On this episode of the en(gender)ed podcast, guest host Kerri Holt speaks with Lizzy Hershberger and Molly Maeve Eagan to discuss their book Behind Blue Curtains, A True Crime Memoir of an Amish Woman’s Survival, Escape and Pursuit of Justice.  Their conversation will explore Lizzy’s struggle to survive the abuse, support herself, marry and raise her own family, and seek justice.  Themes covered also include the role of religion and community in the survivor’s life, its role in shaping gender norms and expectations, with particular emphasis on enabling, excusing, or permitting men’s violence over women and the survivors’ healing from trauma. 

Kerri Holt, a member of the Engendered Collective, is a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate for a community-based non-profit (and a Credentialed Advocate through NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance).)  Kerri answers calls on a 24/7 hotline with survivors and police with the goal of survivors attaining safety from a current or former partner.  She also provides survivor-centered advocacy in a non-crisis capacity through community prevention and education programming.

During our conversation, Kerri, Lizzy and Molly referenced the following resources:

• The grooming process
• WIsconsin v. Yoder Supreme Court case
• The work of Dr. Zuleka Henderson on trauma and healing

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