Safer Journeys

In this bonus episode, Melissa and Heather talk to the director, Mara, of the Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) at Safe Journeys. The PAIP program serves to help people who have abused an intimate partner develop skills to become healthier partners and stop the cycle of violence, which is helpful information for anyone hoping to model healthy relationships for the children and adolescents in their lives. Mara shares her thoughts on working with people who cause harm and the importance of this type of programming. You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media to support this episode: Becoming Allies - Chris  Huffine Making Amends Podcast

In this final episode of the season, Melissa and Heather wanted to focus on caring for our minds and bodies, after a full season talking about oppression. For this bonus episode, your hosts invited Reiki master, Ashley, to share how she helps parents and children care for themselves.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Resources: Sanctuary Reiki Center, Utica, IL Instructions for water practice: Pour water into a glass. Speak what you wish to let go of into the glass/water. Pour the water into the ground to release and let go. Similarly, this practice can be done by writing what you wish to release and then burning the paper. The important part of this practice is taking action to release what you are ready to let go.

This episode is the second half of “Youth with Disabilities." After a review of the current data on abuse in young people with disabilities, Melissa and Heather outline why prevention is so important with these kids. They also will discuss comprehensive sex ed for young people with disabilities and a little about a sex ed curriculum called Elevatus.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  To post in show notes:  Media we love → Elevatus article: 3 Steps to Support Children with IDD to Have Healthy Relationships  Support resources for deaf/hard of hearing →  The Deaf Hotline - ASL Videos about abuse and healthy relationships ADWAS - Abused Deaf Women Advocacy Services Resources: Sex Talk for Self-Advocates Series (for Self Advocates) that includes videos of self advocates and service providers talking about relationships, sex and intimacy, safe sex practices related to STIs, and other topics “In my voice”video Key Components of Public Act 101-0506 FAQ on Public Act 101-0506 IGAC Sexual Rights Statement RAINN article: Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities The Hotline: Abuse in Disability Communities Disabled & Proud Podcast - UK National Coalition for Independent Living Siecus - Sex Ed, Youth with disabilities IDD & Sexuality Fact sheets

In this bonus episode, your hosts discuss their background and what brought them to their current position. Melissa and Heather will also share what they love about this work and what can be difficult about working to end oppression, domestic violence, and sexual violence. They will also share what they would love to see for the future of this work. This is a great “get to know your hosts” episode! You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/

In this episode, Melissa and Heather will introduce listeners to the intersection of abuse and disabilities in young people. Your hosts will give a quick run down on special education in the U.S. and illustrate the marginalization of people with disabilities. You can expect to learn how oppression impacts experiences of abuse, reporting abuse, and service provision for those with disabilities.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love link: Included - Jayneen Sanders - E2E publishing Resources: The Deaf Hotline ADWAS - Abused Deaf Women Advocacy Services Resources: Pew Research 2020-2021 UNICEF - promoting rights Special Olympics PPT Group Homes  2017 Inclusion in LMIC's  Journal of Pediatrics RAINN article: Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities The Hotline: Abuse in Disability Communities

This episode wraps up the LGBTQ+ youth miniseries. Melissa & Heather will talk about  the US Department of Education’s Toolkit for Creating Inclusive and Nondiscriminatory School Environments for LGBTQIA+ students along with some other helpful resources. You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media to support this episode: The CDC has a free professional development learning module for creating safe schools for LGBTQ+ Youth.  Little Justice Leaders: Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Students U.S. Department of Education Toolkit: Creating Inclusive and Nondiscriminatory School Environment for LGBTQI+ Students, includes resources on how schools can find funding to support the freedom to learn for all students. Inclusive Curriculum Advisory Council of Illinois resource

This episode continues the LGBTQ+ youth miniseries, focusing on being a good ally. Heather & Melissa will talk about how to act when you mess up, using inclusive language, and pronouns. Your hosts will also share some do’s and don’ts.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love and resources: Welcoming Schools Toolkit - HRC Adv. for youth - Creating Safer Spaces  Queer America Podcast

In this episode Melissa and Heather review basic terminology used by the LGBTQ+ community. Your hosts will help you better understand the differences between gender identity and sexual orientation, as well provide some helpful info to support your allyship journey.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media to support this episode: The Gender Unicorn | Pop'n'Olly | Olly Pike Advocates for Youth - Creating Safer Spaces 

