The Power of Perception: How Stories and Institutions Shape Our Understanding of Domestic Violence

Beyond the Exit: Understanding Survivors' Lives After the Program

In this episode of Rooted Connections, recorded at Stella Nova in Charleston, we explore the critical phase of life after survivors exit domestic violence programs. Host Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister’s House, is joined by Dr. Lindsay Vance, CEO of Empowered Analytics, and Mackenzie Logan, Clinical Therapist at My Sister’s House, for a thoughtful conversation about the complex, non-linear journey from surviving to thriving. Together, they unpack the lasting effects of post-separation abuse, financial and technological control, and the systemic barriers survivors often face long after leaving an abusive relationship. The discussion also highlights the power of human connection, trauma-informed care, and community awareness in supporting long-term healing and empowerment. This episode calls on institutions, service providers, and the broader community to better understand what survivors truly need beyond “the exit” — and how collective support can shape safer, more informed futures. Highlights * Why “leaving” is often the most dangerous and complex phase of a survivor’s journey * The realities of post-separation abuse, including financial, technological, and emotional control * Systemic barriers survivors face when navigating institutions designed to help * Rebuilding trust — in systems, in community, and in oneself * How research, data, and survivor-centered metrics influence public perception and policy * Redefining success through a survivor-informed, non-linear lens * The importance of trauma-informed, community-wide responses beyond crisis intervention Episode Timeline 02:13 – Focus on Survivors: Life Beyond the Exit 03:57 – Challenges After Leaving: Rebuilding and Public Perception 09:36 – Misconceptions and Realities of Leaving an Abusive Relationship 10:34 – Post-Separation Abuse: Power and Control Beyond the Relationship 12:29 – Financial and Technological Abuse as Barriers to Healing 17:53 – The Role of Public Institutions and Community Awareness 21:22 – Rebuilding Trust and the Importance of Human Connection 24:13 – Defining Success: Survivor Perspectives and Research Insights 28:22 – Grief and Loss in Abusive Relationships 29:36 – Ongoing Challenges After Exiting Programs 30:55 – The Importance of Mental Health Services 32:36 – Evolving Research in Domestic Violence 40:11 – Trauma-Informed Responses 45:16 – Public Perceptions and Systemic Barriers 49:32 – Hope and Progress in Domestic Violence Awareness Local and National DV Hotlines: My Sister’s House Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties 1-800-273-HOPE (4673) Hopeful Horizons Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties 843-770-1070 Casa Family Services Orangeburg Counties 1-888-524-3901 National Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text “START” to 88788

The Power of Perception: How Stories and Institutions Shape Our Understanding of Domestic Violence

What stories get told? Who tells them? And how do public institutions play a role in changing community awareness and response?  In this episode of Rooted Connections, Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister’s House, hosts a powerful discussion with Emily Johnson, Investigative Reporter at Live5 News, and Natalie Caula Hauff, Director of Innovation at Charleston County Public Library and Pulitzer Prize winning reporter on the Till Death Do Us Part series. Together, they explore how journalism and public institutions shape public understanding of domestic violence. The conversation dives into the responsibilities of storytellers, the influence of media representation, and the importance of trusted community spaces like libraries in raising awareness and fostering safety. Highlighted topics include victim blaming, ethical reporting, and the role of community support in helping survivors thrive beyond crisis. This episode calls on listeners to challenge perceptions, amplify survivor voices, and help build a more informed, compassionate future. 00:00 — Introduction: Atlas Tech & My Sister’s House 00:27 — Welcome to Rooted Connections 01:45 — Episode Overview: “The Power of Perception” 02:20 — Meet the Guests: Emily Johnson & Natalie Caula Hauff 03:27 — Emily Johnson’s Journey in Investigative Reporting 05:02 — Challenges in Reporting on Domestic Violence 06:49 — The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception 16:00 — Natalie Caula Hauff: Bridging Journalism and Civic Leadership 17:44 — Libraries as Safe Havens and Community Resources 27:19 — The Importance of Storytelling in Journalism 29:57 — Intersection of Journalism, Civic Spaces & Leadership 30:21 — Collaborations Between Libraries & Media 31:45 — Oral History Projects & The Role of AI 34:56 — Virtual Engagement and Technology in Libraries 36:11 — AI in Journalism: Ethics & Considerations 40:15 — Addressing Marginalized Voices in Domestic Violence 46:58 — Community Awareness and Support Services 59:56 — Closing Reflections and Resources Till Death Do Us Part Series, The Post and Courier:  https://www.postandcourier.com/app/till-death/partone.html    Emily Johnson, Recent Articles: https://www.live5news.com/authors/emily-johnson/    South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence  https://www.sccadvasa.org/  __________________________________ Local and National DV Hotlines: My Sister’s House Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties 1-800-273-HOPE (4673) Hopeful Horizons Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties 843-770-1070 Casa Family Services Orangeburg Counties 1-888-524-3901 National Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text “START” to 88788

Measuring the Silence: What Our Community Really Knows About Domestic Violence

In this episode, we’re diving into the data behind your recent survey to uncover what the community thinks it knows about domestic violence — and what’s missing. Host, Tosha Connors and guests, Komlavi Adissem of The Post and Courier and Dr. Shelby Shumard of Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston, discuss the gaps between perception and reality, and how that informs future outreach, education, and intervention.  The Riley Center 2025 Community Awareness Study [https://mysistershouse.org/campaigns-events#community-survey] Komlavi Adissem, Recent Articles [ https://www.postandcourier.com/users/profile/komlavi%20adissem/] The Riley Center, Active Partnerships [https://charleston.edu/riley/research-and-technical-assistance/index.php] __ Local and National DV Hotlines: My Sister’s House Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties 1-800-273-HOPE (4673) Hopeful Horizons Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties 843-770-1070 Casa Family Services Orangeburg Counties 1-888-524-3901 National Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text “START” to 88788