When Home Isn't Safe: Identifying Risks for Femicide
Explicit content warning
03/11/25 • 68 min
Trigger Warning: Femicide, Homicide, Domestic Violence are discussed in this episode.
In this engaging guest episode on Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr. Shafer welcomes Special Guest Clare Laxton, Host of Killer in the Family, Advocate for victims of femicide and domestic violence whose research on femicide and the Criminal Justice system in the UK is helping us better understand the risks for femicide and how we can respond to signs to help prevent future tragedies. Dr Shafer and Clare Laxton delve into the critical issues surrounding domestic abuse, particularly focusing on coercive control as a seed for future abuse and violence. Clare shares her extensive experience in the charity sector, advocating for victims and raising awareness about the dangers of coercive control. Dr Shafer and Clare Laxton discuss alarming statistics regarding femicide, the barriers victims face in reporting abuse, and the importance of professional training in recognizing and responding to domestic violence. They also explore the empowering role of physical activity for women, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence rates, and the need for advocacy and storytelling to drive change in societal attitudes towards abuse.
Takeaways:
- Coercive control is a significant risk factor for domestic homicide and domestic violence.
- The most dangerous time for women is when they leave an abusive relationship.
- Awareness of coercive control is crucial for prevention.
- Creating safe spaces for victims is essential for support.
- Over 51,000 women and girls were killed by family members in 2023.
- Physical activity can empower women and reclaim their autonomy.
- Employers have a role in supporting victims of domestic abuse.
- Isolation can exacerbate domestic violence situations.
- Awareness and training for professionals are crucial in addressing domestic abuse.
- Storytelling can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change.
Thank you to Carrie Bower for being a guest on the show!
Connect with Clare Laxton on her website here:
clarelaxtonconsults.co.uk
Listen to Clare Laxton on the Killer in the Family Podcast on Spotify and wherever you enjoy podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7N2MJbfns5w7DvM8Pnvy0m?si=8422317180df48bf
Connect with Clare Laxton on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-laxton-003bb937/and
Instagram:
Are you a victim of domestic violence?
If you are in danger, call 9-1-1 or your country's emergency number and get help.
You matter, and you deserve to be safe.
National Domestic Violence Hotline Information: https://www.thehotline.org/
1-800-799-SAFE
Subscribe to Talks with Dr Shafer where you enjoy podcasts for more inspiring short talks to help you master your mindset, and weekly inspiring guest episodes with people who have reclaimed their stories and are living life to the fullest.
Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more. She is passionate about helping others reclaim their stories and build their most beautiful future, unlocking their fullest potential informed by her background in neurology, psychology, business and entertainment.
Released January 2025, Dr Shafer co-authors the Cracking the Rich Code 16th Edition, endorsed by Tony Robbins. Order your copy at www.drshaferstedronova.com!
Connect with Dr. Shafer: https://drshaferstedronova.com/
To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer
This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.
Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse
Trigger Warning: Femicide, Homicide, Domestic Violence are discussed in this episode.
In this engaging guest episode on Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr. Shafer welcomes Special Guest Clare Laxton, Host of Killer in the Family, Advocate for victims of femicide and domestic violence whose research on femicide and the Criminal Justice system in the UK is helping us better understand the risks for femicide and how we can respond to signs to help prevent future tragedies. Dr Shafer and Clare Laxton delve into the critical issues surrounding domestic abuse, particularly focusing on coercive control as a seed for future abuse and violence. Clare shares her extensive experience in the charity sector, advocating for victims and raising awareness about the dangers of coercive control. Dr Shafer and Clare Laxton discuss alarming statistics regarding femicide, the barriers victims face in reporting abuse, and the importance of professional training in recognizing and responding to domestic violence. They also explore the empowering role of physical activity for women, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence rates, and the need for advocacy and storytelling to drive change in societal attitudes towards abuse.
Takeaways:
- Coercive control is a significant risk factor for domestic homicide and domestic violence.
- The most dangerous time for women is when they leave an abusive relationship.
- Awareness of coercive control is crucial for prevention.
- Creating safe spaces for victims is essential for support.
- Over 51,000 women and girls were killed by family members in 2023.
- Physical activity can empower women and reclaim their autonomy.
- Employers have a role in supporting victims of domestic abuse.
- Isolation can exacerbate domestic violence situations.
- Awareness and training for professionals are crucial in addressing domestic abuse.
- Storytelling can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change.
Thank you to Carrie Bower for being a guest on the show!
Connect with Clare Laxton on her website here:
clarelaxtonconsults.co.uk
Listen to Clare Laxton on the Killer in the Family Podcast on Spotify and wherever you enjoy podcasts:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7N2MJbfns5w7DvM8Pnvy0m?si=8422317180df48bf
Connect with Clare Laxton on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-laxton-003bb937/and
Instagram:
Are you a victim of domestic violence?
