This episode of Due Differently contains descriptions of domestic violence and sexual assault, please take care while listening. 

Host Madeline Herec Poirier listens to the story of a domestic abuse survivor named Emily. Her incredible story is one of strength, and stands as a poignant reminder that domestic violence can happen to anyone. We hope this episode challenges our audience to face their own biases surrounding domestic violence, as it has done for us, and encourage listeners to take steps in understanding the signs of domestic abuse in all forms.

In this episode we hear the incredibly personal story of Emily, a woman who, after experiencing domestic violence, was able to leave her abuser and steer her own ship once again. Our guest shares with Maddie how the violence began during her pregnancy, how she reached the decision to leave, and why she decided to speak out. 

Survivors of domestic violence are often stigmatized due to a lack of knowledge about how these situations come to be and the enormous challenges faced by those who have decided to leave their abuser. It’s important that we recognize this, and take the necessary steps to educate ourselves on the nuances of domestic abuse situations.

In our intro, Maddie refers to the rise in intimate partner violence since the onset of the pandemic. To read more, please visit: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-lockdown-is-not-actually-safer-intimate-partner-violence-during-covid-19-2020070720529

Sound Design and Mix for this episode by Jon Day. Check out his work here.

Follow us on social media @duedifferentlypodcast! 

If you or someone you love is experiencing any form of domestic abuse, please make sure to speak with a professional. At the end of her episode, Emily makes reference to a few resources, which are listed below along with others. This list is not exhaustive, but a good place to start.

To find resources by state please visit: https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help/state-resources

National:

National Domestic Violence Hotline - https://www.thehotline.org

New England:

RESPOND Inc. - https://www.respondinc.com

Massachusetts:

DOVE (Domestic Violence Ended) - https://www.dovema.org

South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center - https://www.ssrac.org

Jane Doe, Inc. - https://janedoe.org

Abby’s House - https://www.abbyshouze.org