Podcast on Crimes Against Women

Often the first responders to domestic violence scenes that range from puzzling to tragic, the job of law enforcement requires a range of skills to implement a spectrum of responses. We talk today with a veteran officer who specializes in domestic violence investigation and has dedicated his life’s work to confronting the crime that influenced his own life.

Our guest today is Mark Wynn, 21-year member of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department who served as Lieutenant to the Domestic Violence Division and as a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team for fifteen years. A trainer, advocate and specialist in the field of domestic violence for law enforcement, Mark Wynn is the recipient of no less that 121 commendations and 51 awards for his work, including the 1995 National Improvement of Justice Award and the 1998 Nashvillian of the Year Award. Content warnings for this episode include: physical violence and abuse

As Detective Kelly Downey unravels the haunting narrative of "Christine," a woman ensnared by her spouse through her car's GPS, we confront the sobering reality of tech-enabled abuse. Our discussion with digital safety expert Adam Dodge ventures beyond physical violence to expose the psychological and technological warfare waged in abusive relationships. This episode strips bare the complexities of car stalking and the severe implications for victims' safety, questioning the accountability of car companies and the effectiveness of current legislation in protecting those at risk.
Peeling back the layers of vehicle tracking apps, we reveal the unsettling truth about modern stalking tactics, where abusers exploit the very tools meant to provide convenience and security. Our conversation takes a critical look at the automotive industry's privacy practices, or lack thereof, and the obstacles law enforcement face when seeking cooperation from tech giants. We spotlight the bold steps necessary to safeguard personal privacy in an era where technology can be both an ally and an adversary.
In response to the pervasive threat of digital harassment, we share innovative strategies and resources that offer victims a lifeline. Encrypted messaging and vigilant digital hygiene become shields against abusers, while legislative strides in phone number portability present a beacon of hope.

Discover the connections between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury in this eye-opening episode. Our guest, Dr. María Garay-Serratos , a leading expert in domestic violence and traumatic brain injury, shares her powerful personal story and professional insights.
Dr. Garay-Serratos reveals the often overlooked traumatic brain injuries resulting from violence in the home, advocating for better recognition, screening, and treatment of these issues within healthcare systems. Our discussion will unravel the shocking truths behind the silent epidemic of domestic violence, the overwhelming statistics regarding reported crimes, and the long-term health implications for survivors.
Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the urgency surrounding this topic and hear firsthand stories that highlight the necessity of systemic change. Join us in imparting hope, healing, and awareness as we explore the resources available for those affected by domestic violence and advocate for a future where everyone's health and safety are prioritized.

Discover the alarming truth about teen dating violence with Katie Blackburn, executive director of Jana's Campaign, as she shares powerful insights and strategies to combat this pervasive issue. Through the tragic story of Jana Mackey, whose advocacy ignited a movement, Katie outlines how education is key to preventing relationship violence among teens. Get ready to learn how understanding and recognizing early warning signs can empower young people to foster healthy, respectful relationships.
Explore the often-hidden world of emotional abuse in teen relationships, where manipulation and love bombing are more than just buzzwords—they're dangerous patterns that can have lasting impacts. Our conversation sheds light on how early education around consent, boundaries, and healthy communication can disrupt the generational cycle of violence. Katie passionately emphasizes the importance of teaching teens to recognize and reject these harmful behaviors before they can take root.
Technology plays a dual role in teen relationships, offering both connection and potential for harm. Hear how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok influence teens' interactions, sometimes facilitating abuse through blurred boundaries and cyberbullying. We dive into the critical role adults must play in shaping safe environments and policies, fostering open dialogues about digital safety and respectful relationships. Tune in to understand how comprehensive education and community involvement are crucial in breaking the silence and building a culture that stands firmly against abuse.

Technology is intimately intertwined with our daily lives and for people in abusive relationships, the internet and social media can become a perpetrator's playground. Case in point: according to expert in tech-enabled abuse Adam Dodge, "The average person has 80 apps on their phone and 90 online accounts. That's 170 different ways that somebody can reach out and monitor you, impersonate you, threaten you, stalk you, steal sensitive information and post it online, cause financial harm, send you unwanted photos, steal photos and post them online. The list goes on and on." And yet, Dodge also rightly points out that "in order to survive and thrive in the modern era you have to exist online." Fortunately, there are substantive actions everyone can take to safeguard their personal information and there are laws in place that protect individuals from tech-enabled abuse. In this episode, we expose the hazards of living in an online world while demystifying the process of creating a digital safety plan, the importance of collecting evidence of technology abuse, and how we might create a legal system that allows these crimes to be properly investigated.

Adam Dodge, a licensed attorney in California, is the founder of EndTAB (Ending Tech-Enabled Abuse) and spends a great deal of his time delivering innovative technology-enabled abuse trainings and presentations to organizations, nonprofits and governments around the world. Mr. Dodge’s work is characterized by his dedication to addressing the existing and future threats posed by technology to victims of crime and gender-based violence. He has written and presented extensively on cyberstalking, technology-enabled abuse, non-consensual pornography and co-authored a domestic violence advisory on the emerging threat of ‘deepfakes.’ Mr. Dodge is also a special advisor to the Coalition Against Stalkerware and sits on the World Economic Forum's Digital Justice Advisory Committee. Dedicated to advancing impact legislation and public policy, he is also a member of the Policy Advisory Council for the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.