BWJP Presents: Taking Back Control

The Battered Women's Justice Project

This is a podcast brought to you by BWJP. BWJP is the national resource center on civil and criminal justice responses to gender based violence. In this podcast we will bring together advocates from across the country to talk about the importance of centering survivor stories in the work of gender based violence.

  1. 11/03/2025

    Who We Believe: The Perfect Victim and the Credibility Discount

    Episode Summary Who do we believe when someone says they’ve been harmed — and why? In this episode of Taking Back Control, host Alyssa Toledo introduces BWJP Staff Attorney Rachel Barkley, who unpacks two interconnected ideas that shape how survivors are treated by our culture and our courts: The Perfect Victim Archetype and The Credibility Discount. From Nils Christie’s “Ideal Victim” theory to modern-day media narratives, Rachel explores how bias, privilege, and trauma misunderstanding combine to determine who is seen as believable. Through two high-profile cases — Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs and Amber Heard’s defamation trial with Johnny Depp — she illustrates how survivors who don’t fit the “perfect” mold are too often dismissed, doubted, or punished. Together, Alyssa and Rachel examine how challenging these myths can create space for systemic change, media literacy, and real accountability within the legal landscape. Resources & References What These Cases of High-Profile Accusers Reveal About the Credibility Gap — bwjp.org DARVO, Misogyny, and the Myth of the Perfect Victim Victim Blaming (Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime) Sanctuary for Families: DARVO and the Perfect Victim Related podcast: Women & Crime: Cassie Ventura Amber Heard & The Myth of the Perfect Victim (YouTube)

    22 min

  2. 07/31/2025

    When Justice Goes Global: BWJP & GRW Join Forces

    In this special episode of Taking Back Control, host Alyssa Toledo sits down with two visionary leaders—Amy Sánchez, CEO of BWJP, and Cheryl Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Global Rights for Women (GRW)—to discuss the landmark merger between their organizations. Now a few weeks into this historic union, we explore what it means for survivors, advocates, and the future of global justice. Together, we unpack: Why BWJP and GRW chose to merge now How this shift expands survivor-centered advocacy across borders What’s next for programming, policy, and community engagement The challenges and heart behind making big change happen A message to GRW’s global community—and how to stay connected Whether you're a long-time listener of Valiant Voices or brand new to BWJP’s work, this episode marks a turning point—and we’re honored to have you here for it. Learn more today! bwjp.org

    35 min

  3. 07/03/2025

    Identity in Action: Advocacy, Storytelling, and the Power of Showing Up Whole

    In this episode of the BWJP podcast, host Alyssa Toledo is joined by legal advocate and community organizer Rachel Barkley for a powerful conversation about the role of identity in social justice work. Together, they reflect on how personal experiences shape their approaches to advocacy, communications, and movement building. From navigating burnout to finding joy, and from creative storytelling to systems change, Alyssa and Rachel explore what it means to lead with authenticity—and how staying true to who we are can deepen our impact.

    38 min

  4. 06/17/2025

    A New Era of Protection: Inside the National Restraining Order Center

    In this episode of Taking Back Control, host Alyssa Toledo explores the launch of the National Restraining Order Center (NROC), a new initiative by BWJP aimed at improving safety, access, and justice for survivors of abuse. Alyssa is joined by Monica Player, Sarah Hur, and Megan Belden, experts in law and advocacy, who share their insights on NROC’s vision, its approach to breaking down barriers, and its role in supporting survivors. The discussion covers the importance of restraining orders, common myths and misconceptions about their effectiveness, and the legal and procedural challenges that still make it difficult for survivors to obtain or enforce them. The guests dive into how NROC is making restraining orders more accessible, particularly for underserved populations like teens, immigrants, and those in rural areas. They also address the intersection of technology, legal protections, and the rise of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). With a focus on collaboration and systemic change, the episode highlights NROC’s efforts to improve interstate enforcement of restraining orders and work alongside other BWJP centers to ensure holistic support for survivors. This conversation offers a deeper look into NROC’s mission to create a more effective and inclusive legal system for survivors of abuse.