In this episode Melissa and Heather continue to discuss what LGBTQ+ young people are facing in their daily lives. They will touch on mental health and experiences of violence and harm. Melissa and Heather will briefly touch on what you can do to support LGBTQ+ young people.    You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love and links: Youth Risk Behavior Survey Savvy Ally - Amazon

First up in the oppression season is LGBTQIA+ Youth. Melissa and Heather share info on the current climate for LGBTQIA+ young people. Your hosts will review current legislation aimed at oppression of LGBTQIA+ people, as well as some data about LGBT+ youth at school.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love and links: End Sexual Violence CT -Anti LGBTQ Grooming Rhetoric Human Rights Campaign - 2018 Youth Survey Report Article Heather referenced in this episode

In this first episode of season 2, Melissa and Heather introduce this season's theme, oppression. They will highlight the connections between oppression, violence, and well-being. Melissa and Heather will also share how anti-oppression work fits into raising and caring for youth.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love: Youtube video of the example Heather gave for the differences between equality, equity, and justice

This bonus episode features an interview with children's book author, Jayneen Sanders, of Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept. Jayneen has written many children's books designed to educate and empower children. Her books are an instrumental tool used to protect children from experiencing or perpetuating harm. You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love this week:

Melissa & Heather discuss ways that parents and caregivers can prevent child abuse at home. You’ll learn how to empower your child to refuse possible abusers and trust their intuition. A few other topics included in this episode are body autonomy, boundaries, and private body parts.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media to support this episode: Secondstep.org  https://www.youtube.com/@2ndStepProgram/videos Pizza Consent Activity

This episode is the second part of school-based prevention education. Melissa & Heather are joined again by Miss Emily, K-12 prevention educator, to discuss internet safety, boundaries, and private body parts. Miss Emily also shares her tips and tricks on talking to you people about tough topics.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media to support this episode: My Body, What I say goes - Amazon Second Steps Website  My Body! What I Say Goes! Website Net Smartz - Internet Safety site

In this episode Melissa & Heather talk about child sexual abuse prevention in the classroom. They are joined by a classroom educator, Miss Emily, as we learn about prevention education in K-12 schools. Miss Emily shares how she teaches the “always ask first” and “touching” rules, as well as how she talks to kids about keeping secrets.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media to support this episode: Some Secrets Website Some Secrets on Amazon  Second Steps Website  Erin's Law Website 

In this episode, Heather and Melissa speak with Erin Merryn. Erin is a childhood sexual abuse survivor, an advocate, an author, and a public speaker in the realm of childhoodsexual abuse. Her mission to protect children has led to the creation of Erin’s Law, which is now a mandate in 38 states.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love: Erinslaw.org  IG: the_cat_named_carrot Amazon link to books -- https://www.amazon.com/stores/Erin-Merryn/author/B002A52XIU?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Heather and Melissa continue their discussion on child sexual grooming. After a recap of part one, they share advice from child predators on keeping kids safe from sexual abuse. They also discuss some of the methods K-12 schools use to prevent child grooming.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love this week:Keep This Between Us - Freeform Show  Resource: Interview with Cory Jewell Jensen

Melissa and Heather introduce grooming of children for sexual abuse. They take an in depth look at the stages child predators go through as they groom children for sexual abuse. Melissa and Heather also discuss the red flags, or warning signs, for adults to be on the lookout for.  You can find SafeR Journeys Podcast at https://www.instagram.com/podcast_saferjourneys/ and https://www.facebook.com/safer.journeys.podcast. Melissa and Heather are preventionists with Safe Journeys, a domestic and sexual violence agency serving LaSalle and Livingston counties in Illinois. You can learn more at http://safejourneysillinois.org/  Media we love this week: Sexual Abuse in the Family Video  Want to read more? Stages of Grooming  Basics of grooming

This episode details how we can help decrease the negative impact of trauma by building resilience and implementing protective factors. Links to media we love https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/riskprotectivefactors.html https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/ https://www.learningforjustice.org/

In this episode, Melissa, Heather, and special guest, Stephannie, take a deep dive into a specific study on childhood trauma that has had a huge influence on how we identify and manage trauma. The study is titled “Adverse Childhood Experiences” or ACES, and was conducted by the CDC & Kaiser Permanente. https://amaze.org/ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean --- Safe Journeys - on Instagram- on Facebook National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.SAFE (7233) National Sexual Violence Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673)