Episode 4: Breaking the Silence with Linda Parker of Women In Distress

Grey Minds Think Ali.Ke

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations.

In this compelling episode of Grey Minds Think Alike, we feature an in-depth conversation with Linda Parker, president and CEO of Women in Distress (WID) in Broward County, Florida. Linda shares her journey as a domestic violence survivor and advocate. The discussion spans the complex reasons behind why victims, especially women, stay in abusive relationships, highlighting tactics like coercive control and the impact of socioeconomic factors. Practical advice for recognizing red flags, preparing to leave abusive relationships, and protecting children is offered. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and false abuse claim narratives are addressed. The importance of therapy, support systems, and not giving up on loved ones is emphasized. Listeners will also learn about October Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, the impact of Greyson's law, and the significance of judicial training and voter awareness. The episode closes by celebrating WID's 50-year legacy of empowering survivors, their thrift store, emergency shelter, crisis hotline, and upcoming events like a gala fundraiser. This is a don’t-miss episode! Listen now!

In this episode:

• Linda Parker has been with Women in Distress for four years.
• Her personal experience as a victim shapes her advocacy work.
• COVID-19 has changed the landscape of domestic violence cases.
• High lethality cases have increased significantly since the pandemic.
• Collaboration with law enforcement is crucial for effective intervention.
• Abusers often manipulate victims through psychological tactics.
• Many survivors stay in abusive relationships due to fear and financial dependency.
• Education about domestic violence is essential for prevention.
• Women often do not know about available resources and support.
• Creating a safety plan is vital for those considering leaving an abusive situation. The timing of leaving an abusive relationship is crucial.
• Children may inadvertently reveal the location of a fleeing parent.
• Support systems are vital for survivors of domestic violence.
• Therapy can help survivors cope with PTSD from domestic violence.
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for advocacy.
• Legal frameworks like Greyson’s Law are evolving but face challenges.
• Community engagement and voting can influence change in domestic violence laws.
• Crisis hotlines provide essential support for those in need.
• Shelters offer comprehensive services to help survivors rebuild their lives.
• Fundraising events are crucial for sustaining support services for survivors.

About Linda Parker, Ph.D:

Linda Parker is the President and CEO of Women in Distress, with 16 years of professional experience both in human service and domestic violence services and as an educator and administrator at the university level.

Since 2017, she has been the Executive Director of Victim Services at the Peace River Center, which serves three counties surrounding Lakeland, one of 41 state-certified domestic violence centers in the state of Florida. Peace River includes two domestic violence shelters and a rape recovery center.

Prior to relocating to Florida from Iowa in 2016, Parker held director and vice president positions at William Penn University in West Des Moines, Iowa, where she led efforts to expand online learning. She also continues as an adjunct professor at William Penn and at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. Earlier in her career, she was a domestic violence advocate at Children and Families of Iowa and worked as a counselor for women transitioning from prison. Parker earned her BA degree from Grandview University in Des Moines and has master's and doctorate degrees in psychology from Walden University in Minneapolis.

Contact:

Women in Distress www.widbroward.org

Linda Parker LinkdeIN

Women In Distress is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full-service domestic violence center serving Broward County, Florida. Our mission is to stop domestic violence abuse for everyone through intervention, education, and advocacy.

24-Hr Crisis Hotline: [phone] | 711 TDD/TYY

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

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