    28 min

  5. 05/12/2025

    Financial Empowerment for Survivors: Inside the Moving Ahead Workbook

    Economic abuse is a common tactic in abusive relationships—yet it’s often misunderstood or overlooked. In this episode of Taking Back Control, we take a closer look at the Moving Ahead workbook, a resource developed by The Allstate Foundation to help survivors navigate financial instability and work toward long-term independence. Host Alyssa Toledo is joined by Tonya Lovelace, President & CEO of Lovelace Consulting Services, Inc., who served as expert facilitator for the workbook’s most recent revision. Sharisse Kimbro of The Allstate Foundation and Amy Sánchez, CEO of BWJP, also join the conversation to share how the workbook has evolved over time and how it continues to support advocates and survivors across the country. Together, they explore how financial empowerment is not just about numbers—it’s about safety, dignity, and building a future on your own terms. https://www.thelearningcommunitytoendviolence.org/movingahead

    32 min

  6. 04/22/2025

    Freedom and Power: Ending the Criminalization of Black Women and Girls

    In this powerful episode of Taking Back Control, BWJP’s Cindene Pezzell sits down with three visionary leaders working to dismantle the criminal legal system’s impact on Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people. Dr. Sydney McKinney of the National Black Women’s Justice Institute, and Niki Martinez and April Grayson of the Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, share their lived experiences and bold strategies to promote healing, justice, and community-led change. From trauma-informed mentorship to the creation of the LOVE curriculum, this conversation centers dignity, resilience, and radical care.

    1h 8m

  7. 03/10/2025

    Rising Stars: Honoring the Women Shaping BWJP's Future

    In this special episode of Taking Back Control, we celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting BWJP's rising stars — four inspiring women making waves in the fight against intimate partner violence. Host Alyssa Toledo, a Communications Associate at BWJP, takes listeners on a journey through powerful conversations with fellow BWJP leaders: Diana Griffin, Megan Belden, and Rachel Barkley. Each guest shares insights on the women who have inspired them, the lessons they've learned in their careers, and words of wisdom for the next generation of women leaders. Topics include: Empowering Lessons from Female Mentors — Hear how strong women shaped the careers of BWJP’s rising stars.Advice for Young Advocates — Insights on the importance of resilience, community, and self-care in emotionally demanding work.Creating Change in Complex Systems — Discover how these leaders are pushing for systemic shifts in the legal landscape to better support survivors.The Power of Storytelling — Alyssa reflects on her filmmaking background and the inspiring narratives that have fueled her creative and professional journey. Whether you're an aspiring advocate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to learn more about gender-based violence prevention, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and powerful reflections. Tune in to hear how BWJP's rising stars are taking back control — one story, one policy, and one act of courage at a time.

    35 min

  8. 02/20/2025

    Teen Dating Violence & Firearms: What the Research Tells Us

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kimberly Randall, a pediatric emergency medicine physician and researcher, to discuss the intersection of teen dating violence and firearm access. With February marking Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, this conversation sheds light on: How firearms contribute to intimate partner homicide among teens Surprising statistics about adolescent firearm access, even in homes with safe storage Gaps in research around gun violence in teen relationships Interventions that can help prevent teen dating violence How healthcare providers, schools, and parents can play a role in fostering healthy relationships With nearly 70% of teens who have dated reporting some form of dating violence, this issue demands urgent attention. Listen in to learn how we can better protect young people from abuse and firearm-related harm. Disclaimer:This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-23-GK-05140-MUMU awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this program are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

    29 min
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About

This is a podcast brought to you by BWJP. BWJP is the national resource center on civil and criminal justice responses to gender based violence. In this podcast we will bring together advocates from across the country to talk about the importance of centering survivor stories in the work of gender based violence.

Information

  • Creator
    The Battered Women's Justice Project
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Battered Women's Justice Project
  • Show Website
    BWJP Presents: Taking Back Control