VOICES of Hope

Reclaiming Safety Through Trust: Survivors and Law Enforcement

For many survivors, reaching out to law enforcement is a leap of faith. Will they be believed, or will their abuser turn the system against them? In the conclusion of our series, we explore what it takes to build that trust and ensure survivors are supported, protected and heard. We speak with Lisbet Perez, a survivor of domestic violence and longtime advocate for immigrant survivors and their families, who has spent over a decade fighting for victims' rights. We also talk to Detective Bill Hernandez with the Napa Police Department, a nationally recognized expert in intimate partner violence and strangulation investigations. With over 27 years of experience, Bill has helped develop innovative, survivor-centered approaches to domestic violence response. Lisbet and Bill share perspectives from both sides of the experience—one lived, one professional—offering candid insights on safety, accountability and the changes still needed to ensure survivors can trust law enforcement and access justice. Voices of HOPE is a project of the Family Justice Center Alliance [https://www.allianceforhope.org/family-justice-center-alliance], part of Alliance for HOPE International. To find the closest Family Justice Center near you, visit AllianceforHope.org [https://www.allianceforhope.org/]. The podcast is hosted by Amanda Kippert [https://www.amandakippert.com] and produced in partnership with Produce Your Podcast. Learn more at produceyourpodcast.com [https://www.produceyourpodcast.com/]. Voices of HOPE is supported by a grant from the Office on Violence Against Women [https://www.justice.gov/ovw] at the U.S. Department of Justice. The views expressed are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the positions of the Department of Justice. If you're living with an abusive partner, are questioning a relationship, or simply want to learn more about how to help, information, resources and advocates are available at DomesticShelters.org [https://www.domesticshelters.org/]. You're not alone—and help is out there.

Young Hearts, New Hope: Healing After Abuse Through Camp HOPE America

The impact of abusive partners isn't limited to adult victims. Children who witness or experience abuse can carry long-lasting emotional scars, shame and mistrust—but providing support early can help set them on a path toward healing and a healthier future. In this third episode of our four-part series, we explore how young people can be supported through an amazing program called Camp HOPE America [https://www.allianceforhope.org/camp-hope]. We welcome on Hannah Mould, Child Trauma Specialist Coordinator at the Guilford County Family Justice Center [https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/family-justice-center], to talk about Camp HOPE America [https://www.allianceforhope.org/camp-hope], the revolutionary summer camp that gives children impacted by domestic violence and child abuse a safe space to build hope, resilience, and connection. We also hear from Questyn Hinton, who attended Camp HOPE at age 10 and has returned as a junior counselor at 18. Questyn shares how mentorship and the guidance of former campers can help children regain confidence and envision a brighter future. This episode highlights the vital role of community, support and targeted programs in helping children affected by domestic violence heal and thrive. Voices of HOPE is a project of the Family Justice Center Alliance [https://www.allianceforhope.org/family-justice-center-alliance], part of Alliance for HOPE International. To find the closest Family Justice Center near you, visit AllianceforHope.org [https://www.allianceforhope.org/]. The podcast is hosted by Amanda Kippert [https://www.amandakippert.com] and produced in partnership with Produce Your Podcast. Learn more at produceyourpodcast.com [https://www.produceyourpodcast.com/]. Voices of HOPE is supported by a grant from the Office on Violence Against Women [https://www.justice.gov/ovw] at the U.S. Department of Justice. The views expressed are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the positions of the Department of Justice. If you're living with an abusive partner, are questioning a relationship, or simply want to learn more about how to help, information, resources and advocates are available at DomesticShelters.org [https://www.domesticshelters.org/]. You're not alone—and help is out there.

A Lifeline Out of Abuse: Survivors and Their Advocates

Abusive partners never make it easy for survivors to leave—after all, maintaining control is their top priority. But the civil legal system can provide a crucial lifeline. In this second episode of our four-part series, we highlight the work of Sonya Desai from the Guilford County Family Justice Center [https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/family-justice-center] in Greensboro, who shares how she builds trust with survivors and helps them navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives. We also hear from survivor Yoo Anna Lee, who turned to the Family Justice Center after escaping an abusive partner in 2018. Yoo recounts how her abuser tried to shift blame onto her—resulting in her own arrest—and how, with the help of the Center and the civil legal process, she began the long journey toward safety and healing. This episode explores the power of legal protections, advocacy, and community support in shaping a survivor's path out of abuse. Voices of HOPE is a project of the Family Justice Center Alliance [https://www.allianceforhope.org/family-justice-center-alliance], part of Alliance for HOPE International. To find the closest Family Justice Center near you, visit AllianceforHope.org [https://www.allianceforhope.org/]. The podcast is hosted by Amanda Kippert [https://www.amandakippert.com] and produced in partnership with Produce Your Podcast. Learn more at produceyourpodcast.com [https://www.produceyourpodcast.com/]. Voices of HOPE is supported by a grant from the Office on Violence Against Women [https://www.justice.gov/ovw] at the U.S. Department of Justice. The views expressed are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the positions of the Department of Justice. If you're living with an abusive partner, are questioning a relationship, or simply want to learn more about how to help, information, resources and advocates are available at DomesticShelters.org [https://www.domesticshelters.org/]. You're not alone—and help is out there.

The Fight Beyond Leaving: Survivors of Domestic Violence in Civil Court

Leaving an abusive partner takes unimaginable courage, and for countless victims, a partner's abuse follows them long after they've left. For many, a survivor's journey to safety runs right through the courtroom. In the premier episode of Voices of HOPE, you'll meet Audra, who courageously shares what it was like to leave an abusive partner and face the challenges of the civil legal system. You'll also hear from Suzi, Chief Legal Officer at Safe Alliance [https://www.safealliance.org], who helps break down how civil remedies can offer both protection and new barriers. Their stories together paint a vivid picture of the strength it takes to escape abuse—and the difficult realities survivors encounter when the courts become part of the path to freedom. Voices of HOPE is a project of the Family Justice Center Alliance [https://www.allianceforhope.org/family-justice-center-alliance], part of Alliance for HOPE International. To find the closest Family Justice Center near you, visit AllianceforHope.org [https://www.allianceforhope.org/]. The podcast is hosted by Amanda Kippert [https://www.amandakippert.com] and produced in partnership with Produce Your Podcast. Learn more at produceyourpodcast.com [https://www.produceyourpodcast.com/]. Voices of HOPE is supported by a grant from the Office on Violence Against Women [https://www.justice.gov/ovw] at the U.S. Department of Justice. The views expressed are those of the guests and hosts, and do not necessarily represent the positions of the Department of Justice. If you're living with an abusive partner, are questioning a relationship, or simply want to learn more about how to help, information, resources and advocates are available at DomesticShelters.org [https://www.domesticshelters.org/]. You're not alone—and help is out there.