Why be Silent?

Forensic nurse Shannon Vincent explains the ‘red zone’—the spike in college sexual assaults from the start of fall semester through Thanksgiving—and why freshmen, alcohol, and unfamiliar environments increase risk. She outlines Title IX protections, reporting and medical options, and campus/community resources.
Practical advice includes being observant, intervening safely, staying with friends, avoiding substance-related encounters where consent is unclear, and using campus or local support services for safety and care.
 
Campus sexual assault: Fact sheet from an intersectional lens
The Red Zone | Empower Safety Today — Support Awareness — Center For Women & Families

This episode explores Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how early trauma and household dysfunction can influence us as adults and as parents. It explains how ACEs affect emotional availability, discipline, and the risk of repeating harmful patterns, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these impacts.
The host offers practical steps—self-reflection, seeking counseling, using age-appropriate conversations about safety, and using community resources (like the Mama Bear Effect)—to help parents break the cycle and create safer, healthier environments for their children.
 
A Systematic Review of the Effect of Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences on Parenting and Child Psychopathology | Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma | Springer Nature Link
The Mama Bear Effect - Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable
 

Shannon Vincent interviews Lavonda Johnson about her experience with teen sexual assault, the confusion and silence that followed, and how she moved forward.
They discuss teen sexual violence statistics, survivor reactions, family and community dynamics, available resources, and practical advice for young people and parents on safety and seeking help.
 
HOME | YWCA
Homepage - RAINN

In this episode Shannon Vincent hosts a candid conversation with family members about how relationships change when one partner is a trauma survivor or works with traumatic cases. They discuss communication, boundaries, therapy, parenting challenges, hypervigilance, and practical ways partners can support each other while protecting their families.
Guests share personal stories from domestic violence, law enforcement, and forensic nursing to highlight what helps — and what doesn’t — when trauma affects everyday life.
 
Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline
Mental Health: Tools and Other Resources | NATIONAL SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION

Shannon Vincent interviews York County Coroner Sabrina Gast about the coroner's role in death investigations. They discuss how coroners differ from medical examiners, how cases are handled at the scene, evidence collection, autopsy decisions, family notifications, and the legal and emotional challenges involved.
The episode explains qualifications for coroners in South Carolina, the process of working with law enforcement and pathologists, and what families can expect during investigations and autopsy decisions.

Hello and welcome to another episode of Why be Silent with Shannon Vincent and guest Karin Ho from the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Karin explains what victim advocates do, the differences between community- and system-based advocacy, and the services available post-conviction, including victim notification systems, victim-offender dialogue, restorative programs, training, and barriers to access.
She also covers support for correctional staff, critical incident stress management, and practical guidance for victims on registering for notifications and asking for help.
 
Desert Waters Correctional Outreach
Home | Office for Victims of Crime
National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) | NOVA
National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI)
National Institute of Corrections | NIC
Victims' Rights - Constitutional Amendments

Host Shannon Vincet speaks with Kenneth James, a PREA expert and corrections leader, about the Prison Rape Elimination Act: its origins, national standards, recent statistics, reporting procedures, protections for victims, and the resources and services available both inside and outside correctional facilities.
The episode highlights South Carolina’s initiatives, the importance of leadership and trust, and practical steps victims and families can take to access care and support.
https://www.prearesourcecenter.org/
https://doc.sc.gov/sites/doc/files/Documents/policy/GA-06-11.pdf
https://doc.sc.gov/sites/doc/files/Documents/policy/GA-06-11B.pdf
https://doc.sc.gov/preaweb
https://www.ojp.gov/news/news-release/bjs-releases-sexual-victimization-prisons-reported-inmates-2023-24-and-sexual
 

Shannon Vincent returns after a short break to update listeners on recent advocacy work: the push for strangulation felony legislation in South Carolina, threats to reproductive and medical practice under proposed bills, rising violence against healthcare workers, and turmoil within the International Association of Forensic Nurses due to embezzlement.The episode underscores the need for nurses to advocate for patients and themselves, explains how bills move through the legislature, and urges listeners to stay informed, show up, and make their voices heard.

In this episode Shannon Vincent interviews veteran law enforcement instructor Brian Bennett about the role of police in human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse. They explain training for officers, how investigations and arrests work, different response tiers, victim advocacy, court testimony, and how technology and leadership affect outcomes.
Brian and Shannon offer practical advice for victims and concerned community members on reporting, pursuing civil or criminal options, working with prosecutors, and staying informed about your rights and resources.
 
U.S. Attorneys | Crime Victims' Rights Act

In this episode Shannon Vincent speaks with retired law‑enforcement instructor Brian Bennett about non‑fatal strangulation: what it is, how little force can cause serious internal injury, and why it often leaves few visible marks.
They discuss medical signs and long‑term effects, the importance of proper assessment and documentation, legal gaps and advocacy for stronger laws, and resources for survivors and professionals.
 
Alliance for HOPE International
Section I - Non-Fatal Strangulation - International Association of Forensic Nurses
Why Non-Fatal Strangulation Is a Critical Warning Sign in Abuse Cases - Shadows of Control