Voices Against Violence

Kirstyn and Charity talk about domestic and sexual violence: what is it, what's at the root, and how power and control tactics show up in society.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month so Charity and Kirstyn sat down with Jenay, a Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist to "Look Back, and Move Forward". What is sexual violence? Why do some people not report what happened? Are there actions city leaders can take to make a community safer? We answer these questions and much more in this conversation.

March is Women's History Month! Kirstyn and Charity discuss highlights of women's history in the US from the founding of the United States through current day. They review key achievements through the years and the challenges that still exist as we strive for equality.

Join Charity and Kirstyn for a conversation that centers on the often-overlooked intersection of domestic violence and disability. Guest host Shelby from Empower Abilities explores how power and control can manifest in unique ways for individuals with disabilities, and how service providers can be better equipped to serve all survivors of domestic violence.Who we are - empower: abilities in Springfield MO

Charity and Kirstyn discuss the ways gender stereotypes contribute to dynamics of power and control, and can prevent survivors from getting help. This Women's History month, consider the gender stereotypes you believe, and work to honor everyone's equality.

Charity and Kirstyn explore consent, boundaries and respect as they challenge listeners to start small and practice the skill of asking for and respecting permission. https://secure.qgiv.com/event/thepurpleparty2026/

Sit down with Family Advocacy Program Coordinator Misty as Charity and Kirstyn learn about teen experiences in shelter and how to support young people in developing social connection and safety. Learn how programming provides safety in the moment and tools for the future.

The CDC has identified protective factors for preventing intimate partner violence, including teaching safe and healthy relationship skills and engaging influential adults and peers. Charity and Kirstyn offer ideas on how to connect young people with supportive peers and adults. Preventing Intimate Partner Violence | Intimate Partner Violence Prevention | CDC

Our Teen Dating Violence Awareness series continues as Charity and Kirstyn share some of their favorite, go-to sources for information and support on dating violence. Whether you're a teen or someone who works with teens, you'll find resources that are meaningful and relevant for you. loveisrespect.orgdayoneny.orgfutureswithoutviolence.orgjoinonelove.orgyipa.org

One in three teens experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse by someone they're dating before they become adults. Harmony House is proud to have Charity on staff to facilitate important conversations about teen dating violence with youth in the area. To schedule a prevention presentation please reach out to [email protected].

Kirstyn and Charity discuss Stalking Survivors Speak, a training provided by The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center (SPARC). They discuss the commonalities between the survivors' stories, challenges survivors face, and key takeaways.To access SPARC's online training: https://www.stalkingawareness.org/elearning-courses/

Kirstyn and Charity talk through the basics of stalking for Stalking Awareness Month, what it looks like, and debunk a few myths surrounding it.Resources in this episode: SPARC stalkingawareness.org

Charity, Kirstyn, and producer Atticus share their favorite episodes and guests from season 1, who we are, how Voices Against Violence began, and what's coming in 2026.

Kirstyn and Charity continue the conversation about trauma. This episode focuses on trauma-informed care, how to apply it in homes and workplaces, and the positive affect trauma-informed care has on all of us as we move through the world.

Kirstyn and Charity take a deep dive into the topic of trauma. What exactly is trauma? How does it affect us? What can we do about it? They discuss all that and more on this episode.

The holiday season is a magical and festive time for many, but for those in abusive relationships the holidays can bring added barriers and escalated abuse. Kirstyn and Charity discuss factors that can intensify the harm survivors experience and share tips on how to offer support to survivors during this time of the year.

On this episode, Charity and Tesia discuss a chapter from Why Does He Do That: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft (Chapter 2, "The Mythology"). Tesia shares her lived experience to reveal the pattern abusers use to justify their actions while blaming their victims.

Is this bad behavior, or the start of a pattern? Where do you draw the line? On this episode, Kirstyn and Charity are joined by Advocate Office Second Shift Supervisor Kelsey for a powerful conversation on recognizing often overlooked red flags, their own lived experiences, and one question to ask yourself to help you determine when to get out.

Advocate Office Second Shift Supervisor Kelsey joins Charity and Kirstyn to discuss the connection between adverse childhood experiences and unhealthy relationships as adults, what adults can do to support young people in trauma and how to help them build healthy relationships later.

Alexis Smith went viral last year for calling out her abuser on the pageant stage. Since being crowned, she's using her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and the importance of prevention education. She shares her inspiring story on this episode with Charity and Springfield Business Journal's Christine Temple. This episode was recorded with a live audience on September 25th at Harmony House's 2025 iCare Kickoff Breakfast.Want to watch the video version of this episode? Check it out at the Harmony House YouTube Channel today.

Nora Mosby with the Missouri Coalition and host of the Coalition's podcast, MOmentum for Change, joins Charity and Kirstyn on this episode. She discusses the early days of DV advocacy in Missouri, how the Coalition began, and the legislative advocacy work they do to support survivors across Missouri.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Harmony House's Director of Development, Carl, joins Charity and Kirstyn on this episode. He discusses the 11th year of our iCare awareness and fundraising campaign, how people can get involved, and his heart for and personal connection to the mission.

Each survivor’s experience, while similar, is unique. What is it like parenting while experiencing domestic violence and how are children impacted by violence? How do you heal while also helping your child recover and heal? On this episode, survivors Joy and Kate share their stories. They discuss the challenges of parenting in the midst of domestic violence, when they knew they needed to get out, and how they began to put their lives back together.

What does a healthy relationship really look like? What’s the difference between a toxic and an abusive relationship? Charity and Carlie explore the dynamics of healthy vs toxic vs abusive relationships.

Grants Administrator for Harmony House, Melissa Herr, joins Charity to discuss her role, how non profit funding works, and what has surprised her most about domestic violence in her time at Harmony House.

Former Voices Against Violence co-host Kristen Snell returns to celebrate the 50th episode. Kristen and Charity share their favorite current event topics, including influencer red flags and the viral attention domestic abuse is receiving on TikTok.

The conversation continues with survivor and domestic violence advocate, Janice. She shares the struggles of life and dating after domestic violence and what drives her passion for advocacy for other survivors.

Survivor and Domestic Violence Advocate, Janice, shares her story with Charity. In this conversation Janice sheds light on the threats and coercive control that put survivors and their children at risk. She also talks about life after domestic violence and her first steps towards independence after getting out.

In this bonus interview, Voices Against Violence producer, Atticus, talks with Misty, Family Advocacy Coordinator at Harmony House. Misty shares how creative, intentional programming in shelter is tailored to meet the needs of current residents, from activities for children to programs that help adults build coping skills. She also highlights the many ways Family Advocates support families, nurture connection, and create meaningful experiences at shelter.