Allocutions: Where survivors find their voices

Genesis The Podcast

Have you ever felt silenced? This is how many survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault feel as they traverse the criminal justice system. With Kelsey McKay, founder of Respond Against Violence and former prosecutor, we delve into the power of allocutions and how they can transform the narrative of survivors of violent crime, giving them a powerful platform to share their truth.
We navigate the labyrinth of the criminal legal system, peeling away layers to understand its complexities. Kelsey, with her rich experience and vast knowledge, guides us through this journey, talking about the importance of victim impact statements and allocutions in ensuring justice. By shifting the focus to the survivor, we explore how language can be wielded to realign the narrative around the victim, creating a more empowered and inclusive framework.
Our conversation also touches upon the role of programs like the Uncooperative website and Do No Harm campaign in uplifting survivor's voices, and how allocutions can be used to advocate for social justice. This is more than just a conversation; it’s a call to action, an invitation to change the narrative and empower survivors of violence.

Chapters

1. Understanding Allocutions in Violent Crime Cases (00:00:00)

2. Victim Participation in Criminal Justice System (00:11:29)

3. Criminal Legal System Challenges and Nuances (00:19:00)

4. Empowerment and Building Solutions for Justice (00:23:42)

5. Program for Survivor-Practitioner Communication (00:29:36)

6. Powerful Allocutions and Social Justice Advocacy (00:35:09)

7. Using Allocutions to Empower Survivors (00:42:18)

8. Survivors' Uninterrupted Journey to Justice (00:52:47)

9. Believing and Supporting Survivors of Violence (00:57:20)

10. Bilingual Services at Genesis Women's Shelter (01:05:31)