If you are in danger, call 9-1-1 or your country's emergency number and get help.
You matter, and you deserve to be safe.
National Domestic Violence Hotline Information: https://www.thehotline.org/
1-800-799-SAFE
Subscribe to Talks with Dr Shafer where you enjoy podcasts for more inspiring short talks to help you master your mindset, and weekly inspiring guest episodes with people who have reclaimed their stories and are living life to the fullest.
Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more. She is passionate about helping others reclaim their stories and build their most beautiful future, unlocking their fullest potential informed by her background in neurology, psychology, business and entertainment.
Released January 2025, Dr Shafer co-authors the Cracking the Rich Code 16th Edition, endorsed by Tony Robbins. Order your copy at www.drshaferstedronova.com!
Connect with Dr. Shafer: https://drshaferstedronova.com/
To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer
This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.
Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse
Previous Episode
"Can I Tell You Something?" Spotting Cruelty Masked as Honesty
On this week's Short Talk on Talks with Dr. Shafer, Neurologist, Author, and Jay Shetty Certified Life coach Dr Shafer tackles those relationships where "can I be honest?" is used as a weapon. The conversation explores how some individuals use honesty as a guise for unkindness and blame, leading to mixed signals that can be damaging. Dr. Shafer emphasizes the importance of recognizing toxic relationships, setting boundaries, and trusting one's own instincts and nervous system to help navigate these challenges and identify when "honesty" is really something else. Takeaways
- Honesty can be weaponized to inflict harm.
- Effective communication requires kindness and clarity.
- Mixed signals in relationships can lead to confusion.
- Recognizing toxic relationships is crucial for emotional health.
- Setting boundaries is essential for self-protection.
- Trusting your nervous system can guide you in relationships.
- Not all advice is constructive; some can be harmful.
- Honesty should come from a place of love and respect.
- You have the power to choose which conversations to engage in.
- Personal growth involves learning to navigate difficult relationships.
What did you take away from today's show? Dr Shafer wants to know!
Follow Dr Shafer on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok and be sure to leave a comment about what you learned and examples of how reframing your relationship to anger has changed your life for the better.
Subscribe to Talks with Dr Shafer where you enjoy podcasts for more inspiring short talks to help you master your mindset, and weekly inspiring guest episodes with people who have reclaimed their stories and are living life to the fullest.
Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more. She is passionate about helping others reclaim their stories and build their most beautiful future, unlocking their fullest potential informed by her background in neurology, psychology, business and entertainment.
Released January 2025, Dr Shafer co-authors the Cracking the Rich Code 16th Edition, endorsed by Tony Robbins. Order your hardcopy at www.drshaferstedronova.com, and kindle edition on Amazon.
Coming May 2025, Dr Shafer shares her children's book, The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks, about a young boy whose mother helps him through tricky transitions and the trouble of having to do anything other than play with his beloved blocks. Perfect for the preschooler in your life, your schools and library! #PDAAwareness #letthemplay
Connect with Dr. Shafer: https://drshaferstedronova.com/
To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer
This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.
Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Music Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse
Next Episode
Plastic Pollution and Your Brain
In this short talk on Talks with Dr. Shafer, Neurologist and Author Dr Shafer discusses the alarming presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in our environment and their potential impact on brain health. Drawing from recent studies, Dr. Shafer highlights the association between microplastic exposure and neurological disabilities, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventive measures. The conversation covers the origins of microplastics, their accumulation in human brains, and practical steps individuals can take to reduce exposure to these harmful substances.
Takeaways:
- Microplastics are pervasive in our environment.
- High levels of microplastics coastal communities are associated with increased rate of neurological issues in a recent study.
- Nanoplastics can cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Accumulation of Nanoplastics in the brain found to be increasing over time in a recent study.
- Dementia patients have higher nanoplastic levels in their brains in recent study.
- Nanoplastics may block blood flow in capillaries.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
- Using filtration systems can help reduce microplastic exposure.
- Being mindful of food sources can decrease microplastic and nanoplastic intake.
What did you take away from today's talk? Dr Shafer wants to know!
Leave your comments and what you plan to do with the helpful tips from today's discussion.
Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more. She is passionate about helping others reclaim their stories and build their most beautiful future, unlocking their fullest potential informed by her background in neurology, psychology, business and entertainment.
Connect with Dr. Shafer: https://drshaferstedronova.com/
To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer
This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.
Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Music Credits: Shafer Yost, Impulse
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/talks-with-dr-shafer-560425/when-home-isnt-safe-identifying-risks-for-femicide-87140765"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to when home isn't safe: identifying risks for femicide on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy