Welcome to another empowering episode of "Share Your Truth Live." Today, we're joined by the incredible Kelly Lang (she/her), a passionate advocate for violence prevention and expert in bystander intervention strategies. In today's conversation, we'll dive deep into the complexities of bystander intervention in various settings—from personal relationships to public interactions—and discuss the barriers that often prevent people from stepping forward.

Kelly will share invaluable advice on how to identify warning signs of domestic violence and problematic behavior, how to create a supportive environment for survivors, and the importance of using resources beyond calling 911. We'll also explore how intersecting social justice issues influence bystander intervention and why continuous learning and community support are crucial for prevention.

Our discussion will not only enlighten but also empower you to act thoughtfully and effectively in challenging situations. So, join us as we learn from Kelly how to responsibly and safely intervene, supporting others while honoring our own boundaries.

More about Kelly:

Kelly Lang graduated with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University. She has experience working in violence prevention at higher education institutions including UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, and Pace University. She focuses on trauma-informed and intersectional framework providing education to prevent violence and advocate for survivors.

Speak Your Truth Today volunteers Jennifer and Tiffany join us for a conversation around the importance of digital safety as a survivor. We take a deeper look into our Facebook Support group and what measures are in place to prioritize safety and empower group members to share in a way that feels right for them.

Jennifer Swenson is a thriver/survivor of abuse and a Mom of four! She is a professional photographer who specialized in the music industry for over twenty years. She is our Volunteer Team's "HR Admin," and was the first volunteer to join Hannah in 2019.

Tiffany Elise left an emotionally and verbally abusive marriage in 2019 when she had two young children. She has a Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and currently works from her home in Minnesota where she lives with her two kids, her dog Penny, and two guinea pigs. She has been a volunteer for Speak Your Truth since 2023 and loves to support and advocate for those leaving abusive relationships.

Statistics shared from episodes:

• According to a 2020 study by the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the United States, around 67% of survivors reported that their abusers used technology to stalk, track, or monitor them without their knowledge.
• According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), abusers commonly use smartphones to maintain control, with 94% of survivors in the U.S. reporting that their abusers used smartphones to track them.

Lara Kinslow, the founder of the Wayward Women Podcast, opens up about her personal experiences with domestic abuse and her mission to provide resources for survivors. She discusses her new initiative, Flyfree Today, which aims to address financial barriers in accessing trauma therapy and coaching. In the episode, Lara and Taylor delve into the challenges survivors face during the holiday season, the impact of financial strain, and the importance of creating new, empowering traditions. They also emphasize the need for accessible mental health support and the power of building a support system beyond immediate family.