Root For Each Other: A Branches Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Sara Blevins O'Toole, advocate, and Amber Ross Chapman, Director of Client Services at Branches, to demystify what happens when someone calls our 24/7 emergency hotline. We walk through the types of questions that may be asked, the purpose behind them, and most importantly, what callers can expect in terms of safety, confidentiality, and compassionate support. Whether you're calling for yourself or someone you care about, this episode offers insight into the c...

This month, we're welcoming Laurel Thornton, (MA, LPC, ALPS, EMDR CERTIFIED), back to the pod to discuss the implications of Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence Situations. Laurel joined us last year to talk about Neurodiversity and Trauma, and we love the way she conceptualizes the possibilities for innovation and trauma-informed practice in brain health. Listen along as we talk about how to identify and address TBIs in the people we serve and how to better our community response to ...

It can be incredibly difficult to love and support a family member or friend who is actively experiencing or fleeing domestic violence, and the abusive party's control often involves isolating a support network. On this episode, advocates Sara and Shannon continue on a topic from our 2022 episode, "Stay Connected: What to Do If Your Friend or Family Member Is In an Abusive Relationship," to talk about secondary trauma, the ripple effect of control tactics, and emotional safety planning to hel...

Our special guests, Ashley & Mandee, owners of Booktenders, a local bookstore in downtown Barboursville, join Branches advocates to discuss the incredible story that unfolds in Barbara Kingsolver's Pultizer Prize winning novel, Demon Copperhead. Ahead of a very special visit from the author, our friends at Booktenders sat down to discuss how Demon Copperhead explores a variety of societal ills, including the impact of domestic violence on children and families. If you're a fan...

Join us for this unique episode of Root for Each Other that amplifies the voices of some of the incredible women that have inspired, educated, and led us as we navigate the difficult work of advocacy.

Domestic Violence prevention can sometimes seem like a far-fetched concept, no matter how much we dream of a world without violence. How do we eradicate a crime that is often unacknowledged, generational, and perpetrated behind closed doors? The answer is to be very creative and exceptionally smart, so we contacted one of the most brilliant and innovative advocates we know, Jessica Bender, of the WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to talk about the future of DV prevention in West Virgini...

Legislative session is in full swing here in the Mountain State, and we are honored this month to bring you the story of Celena Roby Henry in celebration of her story of survival and the positive change she made for survivors in West Virginia. Public policy can often be confusing or even disheartening, and it can be daunting for both survivors and advocates to try and communicate needs to lawmakers. Join us as we talk to Celena about her journey of empowerment and what she sees as emerging ne...

Domestic Violence services are not often thought of in the realm of "homeless service providers," but it's actually one of the most important things we do, given fleeing abuse is federally-recognized as a leading cause for people to experience homelessness. In this episode, we're highlighting our place within the local homeless service collaborative, The Cabell-Wayne Continuum of Care, as we speak with Brittany Ochoa, the Executive Director of Harmony House and the C-W CoC. Join us as we ta...