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 Mo...

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 ...

What happens when your abuser carries a badge and a gun? For victims of officer-involved domestic violence, the journey to safety becomes a dangerous maze with few exits.
 
Bruce Bieber joins us with the heartbreaking story of his daughter Abby – a rising star deputy sheriff who was murdered by her intimate partner, himself a detective in the same sheriff's office. This wasn't a random tragedy but the culminat...

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...

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 fa...

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 J...

The digital world has created a dangerous new frontier for abuse that goes far beyond basic stalking or harassment. AI technology now enables perpetrators to manufacture entirely false realities, trapping victims in a matrix of manipulation where even their own experiences can be called into question.

Sloan Thompson and Dr. Saed Hill from End Technology-Enabled Abuse (ENDTab) join us to explore how AI applications have evo...

Discover the connections between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury in this eye-opening episode. Our guest, Dr. María Garay-Serratos , a leading expert in domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, shares her powerful personal story and professional insights. 

Dr. Garay-Serratos  reveals the often overlooked traumatic brain injuries resulting from violence in the home, advocating for better recognition, screen...

Discover the alarming truth about teen dating violence with Katie Blackburn, executive director of Jana's Campaign, as she shares powerful insights and strategies to combat this pervasive issue. Through the tragic story of Jana Mackey, whose advocacy ignited a movement, Katie outlines how education is key to preventing relationship violence among teens. Get ready to learn how understanding and recognizing early warning signs c...

This episode tackles the challenges faced by self-represented litigants in domestic violence cases and how courts can ensure procedural justice and safety for victims. Three legal experts join the conversation to discuss the role of technology and training in improving legal responses and empowering survivors.

The content of this episode is for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.

The ...

Every January, we're reminded of the chilling reality of stalking and its devastating repercussions. This month, we echo the courage of Debbie Riddle, who transformed her grief into advocacy after the murder of her sister Peggy by a stalker. Together with Jennifer Landhuis from the Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC), we tackle the difficult nuances of stalking, from the subtle signs to the overt, with a ...

In the time that it takes to read this episode overview, at least one person in the United States of America will be sexually assaulted. The victim will likely be a woman who could be as young as 12 years old.* Sexual violence against women has elevated to a crisis that we can no longer ignore, live with, or deny. It is not only the crisis of our time, but also a matter of time before yet another life is absorbed into the statistic...

Brace yourself for a candid conversation about the urgent and often hidden issues of violence and digital abuse against women. Dani Pinter, Senior Legal Counsel for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, joins us to pull back the curtain on the alarming reality of non-consensual sexual exploitation online. We confront shocking statistics and explore the staggering impact of these crimes on victims, as Dani shares insights into...

Detective Brandon Wootan joins us to uncover the transformative impact of Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams in preventing intimate partner homicides. Drawing from his extensive law enforcement background, Detective Wootan shares the approach that has dramatically reduced fatalities in his jurisdiction, where a staggering 40% of homicides are linked to domestic violence. Learn how these multidisciplinary teams bridge the gap between...

Unlock the secrets of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) as we welcome former FBI trailblazers Steve Busch and Steve Kramer. Discover how this innovative method is revolutionizing law enforcement by solving cold cases and active investigations alike. Learn about the compelling case of actress Eva LaRue, who endured years of torment from a stalker, and how IGG finally brought him to justice. Our guests take you inside the high-pr...

Discover the groundbreaking world of investigative genetic genealogy (IGG) with our guest, Leighton D'Antoni, a seasoned prosecutor and DOJ-certified expert in forensic genetic genealogy. Join us as Leighton takes us on his transformative journey from defense attorney to a leading figure in cold case prosecutions, shedding light on the innovative methods that are reshaping how violent crimes are solved. Learn how his passion f...

Can the family court system really be trusted to protect victims of abuse? Join us for a powerful and eye-opening episode as we welcome Dr. Christine Cocchiola and Amy Polacko, authors of the groundbreaking book "Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld." Together, we tackle the systemic issues that plague family courts, often framing women as perpetrators rather than victims. Through their personal and professional e...

Ever wondered how our justice system can better support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence? Join us as Fara Gold, attorney advisor for the Office on Violence Against Women, breaks down the Department of Justice's groundbreaking framework designed to enhance the prosecution of these critical cases. This episode promises valuable insights into building collaborative relationships among prosecutors, investigators, an...