Food insecurity is a major barrier to safety in that a survivor has to be assured they can feed their children if they leave. In this episode, our advocates discuss how it is more expensive than ever to provide groceries and how that both affects and directs advocacy services. Join us for a conversation about how the basic human needs of food and safety threaten the well-being of our neighborhoods.

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter has been providing services to victims of domestic violence in the Appalachian communities of Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne counties in West Virginia.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, we’re sharing something close to our hearts — the upcoming BTR Communities Advocacy Summit, hosted by Branches Domestic Violence Shelter. This gathering is all about bringing people together to talk about how we can create safer, stronger communities for survivors of domestic violence.

We’ll explore what it really means to build “BTR Communities” and why your voice matters — whether you’re a business owner, a service provider, a neighborhood leader, or part of the faith community.

What You’ll Hear:

• What the BTR Communities Advocacy Summit is all about
• Why these conversations matter for all of us
• How businesses, service providers, neighborhoods, and faith leaders each have a role to play
• What to expect if you join us for the summit

Event Details:

• Event: BTR Communities Advocacy Summit
• Hosted by: Branches Domestic Violence Shelter
• Learn more: www.branchedvs.org
  
  
• Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS
  
  

Why You Should Be There:
This isn’t just another event — it’s a chance to come together, listen, and learn from one another. Each of us, in our different roles — whether through business, service, neighborhood, or faith — can make a difference for survivors and help shape communities that are safer for everyone.

Call to Action:
We’d love for you to be part of this important conversation.

• Learn more about Branches’ mission at www.branchedvs.org
  
  
• Save your spot for the summit by registering here: https://forms.office.com/r/bVC6EH6dYS

In this episode, Branches advocates Shannon and Sara unpack the growing TikTok conversation surrounding ELF Cosmetics’ latest ad campaign featuring a male comedian known for his history of domestic violence jokes. Together, they reflect on the outrage sparked by his inclusion in a campaign from a brand that has often positioned itself as a champion of women’s empowerment. This discussion explores how advertising choices shape culture, the harm caused when domestic violence is minimized for humor, and why companies may choose to risk their consumer base in this way. We also discuss what we, as advocates, survivors, and consumers, can do in response to the way domestic violence is presented in the media at large.