Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, but for thousands of American women each year, it becomes the most dangerous period of their lives. In this eye-opening conversation with Professor Elizabeth Tobin-Tyler of Brown University, we explore the shocking reality that homicide is a leading cause of traumatic death for pregnant and postpartum women, accounting for 31% of maternal injury deaths.

Professor Tobin-Tyler draws on her unique background spanning both law and public health to explain how pregnancy often triggers escalating violence in abusive relationships. When an abuser's need for control meets the shifting attention and resources that accompany pregnancy, the results can be deadly—particularly for Black women, who die at five times the rate of white women from homicide during pregnancy.

We dive into the complex systems that fail pregnant survivors, from healthcare settings where brief appointments and the presence of abusers make disclosure difficult, to legal frameworks that inadequately protect women from armed abusers. The conversation explores innovative solutions like medical-legal partnerships that bring lawyers into healthcare settings to address both medical and social determinants of health simultaneously.

The ripple effects of this violence extend far beyond individual families. Children exposed to domestic violence face lifelong health consequences, creating an estimated $8 billion annual economic burden across healthcare, education, and criminal justice systems. Despite these staggering costs, funding for research and services continues to face cuts.

You'll come away from this conversation with a new understanding of how Medicaid access, firearm regulations, and community-based services can save lives, along with practical advice for supporting pregnant survivors in your own community. Professor Tobin-Tyler challenges us all to stop normalizing violence against women and to recognize pregnant women as valuable human beings in their own right—not just as vessels for their children.

What happens when protection orders fail? In November 2019, Tiffany Hill did everything by the book to protect herself from her abusive husband. She reported his violence, obtained no-contact orders, and worked closely with law enforcement. Yet she was still murdered in front of her children and mother while sitting in her car outside an elementary school.

Former Washington State Senator Lynda Wilson had already recognized this deadly gap in victim protection. Years before Tiffany's murder, Wilson had introduced legislation for GPS monitoring with real-time victim notification—a system that creates electronic "geofences" around domestic violence survivors. Had this technology been in place, Tiffany might have received a warning when her estranged husband approached, potentially saving her life.

This powerful episode brings together three key figures who transformed this tragedy into lifesaving change: Senator Wilson, whose own childhood experiences with domestic violence fueled her advocacy; Sergeant Tanya Wollstein of the Vancouver Police Department, who investigated Tiffany's case and now implements the monitoring program; and Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Boyd, who fought for higher bail to keep Tiffany's killer behind bars.

Their conversation reveals both the frustrating limitations of our current legal system—including Washington's constitutional "right to bail" that allowed Tiffany's killer to be released—and the promising results of the technology that now bears her name. Today, approximately 240 domestic violence offenders in Clark County wear ankle monitors that alert victims when their abuser comes within 1,000 feet, with early data showing reduced recidivism rates.

Through heartbreaking details of Tiffany's story and illuminating insights into how the justice system works (and sometimes doesn't), this episode offers a masterclass in turning personal tragedy into community protection. Listen now to understand how this groundbreaking approach to victim safety might be implemented in your community.

Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG) stands at the frontier of criminal justice, offering new hope for cases that have remained unsolved for decades. This groundbreaking conversation takes us inside the Center for Human Identification (CHI) at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth - the first public lab in the nation providing comprehensive FGG services to law enforcement.

In this episode, Robert Moore, Director of the Investigative Support Unit, explains how this technology is revolutionizing criminal investigations by comparing crime scene DNA to profiles in public genealogy databases. The process has breathed new life into cold cases across Texas, particularly benefiting smaller agencies with limited resources. With 254 counties in Texas and many police departments averaging just 18 officers, CHI's free DNA testing services provide a lifeline for investigations that might otherwise remain unsolved.

The most powerful moments in this conversation come from genealogist Susan Davis, who shares her personal journey as both a sexual assault survivor and genetics expert. Her vulnerability in discussing her own 1981 attack by a serial predator underscores the human impact of this technology. "Had FGG been available then," she reflects, "it would have saved lives and prevented other women from suffering similar attacks." Her story illustrates how science can transform trauma into purpose—Davis now spends her days identifying perpetrators in hours rather than the years it often took traditional methods.

Through compelling case studies, including that of a serial rapist identified in just five hours after decades evading justice, we witness the transformative potential of genetic genealogy when placed in capable hands. The conversation reflects both scientific precision and profound human compassion for victims who have waited far too long for answers.

In this episode, Pagan Kennedy, author of "The Secret History of the Rape Kit," reveals the untold story behind the rape kit, a forensic tool that revolutionized sexual assault investigations but whose creator, Marty Goddard, was erased from history. Through meticulous research, Kennedy uncovered how Goddard developed this life-changing evidence collection system in 1970s Chicago while facing systemic barriers and police attitudes that dismissed victims.

When Kennedy began researching the origins of the rape kit, she expected a straightforward story. What she discovered instead was a buried history of female innovation deliberately erased from public record. In 1970s Chicago, Marty Goddard encountered a system where police manuals explicitly stated "most women who report rapes are lying" and evidence collection was an afterthought. Determined to create change, Goddard developed a standardized system for collecting sexual assault evidence that would give credibility to survivors' accounts through science.

