Speaking about OIDV/PPDV at the Conference on Crimes Against Women 2026
Officer-Involved Domestic Violence (OIDV) or Police-Perpetrated Domestic Violence (PPDV) — a form of abuse where the perpetrator’s profession, training, access to weapons, institutional connections, and credibility become additional tools of coercion and control.I had the honor of presenting alongside Bruce Bieber, CarolAnn Peterson Ph.D., and Brandon Wootan on Officer-Involved / Police-Perpetrated Domestic Violence (OIDV/PPDV). Together, we were able to share not only the realities behind these cases, but also the devastating consequences when warning signs are ignored and systems fail survivors.
Our room filled almost immediately. People lined up outside the doors waiting to get in. And I think that says something really important: people want to hear from survivors. People want honesty, lived experience, and conversations that go deeper than surface-level awareness!
Survivors deserve seats at the table — in policy making, lawmaking, education, prevention efforts, and system reform; because we lived through it. Our voices matter here. So do the voices of family members, loved ones, and everyone impacted in the aftermath of violence.
One of the most emotional parts of this experience was having people come up to me afterward who already knew my name and my story. That’s been such a surreal, empowering, and strange feeling. To be in a space where people not only listened to me, but believed me, supported me, and wanted to help?!
I even had members of law enforcement apologize to me after our presentation for how badly the system failed me and how clearly Hillsborough County ignored warning signs that should have never been ignored. Many were shocked to learn that, to this day, Hillsborough County’s Sheriff Chad Chronister has never reached out to me, never had a conversation with me, and never asked survivors to be part of addressing the very obvious issue they have with officer-involved domestic violence.
I also attended sessions on domestic violence, stalking, technology, neuroplasticity, women’s safety, prosecution strategy, and survivor advocacy. I left informed, inspired, and honestly more determined than ever! (The nerdy side of me was thriving.)
And lastly, having my husband able to attend, and to know that he has been my support and number 1 fan from the beginning — was a real full circle moment and I wouldn’t be me without him.
If sharing my story helps even one person feel seen, speak up, or stay alive… then this work matters. And I’m going to keep doing it. 💜
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