Summary:

In this episode, we hear Natalie's traumatic story of survival. We're joined by her and two members of the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition as they share the unhealthy signs to look out for in a relationship, how it may look for some, and where you can go if you need support.

Learn More About Natalie:

Natalie has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 3 years to her 3 children ages 17, 13, and 3. Formerly she was an HR manager for 14 years in the health care industry. 

Natalie is a survivor of domestic violence who has experienced every aspect of the justice system and offers insight into her domestic violence journey in hopes to educate and help others who may be working in the system or experiencing violence. 

Learn More About Melissa:

Melissa joined the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition as Prevention Coordinator in June of 2021. She hails from Eastern Kansas and earned her degree in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies from the University of Kansas.

She began her career as a domestic violence advocate, and has also held roles coordinating outreach and events for an organization serving adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and supporting parents to strengthen protective factors to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Learn More About Erin:

Erin Jemison is an independent consultant focused on supporting nonprofit, government, and community organizations through policy analysis and development, legislative education and advocacy, program design and implementation, and special project facilitation.

Erin brings over 20 years of experience as a collaborative leader, practitioner, and policy analyst in domestic and sexual violence issues, criminal and juvenile justice reform, and economic opportunities for women and families. This includes overseeing legislative analysis and strategy in multiple states as a Policy Manager at the Crime and Justice Institute, as well as developing and leading the first statewide policy program focused on Utah women and families as Director of Public Policy at YWCA Utah.

Erin also served as Executive Director of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, where she managed all operations and government relations and directed statewide technical assistance and public policy focused on supporting survivors, reducing sexual offense recidivism, and promoting public safety.

Erin is dedicated to bringing people to the table to find effective, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to complex issues. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from William Smith College and a Master of Public Administration from Montana State University.

Key Takeaways:

• [05:32] Shocking statistics about Domestic Violence in Utah and nationally
• [08:06] What is the Utah Domestic Coalition?
• [10:12] How UDVC has navigated through the Pandemic
• [12:05] What classifies as domestic violence?
• [14:11] 2 big words that define the dynamics of abusive relationships
• [15:53] Cruel behaviors that someone might use in an abusive relationship
• [17:14] What classifies an unhealthy situation vs. an abusive situation
• [21:06] Meet Natalie as she shares her story as domestic violence survivor 
• [21:55] How Natalie met her ex-husband and the moment she started to notice signs of an abusive relationship
• [24:50] Natalie’s first experience with physical violence and the harassment that followed
• [30:49] Why a ‘protective order’ may not ensure 100% safety 
• [34:24] How Natalie summoned the strength to protect her family with multiple restraining and protective orders against her ex-husband despite each one being violated 
• [37:37] The traumatic event that landed Natalie’s ex-husband in prison
• [42:02] How Natalie took back control of her life despite the trauma she’s experienced
• [44:33] How Natalie’s kids are doing now that their father is incarcerated

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Visit the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website here.
• If you need help or support as a victim of domestic violence, call the 24-Hour LINKLine: 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
• The Power and Control Wheel PDF
• Episode 18 - Sex Trafficking - How One Woman Survived and How She Has Turned Hell into Hope
• Episode 25 - DeAnna Robbins Co Host - The Past That Shapes You
• We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.

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