‘She Is Your Neighbour’ podcast is back for encore
New season shines light on many topics involving domestic violence
WATERLOO REGION — Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region launched another season of its podcast that casts light on domestic violence, including an episode with online personality Brittlestar.
“We just had such interest and success with the first series of the podcast. It really got people talking about the issue and obviously that’s what we want to do,” said chief executive officer Jennifer Hutton.
While domestic violence is common and has worsened during the pandemic, it is still too often seen as a private issue, when it’s actually a social problem that needs to be addressed.
“Domestic violence really existed in that silence and there’s a lot of shame and guilt attached to it,” Hutton said.
Everyone has a role to play in ending domestic violence, and the aim of the “She Is Your Neighbour” podcast is increasing understanding and giving people tools to help victims of this abuse.
“We can’t do this work alone. We rely on our community,” Hutton said.
The podcast’s first season got 3,000 listens, and the agency heard from survivors along with those who said they didn’t realize the extent of the problem. “It just really went over well,” Hutton said. “I think it’s a unique way of raising awareness.”
This season, there will be 10 episodes released every Thursday, each on a different topic, including domestic homicide, the connection between trauma and addiction, and domestic violence impacting South Asian communities.
“It really speaks to just how complex it is,” Hutton said.
Guests include people known locally and beyond, including Canadian YouTube comedian Brittlestar.
He did a fundraiser for a women’s shelter, inspired by regular walks by one near his home, and tackles current topics such as racism and the pandemic in his videos.
“We thought he would be a great person to connect with,” Hutton said.
This year, Women’s Crisis Services partnered with Cambridge company Pretty By Her to sell She Is Your Neighbour mugs, candles and stickers, and episodes also have sponsors to support the work the organization does to help women and children who are experiencing violence.
The podcast can be found on the agency’s website or anywhere people get podcasts.