TWTDNH is a truth-telling podcast on domestic violence, trauma, and systemic injustice. If you’ve survived abuse, loss, or institutional neglect—or work in these spaces—we’re seeking collaborators and experts to help amplify unheard voices. 📧 [email protected]

In this episode, Tressa confronts the brutal reality of how systems designed to protect victims often do the opposite. Through the story of Megan Montgomery—a vibrant, hopeful woman whose life intersected with law enforcement, the courts, and a culture of institutional silence—we explore the devastating consequences of unchecked power and delayed justice.

From the moment Megan met Jason McIntosh, a police officer with a history of violence, the warning signs were there. But like so many women, Megan did what she was “supposed” to do: she filed protective orders, sought help, and tried to escape. What followed was a chilling unraveling of legal loopholes, judicial delays, and systemic failures that allowed her abuser to remain armed, employed, and dangerously close.

This episode dives deep into the intersection of domestic violence, law enforcement, and the legal system’s complicity. We examine how stalking, firearm access, and institutional loyalty create a perfect storm for intimate partner violence—and why education, accountability, and reform are not optional, but urgent.

If you’ve ever wondered why survivors stay silent, why restraining orders fall short, or how abusers manipulate the very systems meant to stop them—this episode will leave you shaken, informed, and ready to demand better.

Megan Montgomery Charitable Foundation:

🔗About Us - Megan Montgomery Foundation

Here are key sources that document Megan Montgomery’s story and the systemic failures surrounding her case:

The main source for today’s show:
🔗 "The End of The World as I Knew It" by Heather Buckner – Good Housekeeping

🔗Upworthy
Offers a comprehensive overview of Megan’s relationship with Jason McIntosh, the abuse she endured, and the tragic events leading to her death. Includes quotes from her mother and highlights the invisibility of domestic violence behind curated social media images.

🔗WVTM13 News
Features interviews with Megan’s family and friends, reflecting on her life, her advocacy goals, and the creation of the Megan Montgomery Foundation. Emphasizes the emotional toll and the family's commitment to turning grief into action.

🔗People Magazine
Details Jason McIntosh’s guilty plea, Megan’s efforts to help other victims, and her writings during recovery. Includes courtroom statements and reflections from her family about the long-term impact of the abuse.

Resources for survivors and those seeking support (please access only from a device your abuser cannot access):

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  24/7 confidential support via call, chat, or text. Call 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
  The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Offers a 24/7 hotline and online chat: 800-656-HOPE (4673).
• NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
  Advocacy, education, and resources for survivors and allies working to end domesti