Hosted and Produced by J’aime Rothbard.

Join us for this deep dive into the maze of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault and the often futile search for vital support services. Liz unravels this complex weave by sharing her personal trauma and healing experiences, as well as the need for systemic change and collaboration that invokes the proven healing powers of community.

Former colleagues and co facilitators in the domestic violence and collective trauma arenas, Liz and J’aime explore various forms of abuse, including emotional and psychological manipulation, not just physical violence. They also highlight the role of "compounding trauma," where individuals experience multiple subsequent traumatic events, without adequate time to heal.

Liz shares her personal journey, and how being a trauma survivor empowers her to create, advocate for and train others in sensitive, trauma-informed support services.

She highlights the need to break down silos between agencies and services and improve the overall response to domestic violence. Liz also advocates for:

- Cross-disciplinary professional collaboration (academics, attorneys, domestic violence advocates, housing experts…) in order to create more useful support systems for trauma / abuse survivors.

- The development of trauma-informed practices that prioritize the well-being of survivors.

- Reducing the risk of overwhelming or re-traumatizing survivors by raising support service providers awareness

- Collective processes that welcome communities pivotal roles in supporting, healing and recovery, ensuring individuals are not alone in their experiences.

The interview also touches on how societal language and cultural norms can normalize violence and contribute to the perpetuation of abuse, and ongoing efforts to reframe domestic violence to promote awareness and positive change.

About Liz Odongo

Director of Grants and Programs, DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCCADV)

A registered descendant of Koniag, Inc. and the Native Village of Afognak (a recognized Alutiiq Alaska Native tribal entity) Liz obtained her MA in International Training & Education from American University, her BA in Global Studies from the University of Washington, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guyana, and a high school exchange student in Venezuela.

During 2+ decades spent working to end gender-based violence, Liz serves as the Director of Grants and Programs for the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, was a Domestic Violence Systems Advocate, an Educator at The Women’s Center, and a Program Officer in the Global Health, Population and Nutrition Department at the Academy for Educational Development. She also testified for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sexual Assault in the Peace Corps.

Liz developed and facilitated national and international training to address violence against women, which was delivered to many agencies, including the U.S. Military, State Department, Government agencies, law enforcement and local community-based organizations. Today she provides technical assistance, training, and support around compliance, budgeting, reporting, and program development to grantees implementing health contracts from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Raised in Seattle, WA, Liz is the mother of two children and wife of an African Immigrant. While she enjoys coaching her kids’ basketball teams, playing guitar, and keeping her ASL and Spanish fluency strong, she never fails to stop and smell the flowers.

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Resources Websites: Professional Relevant Links: 99 Ways to Please a Man by Public Spectacle ShehuggerSugpiat People from the Native Village of Afognak, members of Koniag, Inc, Dr Nkiru Nnawulezi of The Domestic Violence Action Research Collective Violence Interrupters of Peace DC Karma Cottman of Ujima Koniag Government Services Academy for Educational Development Books: Theater of the Oppressed Films: The Wisdom of Trauma Statistics: WHO Multi-country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women

Social Media Handles: Liz Odongo LinkedIn | FacebookDCCADV LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Collective Responsibility Ends Domestic Violence with Liz Odongo