Rooted Connections by My Sister's House
Rooted Connections is a podcast by My Sister’s House, exploring how communities can change the story of domestic violence.
Each episode brings together journalists, researchers, advocates, and community leaders to examine the systems, perceptions, and stories that shape how we understand — and respond to — DV.
Through honest conversation and shared insight, we uncover the power of connection, compassion, and collective action to create safer, stronger communities.
Rooted Connections by My Sister's House
The Power of Perception: How Stories and Institutions Shape Our Understanding of Domestic Violence
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What stories get told? Who tells them? And how do public institutions play a role in changing community awareness and response?
In this episode of Rooted Connections, Tosha Connors, CEO of My Sister’s House, hosts a powerful discussion with Emily Johnson, Investigative Reporter at Live5 News, and Natalie Caula Hauff, Director of Innovation at Charleston County Public Library and Pulitzer Prize winning reporter on the Till Death Do Us Part series. Together, they explore how journalism and public institutions shape public understanding of domestic violence. The conversation dives into the responsibilities of storytellers, the influence of media representation, and the importance of trusted community spaces like libraries in raising awareness and fostering safety.
Highlighted topics include victim blaming, ethical reporting, and the role of community support in helping survivors thrive beyond crisis. This episode calls on listeners to challenge perceptions, amplify survivor voices, and help build a more informed, compassionate future.
00:00 — Introduction: Atlas Tech & My Sister’s House
00:27 — Welcome to Rooted Connections
01:45 — Episode Overview: “The Power of Perception”
02:20 — Meet the Guests: Emily Johnson & Natalie Caula Hauff
03:27 — Emily Johnson’s Journey in Investigative Reporting
05:02 — Challenges in Reporting on Domestic Violence
06:49 — The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception
16:00 — Natalie Caula Hauff: Bridging Journalism and Civic Leadership
17:44 — Libraries as Safe Havens and Community Resources
27:19 — The Importance of Storytelling in Journalism
29:57 — Intersection of Journalism, Civic Spaces & Leadership
30:21 — Collaborations Between Libraries & Media
31:45 — Oral History Projects & The Role of AI
34:56 — Virtual Engagement and Technology in Libraries
36:11 — AI in Journalism: Ethics & Considerations
40:15 — Addressing Marginalized Voices in Domestic Violence
46:58 — Community Awareness and Support Services
59:56 — Closing Reflections and Resources
Till Death Do Us Part Series, The Post and Courier:
https://www.postandcourier.com/app/till-death/partone.html
Emily Johnson, Recent Articles: https://www.live5news.com/authors/emily-johnson/
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence
https://www.sccadvasa.org/
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Local and National DV Hotlines:
My Sister’s House
Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties
1-800-273-HOPE (4673)
Hopeful Horizons
Beaufort, Allendale, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties
843-770-1070
Casa Family Services
Orangeburg Counties
1-888-524-3901
National Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text “START” to 88788
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