Rachel Louise Snyder on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence—especially domestic violence homicide—is not an easy topic. In this week’s episode of Woman Worriers, host Elizabeth Cush interviews Rachel Louise Snyder, award-winning journalist and author of No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us.

Quotes:

“ A billion people around the world are victims of domestic violence.”
— Rachel Louise Snyder

“We misunderstand the nature of domestic violence…everything from the origins of violence to the outcomes of violence.’”
— Rachel Louise Snyder on victims of domestic violence homicide

“Leaving gets them killed.’”
— Rachel Louise Snyder on victims of domestic violence homicide

“Leaving is a process. It’s not an event.’”
— Rachel Louise Snyder

 “She did not recant because she lied. She recanted to stay alive. She recanted to keep her children alive.”
— Rachel Louise Snyder, No Visible Bruises

“Something like 80%–85% of men in prison today have domestic violence, either as witnesses or victims, in their childhood (or sexual assault).”
— Rachel Louise Snyder

“Victims never recognize themselves; no one ever thinks they’re a typical victim.”
— Rachel Louise Snyder

Show Notes:

Domestic violence isn’t a private matter. It affects families, communities—all of us. And it can be deadly. It’s not an easy topic to talk about, but it needs to come out of the darkness. In this episode of the Woman Worriers podcast, host Elizabeth Cush, LCPC, of Progression Counseling in Annapolis, Md., talks with journalist and author Rachel Louise Snyder about her new book, an in-depth exploration of the complex and challenging issues surrounding domestic violence and intimate partner homicide. Their enlightening and thought-provoking conversation looks at the risk of being killed by an intimate partner, signs of escalating violence, how communities can help prevent domestic violence and resources for those who are in a violent relationship themselves or know someone who might be.

The truth around the notion that women continue to be victims of domestic violence because they don’t leave When women in violent relationships are at greatest risk Why the danger is greater because we don’t talk about domestic violence How domestic violence has a ripple effect that extends beyond the couple The most obvious indicator of potential lethality—and why it’s often overlooked Why an abuser’s suicide threat might be a sign of danger Why it’s not enough just to get the victims out Why we need to get past stereotypical views of “typical” victims and perpetrators Various strategies that communities are using to reduce domestic violence and keep victims safer Why it’s critically important to have open conversations about domestic violence When it’s appropriate to start talking to your kids about what an abusive relationship looks like Where to find online tools to assess risk, safely call emergency services and more How to approach a friend or family member who might be a victim of domestic abuse

Learn More

> Rachel Louise Snyder’s official website

> No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence by Rachel Louise Snyder

> Follow Rachel Louise Snyder on Facebook

> Follow Rachel Louise Snyder on Twitter @RLSWrites

> Danger Assessment website

> Danger Assessment tools and resources

> Lethality Assessment Program

> National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

> National Domestic Violence Hotline website and chat

>  Progression Counseling