comes to raising boys. In a world that grapples with toxic masculinity, the task of guiding sons through this societal terrain becomes increasingly complex. In our recent podcast episode Jordyn Lawson and Maria MacMullin, two boy moms, delve into these issues and seek solutions. The term toxic masculinity has been increasingly discussed in recent years, yet its implications are still not fully understood by many. It refers to harmful societal expectations and stereotypes that dictate what it mean ..read more

Aquí en Génesis ayudamos a mujeres y niños que han sido afectados por el abuso doméstico. Una de las maneras que ayudamos es enseñando maneras en cómo lidiar con las emociones. Encontrar cosas que pueden ayudar a mejorar su bienestar en momentos difíciles es muy importante. Mucha de las veces, en nuestra comunidad hispana, nos enseñan a dar a los demás y no cuidarnos a nosotras mismas. Pero toma un momento para pensar… ¿Cuáles actividades me ayudan a manejar con los problemas de cada día? Cada día usamos diferentes formas de lidiar con las emociones, aunque a veces no lo tomamos en cuenta. Uno ..read more

Season 3, Episode 5 Coercive control is a subtle form of domestic violence that is often overlooked but leaves lasting scars on its victims. In our latest podcast episode, we discuss this pervasive form of abuse with renowned Professor Emeritus, social worker and author Evan Stark, focusing on its damaging impact on children. Evan Stark’s ground-breaking research – as published in his 2009 book, “Coercive Control,” and in his most recent 2023 release, “Children of Coercive Control” – has shed light on the terroristic patterns of coercive control that pervade households, making children silent ..read more

Understanding the profound impact of domestic violence on the parent-child bond is essential for mental health professionals, social workers, and the public alike. This intricate connection is the focal point of our latest podcast episode, where we had the privilege of speaking with Ruth Guerreiro, Chief Clinical Officer of Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support. During our conversation, we delved into the four types of attachment styles – secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized – and the impact domestic violence can have on each. We also examined the disruptive tactics employed by abusive ..read more

The aftermath of gender-based violence is a complex web of trauma that often remains misunderstood. To address this reality, we launched season 3 of Genesis The Podcast with a profound conversation with Dr. Judith Herman, a notable figure in the field of trauma studies. Her dedication to understanding trauma and supporting survivors has paved the way for remarkable advancements in this critical area of mental health. In the early 1970s, Dr. Herman began her journey with survivors. She and her team developed a unique approach of gathering stories and writing books, providing survivors with a p ..read more