DVAM Reflections with DV Coalition Leaders

DVAM Reflections with DV Coalition Leaders

From Down the Rabbit Hole by TCFV

October 15, 2025 · 55 min · Season 6 · Episode 1

About this episode

The episode discusses coalition leadership in the context of domestic violence awareness and the challenges faced by advocates.

It is the Season SIX premiere of Down the Rabbit Hole ! For this special premiere we explore the question "What does coalition leadership look like during political, cultural, and financial changes, and how do we lead without leaving anyone behind?" To open DVAM (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), William and Samantha convene a roundtable of state coalition leaders to explore why coalitions matter now more than ever. Gloria Aguilera Terry (Texas Council on Family Violence) is joined by Judy Chen (Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence), Dr. Maria Corona (Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence), Hema Sarang-Sieminski (Jane Doe Inc.), and Susan Higginbotham (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Together, they unpack the collective power of speaking with one voice, the realities of funding gaps, and the drivers of the politicized pushback. They also discuss the toll of the work on advocates, and why prevention, radical empathy, and world-building belong at the center of coalitions. Join the conversation to learn how shared leadership, collective care, and prevention-first thinking can help us build safer communities together. Tune in now…

People in this episode

Hosts: William, Samantha

Guests: Gloria Aguilera Terry, Judy Chen, Dr. Maria Corona, Hema Sarang-Sieminski, Susan Higginbotham

Topics covered

  • coalition leadership
  • domestic violence
  • political changes
  • cultural changes
  • financial changes
  • collective power
  • prevention-first thinking

Keywords

  • domestic violence
  • coalition leadership
  • advocacy
  • funding gaps
  • politicized pushback
  • shared leadership
  • collective care

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Texas Council on Family Violence, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Jane Doe Inc., Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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