Dangerous Liaisons

Caroline Saul (Critical Criminology)

Dangerous Liaisons looks at stalking, wellbeing, and how responses to harm are experienced in real life. Through conversations with professionals, we explore prevention, intervention, and research - what helps, what doesn’t, and why those differences matter.

  1. 11/06/2024

    Fighting for Women’s Justice and Accountability

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with Harriet Wistrich, solicitor and founder of the Centre for Women’s Justice, about law, feminism, and accountability. The conversation explores systemic failures in the criminal justice response to violence against women, the importance of police accountability, and the legal barriers faced by women in abusive relationships. Harriet reflects on her work through Justice for Women and how myths about domestic abuse continue to shape policy, practice, and public understanding.

    46 min

  2. 10/30/2024

    Trauma, Recovery, and What Support Really Looks Like

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with Sue Penna, author of The Recovery Toolkit, about domestic abuse, trauma, and recovery. Drawing on personal experience and many years in NHS mental health services, Sue discusses why trauma‑informed care matters, how language shapes recovery, and why stability can remain fragile long after abuse has ended. The conversation also explores the need for systemic change, better professional training, and approaches that genuinely support people rebuilding their lives.

    58 min

  3. 10/23/2024

    Feminism, Gendered Harm, and Social Change

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with JoJo Kirkley about feminism as a collective project, not one limited to women and girls. JoJo reflects on her work in theatre for social change, the challenges faced by women in family court systems, and the importance of engaging young people in conversations about misogyny and gender‑based violence. The discussion explores how creative practice can preserve women’s stories, challenge harmful narratives, and contribute to more equitable responses to harm.

    48 min

  4. 10/16/2024

    Consent, Education, and Inclusion

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with El Bertsa‑Fuchs about consent education and inclusion. The conversation explores how consent is taught, why language matters, and what a shift toward affirmative consent looks like in practice. El reflects on their work in education and advocacy, the need for inclusive approaches for LGBTIQA+ communities, and the challenges of creating safer, more informed conversations about sex, consent, and respect.

    56 min

  5. 10/09/2024

    Understanding Strangulation and Serious Harm

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with Kathleen Monahan, a clinical social worker and trauma educator, about strangulation and its serious physical and neurological impacts. The conversation explores why remorse does not lessen the severity of the act, the importance of recognising strangulation within broader patterns of harm, and what current research tells us about long‑term effects. Kathleen also discusses established investigative guidelines and the need for further research to better understand outcomes for victims later in life. Content note: This episode includes discussion of strangulation, violence, and related harms and may be distressing for some listeners.

    40 min

  6. 10/02/2024

    Financial Control, Separation, and Independence

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with Aoife Gaffney about financial control, separation, and the role money plays in women’s safety and independence. Aoife discusses how financial dependence can limit choice, why boundaries around money matter, and how mindset and practical support can help women rebuild stability during and after abusive or controlling relationships. The conversation also touches on community initiatives that offer practical support to women leaving abuse.

    33 min

  7. 09/25/2024

    Reproductive Coercion and Control in Intimate Relationships

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with Lynn Stroud about reproductive coercion within intimate partner abuse. Lynn shares how control, stalking, and sexual violence shaped her choices about her body and future, and the emotional impact of trying to regain autonomy after trauma. The conversation focuses on understanding reproductive coercion, the dynamics of control, and what recovery can involve over time. Content note: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, stalking, and reproductive coercion and may be distressing for some listeners.

    56 min

  8. 08/28/2024

    Recognising Red Flags in Relationships

    In this episode, Caroline speaks with Rie Pearson, a retired police officer, about recognising red‑flag behaviours in abusive relationships. Drawing on professional experience and her work with survivors, Rie discusses early warning signs, the challenges people face when trying to leave, and the importance of being believed and supported. The conversation also considers how violence can escalate, the impact of media narratives, and why education and prevention work with young people matters.

    50 min
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About

Dangerous Liaisons looks at stalking, wellbeing, and how responses to harm are experienced in real life. Through conversations with professionals, we explore prevention, intervention, and research - what helps, what doesn’t, and why those differences matter.

Information

  • Creator
    Caroline Saul (Critical Criminology)
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Caroline Saul (Critical Criminology)
  • Show Website
    Dangerous Liaisons