Best Women’s Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region Podcasts (2025)

1
Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma with Serena Wesley 36:31

1M ago36:31

36:31

Serena works at the Healing of the Seven Generations in Waterloo Region as a Program Manager and Bail Supervisor. In this episode, Serena shares her personal experience with domestic violence and how it led to the loss of her mother’s life when Serena was only 9 years old. She was taken into care through the foster care system and over the years, s…

1
Supporting Survivors with Culturally Safe Housing with Qwuy’um’aat Elliott 41:25

2M ago41:25

41:25

Qwuy’um’aat works as a Senior Strategic Advisor at BC Housing. She is also the owner of Ever Plan Consulting and an Instructor at Vancouver Island University where she teaches Indigenous Lands Management and Indigenous Community Planning. In this episode, Qwuy’um’aat talks about the challenges that Indigenous women face, particularly in relation to…

1
Holistic Approaches to Indigenous Healing with Amber Silversmith 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

Amber is a Counsellor at Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services. In this episode, Amber talks about the various programs offered by Ganohkwasra, including safe shelter, counselling, and other supports for women, men, youth and children seeking safety from violence. She also talks about the work she does with missing and murdered Indigenous wom…

1
Understanding Indigenous Identity and Trauma with Destiny Bailey 44:45

3M ago44:45

44:45

Destiny Bailey is the Program Coordinator at Abbey House – a transitional home for women with or without children who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or who are facing other trauma and crisis situations. In this episode, Destiny shares her powerful journey as an Indigenous woman who has faced and overcome significant challenges, including do…

1
Sharing Stories of Narcissistic Abuse with Brandon Chadwick 44:09

6M ago44:09

44:09

Brandon Chadwick is the host of a popular podcast called, Narcissist Apocalypse. Narcissist Apocalypse is a raw and unfiltered podcast that gives a voice to survivors of domestic abuse – it’s also an online community and peer support group. In this episode, we talk to Brandon about the evolution of Narcissist Apocalypse and the role that shame and …

1
Strangulation and Physical Abuse with Christine Taylor 35:38

6M ago35:38

35:38

Christine Taylor is the Program Manager at the Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Centre out of St. Mary’s Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Waterloo Region. In this episode of She Is Your Neighbour we talk to Christine about the dangers of strangulation and escalating physical abuse, how The Family Violence Project provides wrap …

1
Culture, Spirituality and Domestic Violence with Oluseun Olayinka 41:11

6M ago41:11

41:11

Oluseun Olayinka is the Executive Director at Adventure4Change in Waterloo, Ontario. In this episode, Oluseun explains how cultural norms can influence the way a person navigates an abusive relationship, as well as the role the couple’s family, friends, and faith community may have in determining how to move forward. We also talk about the work Ade…

1
Financial Abuse and its Impact on Children with Christina Silva and Christy Phillips 52:59

7M ago52:59

52:59

Christina Silva and Christy Phillips work at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. Christina is the Outreach Supervisor and Christy is a Child and Youth Worker. In this episode of She Is Your Neighbour we talked to Christina and Christy about the various ways that domestic violence impacts children and the importance of safety planning. We al…

1
Understanding Sexual Violence and Trafficking with Sara Casselman 40:10

7M ago40:10

40:10

Sara Casselman is the Executive Director at the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region. In this episode, we talk to Sara about myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence, the intersection between domestic violence and human trafficking, and what Sexual Assault Support Centres can do to help community members who have experienced…

1
The Realities of Stalking and Harassment with Julie Lalonde 45:42

7M ago45:42

45:42

Julie Lalonde is an author, public educator and a survivor of domestic violence. In the first episode of She Is Your Neighbour: Back to Basics, we talk to Julie about her personal experience with domestic violence and stalking, and how it led her to write her book, Resilience is Futile, the Life and Death and Life of Julie S Lalonde. Julie also spo…

