Voices Against Violence

byHarmony House

EducationSocietyCulture

Welcome to the Harmony House Voices Against Violence Podcast site—a dedicated space crafted to educate, empower, and serve as a voice for all survivors of domestic violence, past, present, and future. Our goal is to provide an extensive range of resources and insightful content that not only informs but also inspires action and advocacy. Through in-depth discussions, compelling interviews, and engaging topics, we aim to shed light on the crucial issues surrounding domestic violence, offer support, and amplify the voices of survivors.Join us as we work together to create a supportive community, drive change, and ensure that every su...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Season 2 - Episode 34

How do you prevent domestic violence?

Domestic violence is preventable. Charity and Kirstyn define primary prevention, how prevention works to reduce violence, and debunk the common misperception that the solution is more domestic violence shelters.

Published: Sep 4, 2026Duration: 19m 30s

Season 2 - Episode 33

Book Chat: Nobody's Girl, A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Giuffre

Please note, this episode contains descriptions of domestic and sexual violence and child sexual abuse. Charity is joined by Community Education Coordinator Emily Stoinski of Safe Connections in St. Louis, for a book discussion on the posthumous memoir, Nobody's Girl by survivor Virginia Giuffre. They discuss the parts of her story that were the hardest to read and the lessons to be learned in her pursuit of justice and advocacy for survivors. Safe Connections is one of the oldest organizations in St. Louis working to end domestic and sexual violence.

Published: Aug 28, 2026Duration: 39m 48s

Season 2 - Episode 32

Working Together for a Cause

Harmony House's Development Director, Carl, joins Charity and Kirstyn on this episode to talk about the importance of building relationships with individuals and organizations in our community; the behind-the-scenes work of fundraising, volunteering, and donations; and remind us that there is a place for anyone who wants to be involved in helping support our mission.

Published: Aug 21, 2026Duration: 24m 17s

Season 2 - Episode 31

Shaping the Next Generation: A Conversation with Paula Rector

Charity and Kirstyn welcome award-winning community partner, Paula Rector to the podcast. Paula discusses a career rooted in a passion for domestic violence prevention and advocacy. She shares stories from her experiences as a Senior Criminology Instructor at Missouri State University, board member for The Rebound Foundation, and her service as a former Harmony House board member.

Published: Aug 14, 2026Duration: 37m 38s

Season 2 - Episode 30

What is the Power and Control Wheel?

Power and control wheels are used all over the world and have been translated into 40 languages. On this episode, Charity and Kirstyn give a guided tour of this resource, explaining each segment of the wheel with its tactics and examples of behaviors, and how this tool is used to help survivors and educate others on the complex dynamics of domestic violence.

Published: Aug 7, 2026Duration: 20m 6s

Season 2 - Episode 29

A Conversation with Missouri Representative Cecelie Williams

This episode contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence which may be disturbing or triggering. Please be advised. Charity and Kirstyn are joined by Missouri Representative Cecelie Williams for a powerful conversation. She discusses legislative updates and her legislative advocacy, including sponsoring and getting passed HB1908 which bans judges from delaying a divorce due to pregnancy. Rep. Williams shares her own harrowing experience of abuse and offers inspiring words for other survivors.

Published: Jul 31, 2026Duration: 25m 21s

Season 2 - Episode 28

How Can I Support Harmony House?

New Development Coordinator, Sara, joins Charity and Kirstyn to discuss the numerous opportunities available for people to support the mission and work of Harmony House. From the upcoming Golden Hour Gala happening next month to fundraising to third party events, Sara explains it all and shares how others can get involved.Event info: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026goldenhourgala/NOTE: Since recording this episode the event has sold out. Visit myharmonyhouse.org for more information on other news and events.

Published: Jul 24, 2026Duration: 13m 4s

Season 2 - Episode 27

Is it Abusive If: Isolation

Charity and Kirstyn discuss the tactic of isolation as a form of coercive control. Listen to learn warning signs, common expressions and how you can support survivors experiencing isolation.

Published: Jul 17, 2026Duration: 22m 31s

Season 2 - Episode 26

You Asked, We Answered

What does a healthy relationship mean to you? Why don't people just leave abusive relationships? Charity and Kirstyn address responses to those questions given by attendees at recent prevention trainings.Watch this episode as a video on YouTube!

