VOICES of Hope - Episode 1: Survivors and the Civil Court

VOICES of Hope is the first podcast produced by Alliance for HOPE International in collaboration with the Office on Violence Against Women. This four-part series features survivors sharing their journeys to safety, hope, and healing, along with professionals from Family Justice Centers who helped make that possible.
Alliance for HOPE International is a leading training and technical assistance provider for Family Justice Centers and multi-agency collaboratives that serve victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. Through conversations with survivors, advocates, attorneys, and law enforcement, each episode highlights how collaboration and compassion can transform lives and strengthen communities.
Some stories may be distressing to listeners. Discretion is advised, and support can be found online at DomesticShelters.org.
In the first episode, a survivor and an attorney discuss the challenges of navigating the civil court system. Listeners will hear from Attorney Suzi Canali of Safe Alliance and The Umbrella Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, and from Audra Toussant, a survivor who escaped domestic violence to protect herself and her daughter. Together, they share insight into the emotional and legal challenges survivors face when pursuing justice, and the vital role of coordinated, trauma-informed support in helping them rebuild their lives.