1
Grieving and Healing from Trauma with Stephanie Bryenton 34:41

11M ago34:41

34:41

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 …

1
Gender-Based Violence in the Craft Beer Industry with Ren Navarro 36:29

12M ago36:29

36:29

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 c…

1
The Consequences of Using Violence with Pamela Cross 39:06

1y ago39:06

39:06

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 crim…

1
When Violence Escalates During Pregnancy with Amy Kaufman 49:51

1y ago49:51

49:51

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, usi…

1
Compounding Violence in Queer Relationships with Iona Sky 33:12

1y ago33:12

33:12

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 d…

1
Holding Men Accountable with Jude Oudshoorn 36:37

1y ago36:37

36:37

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. …

1
The Psychology of Domestic Violence with Dr. Katreena Scott 33:50

1y ago33:50

33:50

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 connec…

1
Why Leaving is the Most Dangerous Time with Colette Martin 31:22

1y ago31:22

31:22

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…

1
A Future Free from Femicide with Marlene Ham 32:40

2y ago32:40

32:40

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 s…

1
The Need For Peer Support with Sofia Aresta 27:45

2y ago27:45

27:45

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 i…

1
How Femicide Affects Children with Sarah Robertson 34:09

2y ago34:09

34:09

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 hasht…

1
A Brief Overview of Femicide with Dr. Myrna Dawson 34:22

2y ago34:22

34:22

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 #SheIsYourNei…

1
When Systems Fail with Dr. Jennifer Kagan-Viater 26:00

2+ y ago26:00

26:00

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 …

1
A Family Story of Femicide with Fallon Farinacci 35:53

2+ y ago35:53

35:53

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…

1
Experiencing Violence Amidst the Rwandan Genocide with Alpha Nkuranga 31:10

3y ago31:10

31:10

Alpha Nkuranga is a Residential Support Worker at Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region. In this episode, Alpha talks about experiencing with domestic violence as a child and the violence she endured while living in a Tanzanian refugee camp during the Rwandan genocide. We talk about the journey to her new life in Canada, her upcoming book, and…

1
Staying in Shelter as a Teen Mom with Sarah Tieleman 28:47

3y ago28:47

28:47

Sarah Tieleman is an entrepreneur and a member of Women’s Crisis Services’ Board of Directors. In this episode, Sarah opens up about her journey as a teen mom experiencing domestic violence. She explains how she stayed at Anselma House in Kitchener and how her journey came full circle 20 years later, when she became a board member of Women’s Crisis…

1
Escaping the Abusive Life of a Child Bride with Samra Zafar 42:40

3y ago42:40

42:40

Samra Zafar is a best-selling author, motivational speaker and mental health advocate. In 2019, Samra released her book “A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose”. In this episode, Samra shares her experience with domestic violence. She talks about the importance of having cultural support from your community and explains why she chose to write…

1
Using Music to Heal from Trauma and Abuse with Carlos Morgan 30:29

3y ago30:29

30:29

Carlos Morgan is a Canadian Rhythm and Blues singer. He won a juno award in 1997 for his R&B - Soul album called “Feeling Alright”. In this episode, Carlos talks about experiencing domestic violence as a child and the impact this had on his life and future relationships. He also explains about how his music has been an outlet for him to heal from t…

1
A Story of Mental Health and Coercive Control with Cheryl Haskett 36:37

3y ago36:37

36:37

Cheryl Haskett is an entrepreneur, who runs her goat milk ice cream company, Udderly Ridiculous, from her family’s farm in Bright, Ontario. In this episode, Cheryl talks about her previous abusive marriage and how this led her to stay in a women’s shelter in Barrie, Ontario with her two young children. We talk about the services that she was able t…

1
Sharing a Secret History of Trauma with Anna Maria Tremonti 39:40

3y ago39:40

39:40

Anna Maria Tremonti is a Canadian journalist who is well known for her hard-hitting work with CBC. In the winter of 2022, Anna Maria opened up about her experience with domestic violence, a secret she had been keeping for 40 years. In this episode, Anna Maria shares her experience dealing with the long tail of domestic violence. She talks about the…

1
Taking Action along the Highway of Tears with The Moose Hide Campaign 41:05

3+ y ago41:05

41:05

In 2011, Raven Lacerte went on a hunting trip with her father near the infamous Highway of Tears, a section of highway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, BC, where many Indigenous women have gone missing or been murdered. Little did they know this trip would mark the beginning of the Moose Hide Campaign – a grassroots movement focused on endi…

1
The Connection between Addiction and Domestic Violence with Michael Parkinson 43:19

3+ y ago43:19

43:19

Michael Parkinson, who works for the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, is an expert on addiction and substance use. In this episode, Michael talks about the connection between addiction and domestic violence, how drugs can be a coping mechanism for survivors, and what we can do to support women in these situations. Join in the conversation!…

1
Unpacking Incarceration and Abuse with Jessica Hutchison 38:54

3+ y ago38:54

38:54

The vast majority of women in prison are survivors of sexual abuse and interpersonal violence. In this episode, we hear from PH.D. candidate, Jessica Hutchison, whose research focuses on the use of strip-searching in women’s prisons. Jessica discusses some of the reasons why survivors of domestic violence go to prison and how their prison experienc…

1
A Conversation on Providing Support with Brittlestar 33:57

4y ago33:57

33:57

Stewart Reynolds has made a name for himself online as Brittlestar, the internet’s favourite dad. In 2020, he started the Christmas Wish Tree to provide gifts to women and children living in shelters and second stage housing. In this episode, he talks about this initiative and shares how small gestures can make a big difference to those experiencin…

1
Using Theatre to Break the Stigma with Kimberlee Walker 37:48

4y ago37:48

37:48

Kimberlee Walker is a social worker, actor and a founding member of Theatre of The Beat, a theatre company that works to start conversations around a variety of social issues. In this episode, Kimberlee talks about her experience creating Unmute, a forum theatre production that challenges the way we recognize and respond to instances of domestic vi…

1
Domestic Violence in the Media with Elizabeth Renzetti 39:28

4y ago39:28

39:28

Elizabeth Renzetti is a Globe and Mail columnist and feature writer who has covered domestic violence stories for many years. In this episode, Elizabeth speaks about her experience reporting on this taboo subject. She also discusses trauma-informed reporting and how the media can give a voice to survivors of domestic violence. Join in the conversat…