Published: Jul 10, 2026Duration: 21m 35s

Season 2 - Episode 25

Camp Hope: Building Hope and Healing for Youth

Charity and Kirstyn are joined again by Greene County Family Justice Center Program Director Jamie and Program Coordinator Courtney to discuss Camp Hope, a new initiative to Greene County. Camp Hope is a program for youth impacted by domestic violence and trauma. Jamie and Courtney explain the purpose of the program, how it benefits youth, and ways for families and community members to get involved.

Published: Jul 3, 2026Duration: 15m 34s

Season 2 - Episode 24

How do we prevent Domestic Violence?

An educated community is a safer community. After all these episodes, Charity is featured as our guest on VAV to teach us more about her role educating the community and preventing DV. To schedule a training with Charity, please reach out here: charityj@myharmonyhouse.org

Published: Jun 26, 2026Duration: 34m 40s

Season 2 - Episode 23

One Stop Shop for Victim Services: What is a Family Justice Center?

Charity and Kirstyn sit down with the Program Director and Program Coordinator of the GCFJC, Jamie and Courtney, to learn more about the only Family Justice Center in Missouri. To learn more about Family Justice Center click here.

Published: Jun 19, 2026Duration: 23m 23s

Season 2 - Episode 22

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Survivors (with The Glo Center)

Charity and Kirstyn invite the Glo Center to share about the ways LGBTQIA+ individuals experience abuse and barriers to care. The Glo Center serves the LGBTQIA+ community in the Ozarks through support, resources, education, and advocacy, to create a more inclusive and welcoming community where all can thrive.The Glo Center

Published: Jun 12, 2026Duration: 43m 54s

Season 2 - Episode 21

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Month

May was Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Awareness Month. The American Indian Center joins Chairty and Kirstyn for a discussion of the resources the American Indian Center offers in the Springfield area, and what everyone can do to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women.To find out more about The American Indian Center, check out their website: https://www.aicspringfield.org/Related resources for further reading:Keetsahnak: Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters by Kim Anderson, Maria Campbell, and Christi Belcourt, Editors.Maze of Injustice: The failure to...

Published: Jun 5, 2026Duration: 27m 4s

Season 2 - Episode 20

Navigating Mental Health Resources

Charity and Kirstyn sit down with Dr. Lillard, Director of Behavioral Health Services from Healthy Blue, to discuss the barriers survivors face when accessing behavioral health resources, and what Healthy Blue is doing to care for the community.

Published: May 29, 2026Duration: 23m 33s

Season 2 - Episode 19

Frequently Asked Questions about Domestic Violence

Charity and Kirstyn answer the questions they are asked the most frequently about domestic violence. Join us as we dispel myths, address stigma and more! Do you have a question you want featured on an episode of Voices Against Violence? Let's continue the conversation -email us at podcasts@myharmonyhouse.org or find us our social media! https://www.facebook.com/MyHarmonyHouse/https://www.instagram.com/my_harmony_house

Published: May 22, 2026Duration: 26m 12s

Season 2 - Episode 18

What does a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) do?

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) play a critical role in the care of survivors. Join Kirstyn and Charity as they sit down with a local medical practitioner, for a conversation about the role of SANEs, and what everyone should know about supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Published: May 15, 2026Duration: 28m 40s

Season 2 - Episode 17

Tactics of Abusers: DARVO

Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender. Kirstyn and Charity discuss the ways abusers and abusive systems work to discredit and blame victims.

Published: May 8, 2026Duration: 23m 51s

Season 2 - Episode 16

Safety Planning: Where do I begin?

Advocate Office Operations Manager, Brooke joins Charity and Kirstyn to discuss the ins-and-outs of safety planning. It’s not just a process or a checklist, it’s a way of thinking that all survivors engage in whether they know it or not.

Published: May 1, 2026Duration: 23m 44s

Season 2 - Episode 15

Domestic Violence in the News

Power and control in the headlines. Charity and Kirstyn discuss recent news stories, including a hope filled legislative update.

Published: Apr 24, 2026Duration: 24m 49s