Can We Talk About That?

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

Episode 36 - Survivor Story: Alex

In this episode, I sit down with Alex, to share her powerful story of healing, self-trust, and rediscovery.Alex opens up about what it felt like to be disconnected from her intuition and how a turning point came when a blood test confirmed that something wasn’t right. That moment became the catalyst for a deeper journey: learning to reconnect with her body, trust her gut, and develop new tools for navigating her life.We also explore how early experiences shaped patterns like people-pleasing, and how those patterns contributed to her experiences in abusive relationships. Through the support of trusted friends and compassionate professionals, Alex began to rewrite her story, learning to set boundaries, rebuild her sense of self, and recognize that she deserves more.Resources & Support: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 35 - The Power of iHEAL: Trauma-Informed Care in Oxford, Elgin & St. Thomas

In this episode, we sit down with registered nurses Jacqueline Forget and Emily Robertson from the iHEAL program, which supports individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence across Oxford County, Elgin County, and St. Thomas. Through a trauma- and violence-informed approach, iHEAL helps survivors move beyond crisis and toward long-term healing, safety, and stability. Jacqueline and Emily share what this work looks like on the ground—how they build trust with clients, support both physical and emotional health, and walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives. We also explore the unique role of healthcare in responding to gender-based violence, the importance of collaboration across sectors, and what communities need to better support survivors. This conversation offers an inside look at compassionate, survivor-centered care—and the impact it can have when systems work together. Resources & Support: Learn more about the iHEAL program: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/my-health/iheal-program/ [https://www.swpublichealth.ca/my-health/iheal-program/] iHEAL Referral Form: https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/lVHmP [https://app.swpublichealth.ca/Forms/lVHmP] iHEAL app: https://ihealapp.ca/en/ [https://ihealapp.ca/en/] 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