1
Learning from Domestic Homicides with Dr. Peter Jaffe 36:36

4y ago36:36

36:36

Dr. Peter Jaffe is one of Canada’s top researchers on domestic homicides, serving as a member and co-founder of the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee. In this episode, Dr. Jaffe talks about the process of reviewing domestic homicides and explains how we can use these findings to prevent future tragedies. Join in the conversation! Use the has…

1
A Family Experience of Domestic Violence with Ryan Wicklum 41:24

4y ago41:24

41:24

Ryan Wicklum’s aunt is one of his favourite people – she is also a survivor of domestic violence. In this episode, Ryan reflects on his childhood, sharing what it was like to learn details of his aunt's previous relationship. He also explains how she overcame the experience and how he uses this information to support women in the workplace. Join in…

1
Traumatic Brain Injury as a Result of Intimate Partner Violence with Lin Haag 47:22

4y ago47:22

47:22

Traumatic brain injury survivor and researcher, Lin Haag is committed to understanding the connection between intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injury. In this episode, Lin explains how common traumatic brain injuries are for women experiencing domestic violence. She shares shocking statistics, discussing how these injuries can impact a…

1
Domestic Violence Impacting South Asian Communities with Jenny Jay and Serena Lalani 49:44

4y ago49:44

49:44

At the age of thirteen, Serena Lalani entered a dating relationship, not knowing it would become abusive. Six years later, when she was finally able to leave the relationship, she shared her experience with the world. In this episode, Serena explains what unfolded after she shared her story. Joined by her friend Jenny Jay, together, they share thei…

1
Teaser: She Is Your Neighbour 2:01

4y ago2:01

2:01

Together, we explore the realities and complexities of domestic violenceBy Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region

1
How Domestic Violence Impacts Ontario Women and Children with Jill Dunlop 34:07

4+ y ago34:07

34:07

November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario and for this special episode we are joined by Jill Dunlop, the Associate Minister of Children and Women's Issues. In this episode, the Minister talks about how domestic violence is impacting Ontario women and children and explains what role the government plays when it comes to domestic violence. …

1
Why We Need Male Allies with Loren Padelford 35:49

4+ y ago35:49

35:49

Loren is the Vice President and General Manager of Shopify. In this episode, he opens up about his childhood experience with domestic violence. He also talks about the importance of male allies and explains what men can do to help. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR.…

1
COVID-19 & Gendered Violence with Ashleigh Weeden 39:30

4+ y ago39:30

39:30

Ashleigh is a rural innovator and community capacity builder, currently pursuing her PhD in Rural Studies at the University of Guelph. In this episode, she talks about the many ways the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women. She discusses the economic and social challenges and explains how these challenges are amplified for women living ru…

1
Seeking Support: Challenges that Trans Youth Face with Kieran Duby 37:49

4+ y ago37:49

37:49

For more than 20 years, Kieran Duby has worked as a Children’s Services Worker at Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County. In this episode, he talks about the challenges that transgender youth face when seeking support for domestic violence. Kieran also shares his perspective as a trans man and explains why it’s so important …

1
Violence Against Indigenous Women & Girls with Lori Campbell 39:17

4+ y ago39:17

39:17

Director of the Indigenous Student Centre at the University of Waterloo, Lori Campbell is a child of the Sixties Scoop and an intergenerational survivor of the residential school system in Canada. In this episode, Lori speaks about violence against Indigenous women and girls, while opening up about her childhood and sharing her personal experience …

1
Navigating the Legal System with David Morneau 33:12

4+ y ago33:12

33:12

Dave Morneau was a family lawyer for more than 20 years before becoming the Executive Director of a non-profit organization that supports children who have experienced or witnessed abuse and crime. In this episode, he explains what forms of domestic violence are recognized by law, reflects on his experience working in the field, and shares his pers…

1
When Black Women Experience Domestic Violence with Nicole Brown Faulknor 40:54

4+ y ago40:54

40:54

In this episode, trauma consultant and registered psychotherapist, Nicole Brown Faulknor talks about intergenerational trauma, how domestic violence impacts Black women and much more. She opens up about her personal experience with domestic violence and speaks to the importance of believing women. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYou…

1
A Childhood Experience of Domestic Violence with Chris Linklater 30:55

4+ y ago30:55

30:55

Chris Linklater’s passion to help others started at a young age and led him to become a firefighter for the City of Kitchener. In this episode, Chris breaks his silence and speaks candidly about witnessing his mother’s abuse as a young boy and describes what it was like to stay in a women’s shelter. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsY…

1
Domestic Violence & The Drug Trade with Emily O’Brien 37:39

4+ y ago37:39

37:39

Emily O’Brien’s life changed dramatically when her boyfriend invited her to take a trip down south. Listen to her remarkable journey from a drug-smuggling convict to popcorn entrepreneur and founder of Comeback Snacks. Join in the conversation! Use the hashtag #SheIsYourNeighbour and connect with us on social media at @WomensCrisisSWR. Learn more a…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Women’s Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen