Why be Silent?

When Silence Isn't an Option: A Teen Survivor's Story

Shannon Vincent interviews Lavonda Johnson about her experience with teen sexual assault, the confusion and silence that followed, and how she moved forward. They discuss teen sexual violence statistics, survivor reactions, family and community dynamics, available resources, and practical advice for young people and parents on safety and seeking help.   HOME | YWCA [https://www.ywcasumter.org/] Homepage - RAINN [https://rainn.org/]

When Trauma Meets Love: Navigating Relationships with First Responders and Survivors

In this episode Shannon Vincent hosts a candid conversation with family members about how relationships change when one partner is a trauma survivor or works with traumatic cases. They discuss communication, boundaries, therapy, parenting challenges, hypervigilance, and practical ways partners can support each other while protecting their families. Guests share personal stories from domestic violence, law enforcement, and forensic nursing to highlight what helps — and what doesn’t — when trauma affects everyday life.   Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline [https://www.thehotline.org/] Mental Health: Tools and Other Resources | NATIONAL SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION [https://www.sheriffs.org/Mental-Health-Tools-and-Other-Resources]

Coroners Uncovered: What They Do and Why It Matters

Shannon Vincent interviews York County Coroner Sabrina Gast about the coroner's role in death investigations. They discuss how coroners differ from medical examiners, how cases are handled at the scene, evidence collection, autopsy decisions, family notifications, and the legal and emotional challenges involved. The episode explains qualifications for coroners in South Carolina, the process of working with law enforcement and pathologists, and what families can expect during investigations and autopsy decisions.

Inside Victim Services: Healing, Notification & Corrections

Hello and welcome to another episode of Why be Silent with Shannon Vincent and guest Karin Ho from the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Karin explains what victim advocates do, the differences between community- and system-based advocacy, and the services available post-conviction, including victim notification systems, victim-offender dialogue, restorative programs, training, and barriers to access. She also covers support for correctional staff, critical incident stress management, and practical guidance for victims on registering for notifications and asking for help.   Desert Waters Correctional Outreach [https://desertwaters.com/] Home | Office for Victims of Crime [https://ovc.ojp.gov/] National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) | NOVA [https://trynova.org/credentialing/nacp/] National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) [https://ncvli.org/] National Institute of Corrections | NIC [https://nicic.gov/] Victims' Rights - Constitutional Amendments [https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/pubs/OVC_Archives/ncvrw/1999/amend.htm]

Inside PREA: How Prisons Are Protecting the Vulnerable

Host Shannon Vincet speaks with Kenneth James, a PREA expert and corrections leader, about the Prison Rape Elimination Act: its origins, national standards, recent statistics, reporting procedures, protections for victims, and the resources and services available both inside and outside correctional facilities. The episode highlights South Carolina’s initiatives, the importance of leadership and trust, and practical steps victims and families can take to access care and support. https://www.prearesourcecenter.org/ [https://www.prearesourcecenter.org/] https://doc.sc.gov/sites/doc/files/Documents/policy/GA-06-11.pdf [https://doc.sc.gov/sites/doc/files/Documents/policy/GA-06-11.pdf] https://doc.sc.gov/sites/doc/files/Documents/policy/GA-06-11B.pdf [https://doc.sc.gov/sites/doc/files/Documents/policy/GA-06-11B.pdf] https://doc.sc.gov/preaweb [https://doc.sc.gov/preaweb] https://www.ojp.gov/news/news-release/bjs-releases-sexual-victimization-prisons-reported-inmates-2023-24-and-sexual [https://www.ojp.gov/news/news-release/bjs-releases-sexual-victimization-prisons-reported-inmates-2023-24-and-sexual]