Ask Ava
Do you have questions about dating violence? Or, do you ever wonder what makes a relationship healthy? Look no further than the Ask Ava Podcast, where experts weigh in on these topics and more - like blackmail, gender, consent, and sexual assault. Questions come directly from New Jersey-based classrooms & groups. This podcast is recommended for listeners 12+. Subscribe and stream all Ask Ava episodes wherever you get podcasts! Some episodes are also available on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@safesoundsomerset The Ask Ava Podcast is produced by Safe+Sound Somerset. Located in Somerset County, we provide survivor services and prevention programs for domestic, dating and sexual violence. If you need support, please call or text our trained advocates on our confidential, free, 24/7 Helpline: 866-685-1122. Music is "Fresh Cut" produced by Beats By Dillin.
Episodes
Ask Ava, Ep. 268: "What does verbal abuse look like in an abusive relationship?"
Verbal abuse can be scary and have lasting impacts. Hear from special guest Jessica Fernandez about how to recognize verbal abuse in this third installment of our series looking at different types of abuse.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact our 24/7 Call and Text Helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound...
Ask Ava, Ep. 267: "How can you recognize gaslighting?"
Gaslighting is when someone uses manipulation and lies to purposely make you question your reality and your experiences. In the second installment of a 4-part Ask Ava series exploring different types of abuse, special guest Jessica Fernandez talks about how to recognize and respond to gaslighting.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out to Safe+Sound So...
Ask Ava, Ep. 266: "What is financial abuse?"
Today we're launching a new 4-part Ask Ava series highlighting different types of abuse besides physical violence. In this episode, special guest Jessica Fernandez talks about the warning signs of financial abuse - when somene gains power and control over another person by manipulating their finances, employment, or education
If you or someone you know need help, you can cal...
Ask Ava, Ep. 265: "How can teens protect themselve against dating abuse when they start dating?"
Before dating, it can be helpful to identify your goals for relationship and feel confident in your right to make your own choices, set boundaries, and give or deny consent. Along with learning the red flags of abusive relationships, these may be helpful tools in building healthy, safe relationships.
Safe+Sound Somerset's ...
Ask Ava, Ep. 264: "How can I set boundaries without being mean?"
Setting boundaries is a form of self-love; creating safety for YOU is not mean to someone else. Special guest Jessica Fernandez joins us to talk about how setting boundaries can be an act of healing and empowerment!
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to our 24/7 Call and Text Helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.or...
Ask Ava, Ep. 263: "How can I help my friend in an abusive relationship?"
It's important to show your friend you believe them and support their decisions with care and concern, not with judgement. Join us as special guest Jessica Fernandez shares how her friends helped her through a difficult time.
To speak with an expert, call or text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more information, visit www.safe-sound.org
Ask Ava, Ep. 262: "Why is it important to have men doing domestic and sexual violence prevention?"
Join us for a special conversation with Safe+Sound Somerset's Community Outreach and Community Engagement Manager, Victor Peralta, as he talks about a recent conversation with someone who was surprised to see a man doing domestic and sexual violence education.
Domestic and sexual violence impact people regardless of gend...
Ask Ava, Ep. 262: "How can I tell my current partner about my past sexual assault?"
You deserve to be believed and to not be blamed for the sexual assault. Let your partner know how you need them to listen and support you, and give them space for their own reaction as well. Safe+Sound Somerset is here for both of you. Call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122 for supportive listening, information, and referrals to se...
Ask Ava, Ep. 260: "What are the impacts of teen dating violence?"
Experiencing teen dating violence can have devasting impacts on individuals and whole communities. Join us as we talk about some of the effects of teen dating violence AND flip the script to talk about the positive impacts of healthy, safe relationships.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. For more ...
Ask Ava, Ep. 259: "What are some red flags of abuse besides physical violence?"
Red flag behaviors are actions that someone else uses to take away or violate your right to make your own decisions, set boundaries, and give consent. Special guest Jessica Fernandez joins Ask Ava to share some of her personal experiences as we discuss red flags of abuse besides physical violence.
If you or someone you know needs help, call and...
Ask Ava, Ep. 258: "I'm experiencing emotional abuse...how can I get others to take me seriously?"
You deserve to feel safe. Emotional abuse violates our right to make our own choices, set boundaries and give consent. Center your feelings when you communicate with others, and let them know how they can support you. If you or someone you know needs help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. We believe surviv...
Ask Ava, Ep. 257: Do victims share a responsibility for their assault because of the clothes they wear or the situations they put themselves in?
NO! Assault only happens because the assaulter chooses to commit the assault. This question is an example of victim-blaming, and makes it harder for survivors to get the support they need. We believe survivors! Learn more on today’s episode of the Ask Ava podcast.
If you or someone you kno...
Ask Ava Ep. 256: “What is Denim Day?”
Denim Day is a global day of action where people make a fashion statement in support of survivors and to prevent sexual violence. Learn more about Denim Day and how you can make a difference on this week’s episode of Ask Ava!
If you or someone you know needs help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122 or visit www.safe-sound.org for more information.
Real answers for rea...
Ask Ava, Ep. 255: Is a Big Age Gap in a Relationship Bad?
It depends….are there legal concerns? Does the age gap impact someone’s ability to make choices, set boundaries and freely give consent? In this episode of Ask Ava, we explore ways to help determine if an age gap is creating a harmful or dangerous imbalance of power and control.
If you or someone you know need help, call or text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. Visit safe-...
Ask Ava, Ep. 254: Why is Sexual Assault Awareness Month Important?
Together We Act, United We Change! April 2025 is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Listen to this week’s Ask Ava podcast to learn how you can share information, support survivors, and prevent violence in recognition of SAAM.
If you or someone you know need help, call and text our 24/7 helpline at 866-685-1122. Visit safe-sound.org for more information
Ask Ava, Ep. 253: What Can We Learn From the "American Murder: Gabby Petito" True-Crime Series?
The recently released true-crime series soared to the number one show on Netflix and brought the horrific murder of Gabby Petito back in the spotlight of social media. Join the Safe+Sound Somerset Outreach team as they discuss what we can learn from the show about relationship violence, red flags, and how to help a friend.
If ...
Ep. 252: What is the Nonfatal Strangulation and Smothering Response Team?
Join us for this special episode with guest Andrea Treadwell, who talks with us about the dangers of strangulation and smothering and answers common questions we receive about the Safe+Sound Somerset Nonfatal Strangulation and Smothering Response Team
Safe+Sound Somerset's 24/7 Call and Text Helpline: 866-685-1122
Real answers for real ques...
Episode 251: What if someone says 'your body, my choice'?
Real answers for real questions
Ep. 250: "What if my partner needs to approve my social media posts?"
Real answers for real questions
Ep. 249: "What if my partner makes me change what I wear?"
Real answers for real questions
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