Can We Talk About That?

Episode 41 - Responding Differently: The MHEART Model

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Gibson from MHEART to unpack what this often-misunderstood team actually does and why it matters. MHEART (Mental Health and Emergency Response Team) is a specialized team that pairs mental health professionals with police officers to respond to crisis situations in our community. Together, they aim to provide more compassionate, appropriate support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Melissa walks us through how MHEART operates on the ground, who they serve, and what happens when they’re called to a scene. We also dig into some of the biggest misconceptions about the program and how its approach differs from traditional emergency responses. This conversation offers a clearer picture of the realities behind crisis response, the gaps MHEART is helping to fill, and why collaborative, community-based models are so important right now. Resources & Support: Learn More - Woodstock Police MHEART: https://woodstockpolice.ca/specialized-units/mental-health-engagement-and-response-team-mheart/ [https://woodstockpolice.ca/specialized-units/mental-health-engagement-and-response-team-mheart/] Learn More - Canadian Mental Health Association - Oxford MHEART: https://cmhatv.ca/find-help/mobile-crisis-response/ [https://cmhatv.ca/find-help/mobile-crisis-response/] Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line) Website: www.daso.ca [ www.daso.ca] Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938 Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support) Website: https://ingamohomes.com/ [ https://ingamohomes.com/ ] Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

Episode 40 - GBV in 2SLGBTQ+ Relationships: What We Need to Talk About

Happy Pride Month 🌈 In this episode, we’re joined by Tami Murray, psychotherapist, owner of Diversity Counselling, and former founder and president of Oxford Pride, for an important and often under-discussed conversation on gender-based violence in 2SLGBTQ+ relationships. Drawing on decades of experience supporting queer individuals and building community in Oxford County, Tami helps unpack what GBV can look like beyond heteronormative frameworks. We talk about how abuse shows up in queer relationships, the unique barriers survivors face when seeking support, and the myths that can prevent people from recognizing harm. While Pride is a time to celebrate identity, community, and progress, it’s also a time to hold space for the realities that still exist. In this episode, we explore not only interpersonal violence, but also the broader systemic harms - how stigma, discrimination, and structural inequities continue to impact 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This conversation is about expanding our understanding of GBV, challenging assumptions, and making space for voices and experiences that are too often left out. Resources & Support: Oxford Pride Website: https://oxfordpride.ca/ [https://oxfordpride.ca/] Oxford Pride Printable Guides: https://oxfordpride.ca/printable-guides/ [https://oxfordpride.ca/printable-guides/] Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line) Website: www.daso.ca [ www.daso.ca] Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938 Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.com [ www.ingamohomes.com] Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

Episode 39 - Reacting to Reddit: The Moment Strangulation Changed Everything

What starts as a “perfect” new relationship takes a sudden and terrifying turn—when a woman shares that her partner began strangling her during sex… without consent, without warning, and without stopping when she asked him to. She’s left shaken, confused, and scared, trying to make sense of how someone she liked could cross such a serious line. In this episode, we unpack: • What this kind of experience actually is (and isn’t) • Why strangulation is never “just sex” • The real risks and long-term impacts • What support and next steps can look like This isn’t about judging, it’s about understanding, safety, and making sure people have the information they need to recognize harm and get support. If something feels off, it matters. And you deserve to feel safe. Resources & Support:Learn more and follow our Strangulation Prevention Campaign: https://dartoxford.ca/strangulation/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazBGNW1lX0hjbmdfLUxXU1Y1SmkyazUwVU9BZ3xBQ3Jtc0tucFFLYkctdnRwQ0F2Q1dCSnpRUDBwZ3YtVWZBT3k3RU9pTGYwajkwUE5HYzZLM3lPcEF1VEdyUlJDNWxvZTF0bDVlUEtpQVpJclluLU9PZy1SVTV3QTBBQ2p4cm9RSlJzNnI4Y1JaanJEUlJTQkxTWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fdartoxford.ca%2Fstrangulation%2F&v=u06EsOr1gWo] @oxforddartSt. Joseph's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment ProgramWebsite: https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program [https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program]Phone: 519 646-6100 ext. 64224Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/ [https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/]Cell Phone: 226.232.6149 (call or text)Email: osas@oxchc.ca Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.caCrisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.comFollow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

Episode 38 - The Reality of Strangulation: Risks, Realities & Support

In this episode, we’re joined by Annyse Alcock, a nurse with the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, to unpack the realities of strangulation—an often misunderstood and highly dangerous form of violence.Together, we explore:- The serious and sometimes delayed health risks of strangulation- Why strangulation is a key indicator of escalating violence- Common myths and misconceptions- What medical care and support can look like after an incident- The specialized services offered through St. Joseph’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence ProgramThis conversation is part of our ongoing effort to raise awareness about gender-based violence and provide clear, accessible information to our community.Link to timeline from our conversation: https://www.allianceforhope.org/training-institute-on-strangulation-prevention/resources/physiological-consequences-of-strangulation-seconds-to-minute-timeline-2 [https://www.allianceforhope.org/training-institute-on-strangulation-prevention/resources/physiological-consequences-of-strangulation-seconds-to-minute-timeline-2]Resources & Support:Learn more and follow our Strangulation Prevention Campaign: https://dartoxford.ca/strangulation/ [https://dartoxford.ca/strangulation/ ]@oxforddartSt. Joseph's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment ProgramWebsite: https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program [https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program]Phone: 519 646-6100 ext. 64224Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/ [https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/]Cell Phone: 226.232.6149 (call or text)Email: osas@oxchc.ca Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.ca [www.daso.ca]Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.com [www.ingamohomes.com]Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat

Episode 37- Understanding Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Evidence Kits: St. Joseph’s Health Care

What actually happens during a “rape kit”? And how do you access one if you live in Oxford County?In this episode, we sit down with registered nurse Annyse Alcock from the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London to answer the questions most people are afraid to ask. While many people know them as “rape kits,” the professional term is sexual assault and domestic violence evidence kits—and they’re used in more situations than you might think.From what the exam looks like, to how long you have to get one, to what your options are—this conversation breaks it all down in a clear, honest, and supportive way.Whether you’re curious, supporting someone, or just want to understand the process better, this episode helps take the fear and mystery out of it.Resources & Support:St. Joseph's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment ProgramWebsite: https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program [https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/areas-of-care/sexual-assault-and-domestic-violence-treatment-program]Phone: 519 646-6100 ext. 64224Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)Website: https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/ [https://oxchc.ca/homepage/services/oxford-sexual-assault-services-osas/]Cell Phone: 226.232.6149 (call or text)Email: osas@oxchc.ca Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (Emergency shelter & 24/7 crisis line)Website: www.daso.ca [www.daso.ca]Crisis Line Toll-Free Number: 1-800-265-1938Ingamo Homes (Second stage housing & support)Website: www.ingamohomes.com [www.ingamohomes.com]Follow us on Instagram: @canwetalkaboutthat