Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse

Do you ever have a right to tell your partner what they can and can’t do? Is it ever okay to threaten to leave a relationship if the other person doesn’t change a behavior you don’t like? Where is the line between communicating needs and exerting control over your partner?

Power and control is at the heart of unhealthy relationships, but it’s not always easy to recognize. This episode analyzes all aspects of power and control so li...

Do you consider consent when brushing your hand against someone's back at the bar? Do you think about it before hugging someone who is in tears? Too often, we only think about consent in regards to sexual activity, but it's something we should consider daily.

In this episode of Unsilenced, Maria Lagattuta explores:

• What consent looks like in all relationships
• How victims of abuse frequently don't have much consent in their relatio...

Imagine a woman who has endured emotional, physical, or sexual abuse for years. Her husband has isolated her from family and friends, restricted her finances, and harms her every day. If this woman then physically hurts her partner – is she seen as abusive?

Dr. Lisa Young Larance is a pioneer in the field of antiviolence intervention with extensive experience working with women who have used abuse in their relationships. On thi...

Abuse among teens can look different than our typical understanding of domestic violence. In this episode, Maddie Hahn, the manager of JBWS’ Dating Abuse Prevention Program, answers many questions about dating abuse for both teenagers and their parents or guardians.

This episode covers:

• Location sharing, the expectation of constant communication, how we can model healthy relationships for teenagers, how bullies mimic dynamics o...

Did you know that teenagers can experience dating abuse? Before reaching adulthood, 1 in 3 teenagers will experience some form of abuse by their partner. In this episode of Unsilenced, Shari Genser, Esq. will discuss

• what legal protections are in place for teenaged victims of abuse
• why victims sometimes drop restraining orders,
• how difficult it may be for teenagers to come forward about sexual abuse, and much more.

*Ple...

Handling the legal system can be difficult for victims of domestic violence. In this episode Shari Genser, Esq. offers insight into:

• Restraining orders and court processes
• The difference between domestic violence and dating abuse
• The role of power and control in abusive relationships

*Please note: this is not to be used as legal guidance, please seek services if you want unique, individual legal advice.

Are you in an un...

It is critical to consider race when talking about domestic violence because there are unique barriers that Black victims face. Tamu King, CEO & Founder of The Changed Mind joins this episode of Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse to talk about how:

• The "Strong Black Woman" stereotype feeds into the dehumanization of Black women and makes it harder for them to leave abusive relationships

• There is ...

Would seeing a cup of coffee terrify you? What if it was made exactly how you like it from that new café you just found? What if you found the cup of coffee in your car, still warm, with a nickname you haven’t used in years scrawled on the side? 

Julia Holtemeyer of the Stalking Awareness, Prevention and Resource Center (SPARC) joins this episode of Unsilenced to:

• Explore what constitutes stalking
• Share real-life examples of s...

Do you have questions about domestic violence that you want to ask but aren't sure if you should? A show on Netflix called You Can't Ask That encouraged people to anonymously ask victims taboo questions about domestic violence.

JBWS volunteer Ninna Roco joins this episode of Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse to discuss these controversial questions and provide insight into the dynamics of abuse.

If you are in an unhealth...

"I don't like the way I've been treating my partner." To end domestic violence, we must normalize reflecting on our behavior and admitting when we make mistakes. The stigma and shame around abuse prevents victims from seeking services and stops those using abuse from being honest about their behaviors.

However, abuse is a choice and there are tools, skills, programs, and services that can help people prevent these behaviors. Mary ...

Why do people abuse their partners or family members? What could cause a person to inflict harm on people they love? These are questions that anyone familiar with domestic violence has likely contemplated at some point.

However, there is no universal answer to these questions. Not all people who use abuse have the same life experiences. Some may be mimicking the dynamic of their parents while others may believe they must be in con...

A common belief in society is that you "stay together for the kids" but how does this narrative impact victims of abuse? In this mini episode, Robin Hughes, JBWS' Crisis Response Team manager, discusses the challenges facing victims of abuse who have children.

Find the full episode here.

Are you in an unhealthy relationship and living or working in Morris County, New Jersey? JBWS can help call our 24-Hour Helpline at 1.877.782....

Suicide. It’s a topic that many people are hesitant to discuss. They may worry that broaching the subject might give someone the idea to end their life or they may choose to stay silent because they simply don’t know how to talk about it. But suicide is a real risk, particularly for those struggling with domestic violence.

Jessica Testa, LAC,  a counselor at JBWS, joins this episode of Unsilenced: Real Conversations About Abuse...

Twenty years ago, The Notebook debuted in theaters and people fell in love with the passionate, enduring relationship between Noah and Allie. Their intense, all-consuming devotion to each other shaped a generation's perception of true love.

But is this a good thing or does it romanticize abusive behavior ? Should we find it sweet that he wrote daily letters to her for a year without receiving a reply? Is it romantic that he buil...

The holidays can be an isolating, scary time for people experiencing abuse. Time off from work, the increase in substance use, financial strain, and the pressure to make happy holiday memories create a perfect storm for abuse.

Robin Hughes, manager of JBWS' Crisis Response Team, joins this episode of Unsilenced to explore why abuse may escalate during the holidays and how to support a loved one that may be experiencing abuse. ...

Words hurt. Emotional abuse can damage a person's sense of identity, hurt their self-worth, and make them doubt their reality. However, because there are no physical signs of emotional abuse, it can be difficult to recognize.

Sometimes abusive behavior can be masked as concern for your partner. "I don't think you should eat this meal, maybe get a salad instead" or "I don't think you should wear that outfit today, I don't trust th...

Abuse isn't always that easy to recognize. This concept is highlighted in Anna Kendrick's episode of Call Her Daddy where she explores how abuse is designed to make you question yourself.

Maddie Hahn, the manager of JBWS' Dating Abuse Prevention Program, joins this episode of Unsilenced to discuss elements of Anna's episode of Call Her Daddy including the dynamics of abusive relationships, why conversations about warning signs ar...

Self-care is often portrayed as luxurious vacations, trips to the spa, or expensive meals out. However, these methods aren't always accessible to people experiencing abuse. Their partners may control their finances, their schedule, and their relationships. So, how can victims of abuse take care of themselves?

Maria Lagattuta, director of JBWS' Morris Family Justice Center, joins this episode of Unsilenced to discuss how self-care...

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Diddy and baby oil. Rhianna and Chris Brown. These are just some of the many costumes people wear for Halloween that minimize or glorify sexual assault and domestic violence. But what motivates a person to dress as a victim of abuse or a person who has caused harm in their relationship?

Psychologist and JBWS board member, Dr. Danielle Graddick joins this episode of Unsilenced: Real Conversations About...