Kennedy's research exposes concerning modern issues as well. Despite DNA testing revolutionizing forensics, rape kits remain largely unchanged since the 1970s. With over 1,000 different versions nationwide, inconsistent protocols, invasive questioning, and accessibility barriers continue to plague the system. Perhaps most troubling is the persistent devaluation of sexual assault evidence, evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of untested kits discovered in warehouses nationwide.

The most revealing aspect of this history is Goddard's strategic decision to name the kit after police chief Louis Vitullo, knowing that in the male-dominated world of law enforcement, a woman's invention would never be adopted. This sacrifice ensured implementation but cost Goddard her rightful place in history until Kennedy's journalism brought her contributions to light. Now housed in the Smithsonian, the original rape kit represents both a breakthrough and a reminder of how women's contributions are often obscured.

Sexual violence leaves survivors searching for answers, often without a roadmap for what comes next. Cheyenne Wilson knows this firsthand. After her own assault, she desperately sought comprehensive guidance but found only fragmented resources. This experience sparked her creation of "We Are the Evidence: A Handbook for Finding Your Way After Sexual Assault" – the resource she wished had existed during her darkest moments.

The stark statistics are sobering. Nearly one in four women experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetime, with rates even higher among women of color and Indigenous communities. When survivors don't have clear information about definitions, resources, and options, confusion compounds trauma. Wilson's groundbreaking handbook addresses this critical need, offering clarity on everything from terminology to evidence collection to navigating the justice system.

Throughout our conversation, Wilson illuminates the power of language in a survivor's healing journey. Many people struggle with questions like "I didn't say no, was it still rape?" or "I didn't fight back, was it still assault?" By addressing these questions head-on and dispelling common myths, she empowers survivors to name their experiences. The handbook also distinguishes between community advocates (who provide confidential support) and victim witness advocates (who work with prosecution) – a crucial distinction many survivors don't understand.

What truly sets "We Are the Evidence" apart is its trauma-informed approach. The book incorporates mindful check-ins, diverse survivor perspectives, and acknowledgment that each healing journey looks different. Wilson emphasizes that survivors have choices at every step – from evidence collection to reporting to exploring alternatives like restorative justice. Most importantly, she reminds us that healing isn't linear and there's no single "right way" to recover from sexual violence.

Whether you're a survivor seeking guidance, a loved one wanting to provide support, or someone working in advocacy or law enforcement, this resource offers invaluable insights into the complex aftermath of sexual violence.

What happens when those who save others need saving themselves? Behind the badge, helmet, or uniform lies a harsh reality few civilians understand: our first responders are suffering in silence.

Dr. Heather Twedell (Dr. T), forensic psychologist and founder of F1RST, pulls back the curtain on the devastating toll that repeated trauma takes on police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers. With a brother and father in law enforcement, she combines professional expertise with personal understanding to revolutionize how we approach first responder wellness.

The statistics are alarming—first responders experience significantly higher rates of suicide, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and divorce than the general population. But Dr. T explains why this happens through a fascinating exploration of how trauma physically changes the brain and body. That smell at a restaurant that suddenly triggers a police officer's fight-or-flight response? That's the brain's danger-detection system at work, months after a traumatic call.

Most compelling is Dr. T's innovative approach to healing. F1RST brings together therapists, nutritionists, physical therapists, and even horses to build resilience in our community protectors. The equine therapy program provides immediate feedback on emotional regulation that many participants say brings more awareness than years of traditional therapy.

Perhaps most powerful is Dr. T's insight into how first responder trauma affects entire families through "nervous system synchronization"—where a spouse or child unconsciously absorbs the stress and anxiety the first responder brings home. By including families in the healing process, F1RST addresses the ripple effects of trauma that conventional programs miss.

Want to support the first responders in your life or community? Listen now to understand what they're experiencing and discover practical ways to help those who've dedicated their lives to helping others.

What does safety really mean when you're trapped in an abusive relationship? For forty years, Genesis Women's Shelter & Support has been answering this question through action, evolving from a seven-room emergency shelter into a comprehensive support system that recognizes both physical and emotional dimensions of safety.

In this revealing conversation, Genesis CEO Jan Langbein and Chief Residential Officer Jordyn Lawson take us through the history of domestic violence services in America—a journey that began long before shelter doors opened, tracing back to women's suffrage and the fight against laws that once permitted husbands to beat their wives legally. They share how Genesis has continuously adapted to meet survivor needs, from adding transitional housing to legal services to innovative occupational therapy for traumatized children.

The most dangerous misconception about domestic violence? That victims are safe once they leave. In reality, 75% of women murdered by partners are killed after separation. This stark reality explains why "just leaving" isn't simple, especially when abusers use isolation, financial control, and threats as weapons. Lawson expertly dismantles our understanding of abuse, explaining how controlling behaviors combined with any physical aggression represent the highest risk for homicide, while strangulation increases murder risk elevenfold.

Perhaps most importantly, Langbein and Lawson offer practical guidance for everyone who suspects someone might be suffering. "Trust your gut," they urge, explaining that even when victims deny abuse initially, simply knowing someone cares enough to ask can become a lifeline. Whether you're concerned about someone you know or working in a position to help survivors, this episode provides the knowledge to recognize warning signs that media sensationalism often obscures.

Ready to be part of the solution? Genesis offers 24/7 support at 214-946-HELP. Because as this episode reminds us: abuse won't stop until abusers stop abusing—but we can all help create pathways to safety.