Food insecurity is a major barrier to safety in that a survivor has to be assured they can feed their children if they leave. In this episode, our advocates discuss how it is more expensive than ever to provide groceries and how that both affects and directs advocacy services. Join us for a conversation about how the basic human needs of food and safety threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, we’re sharing something close to our hearts — the upcoming BTR Communities Advocacy Summit, hosted by Branches Domestic Violence Shelter. This gathering is all about bringing people together to talk about how we can create safer, stronger communities for survivors of domestic violence.

We’ll explore what it really means to build “BTR Communities” and why your voice matters — whether you’re a business owner, a service provider, a neighborhood leader, or part of the faith community.

What You’ll Hear:

• What the BTR Communities Advocacy Summit is all about
• Why these conversations matter for all of us
• How businesses, service providers, neighborhoods, and faith leaders each have a role to play
• What to expect if you join us for the summit

Event Details:

• Event: BTR Communities Advocacy Summit
• Hosted by: Branches Domestic Violence Shelter
• Learn more: www.branchedvs.org
  
  
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS
  
  

Why You Should Be There:
This isn’t just another event — it’s a chance to come together, listen, and learn from one another. Each of us, in our different roles — whether through business, service, neighborhood, or faith — can make a difference for survivors and help shape communities that are safer for everyone.

Call to Action:
We’d love for you to be part of this important conversation.

• Learn more about Branches’ mission at www.branchedvs.org
  
  
• Save your spot for the summit by registering here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS

In this episode, Branches advocates Shannon and Sara unpack the growing TikTok conversation surrounding ELF Cosmetics’ latest ad campaign featuring a male comedian known for his history of domestic violence jokes. Together, they reflect on the outrage sparked by his inclusion in a campaign from a brand that has often positioned itself as a champion of women’s empowerment. This discussion explores how advertising choices shape culture, the harm caused when domestic violence is minimized for humor, and why companies may choose to risk their consumer base in this way. We also discuss what we, as advocates, survivors, and consumers, can do in response to the way domestic violence is presented in the media at large.

In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Bender from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence alongside long-time podcast presence, Sara O'Toole, advocate with Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, to talk about WVCADV's work developing statewide trainings for faith-based communities and advocates.

Jessica shares how these trainings take a more collaborative approach, bringing together faith leaders and domestic violence advocates side-by-side to build mutual understanding, trust, and stronger community responses to survivors. We explore why this partnership matters, what makes these sessions unique, and how they’re working to shift the narrative around support in faith-based spaces.

📅 Upcoming Training Alert!
Join Jessica, and national partner Safe Havens for their next in-person training on August 28th in Charleston, WV. This is a powerful opportunity for faith leaders, advocates, and community members to learn, connect, and grow together.

🔗 Register here: WV CADV Training Registration

Podcast Description/Show Notes:
In this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon dive deep into the headlines surrounding the Diddy trial, unpacking what the public response reveals about our cultural understanding of domestic violence. At the heart of the conversation is a question that continues to echo across social media and news outlets: "Why did she stay?"

Through the lens of advocacy and lived experience, Sara and Shannon shed light on the complexities that survivors face—barriers that are emotional, financial, societal, and deeply personal. They also explore how celebrity cases like this one influence public perception, often perpetuating harmful myths while also opening doors for deeper conversations.

Whether you're a survivor, ally, or someone seeking to better understand domestic violence, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a clear call to shift the narrative from victim-blaming to survivor-centered understanding.

Topics Covered:

• The dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships
• Why survivors may stay with their abuser
• The role of fame, power, and public perception in high-profile abuse cases
• How we can all do better in supporting survivors and reshaping the conversation

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of domestic violence and sexual assault, including references to graphic details related to the Diddy/Cassie case. Listener discretion is advised.

Resources & Support:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter is here to help. Reach out to our 24/7 confidential hotline at 304-529-2382 or visit www.branchesdvs.org for information, support, and services in your area. If you would like to speak to an advocate about sexual assault, please reach out to our sister program, Contact Rape Crisis Center at (866) 399-7273.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Blevins O'Toole, advocate, and Amber Ross Chapman, Director of Client Services at Branches, to demystify what happens when someone calls our 24/7 emergency hotline. We walk through the types of questions that may be asked, the purpose behind them, and most importantly, what callers can expect in terms of safety, confidentiality, and compassionate support.

Whether you're calling for yourself or someone you care about, this episode offers insight into the calm, human-centered approach our advocates take to ensure every caller feels heard, safe, and supported.

For more information, visit our blog: What to Expect When You Call the Branches Hotline

On the latest episode of Root for Each Other, Director of Development Sara Blevins O'Toole speaks with three of our volunteers about their reasons for giving to the cause and what their experience supporting survivors has given them. Join our Board President Kara Hornbuckle, intern Hayley Fadse, and shelter/wellness/all-around survivor cheerleader Michelle Blake as they share how volunteering has cultivated a "kinder conversation" around domestic violence in their community.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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This month, we're welcoming Laurel Thornton, (MA, LPC, ALPS, EMDR CERTIFIED), back to the pod to discuss the implications of Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Situations. Laurel joined us last year to talk about Neurodiversity and Trauma, and we love the way she conceptualizes the possibilities for innovation and trauma-informed practice in brain health. Listen along as we talk about how to identify and address TBIs in the people we serve and how to better our community response to DV with education and intervention.

Laurel is a Neuropsychotherapist, Owner of Whole Brain Solutions, and Co-Founder of the Whole Brain Institute. You can learn more about her work at wholebrainsolutionswv.com. We're particularly excited about Whole Brain Institute's new podcast, The Why We Are, and hope you check out their first episode streaming live now.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

Let's Be Friends!

On Facebook
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Or Donate.