Today, we are joined by Susan Ferguson, an expert in domestic violence prevention and organizational leadership who serves as the Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Prevention Network (DVPN). Ferguson shares how her extensive 25-year career in human services, victim support programs, and nonprofit leadership has shaped her approach to strengthening coordinated community responses across central Indiana. Together, we explore how strategic collaboration, education, advocacy, and trauma-informed systems change can promote safety, dignity, and sustainable support networks for survivors. Key takeaways for our audience include: Understand the Complexity of Leaving: Leaving an abusive relationship is incredibly complicated and often the most dangerous time for a survivor. General "just leave" advice can be unhelpful or risky, meaning separation must be handled with deliberate safety planning and professional resources. Recognize Survivors as the Experts: True support requires listening without judgment or dictating what someone should do. Survivors are the absolute experts in their own lived experiences and must be empowered to decide what steps are safest and best for their unique situations. Build Coordinated, Multi-Agency Networks: Effectively addressing domestic violence requires breaking down institutional silos. Bringing advocates, healthcare, law enforcement, and legal partners into a single network fills critical resource gaps and enables warm handoffs between services. Aim for a "No Wrong Door" System: Community response networks should strive to ensure that no matter where or when a survivor reaches out, they are instantly connected to trauma-informed care. A single negative or dismissive initial experience can permanently discourage someone from seeking help again. Invest Early in Youth Relationship Education: True violence prevention begins long before abuse occurs. Engaging middle and high school students with peer-developed curricula helps youth identify relationship red flags and models healthy behaviors early in life. Factor in Intersecting Barriers to Safety: Abusers systematically leverage structural vulnerabilities to maintain control. Support systems must intentionally account for overlapping obstacles, including language barriers, cognitive differences, financial abuse, and immigration status tied to a partner. Cultivate Supportive and Accessible Workplaces: Employers should proactively establish domestic violence policies and safety protocols so victims feel secure disclosing their situations. Organizations must be educated on the dynamics of abuse to avoid inadvertently punishing employees for disruptions or harassment caused by an abuser. Commit to Persistence and Start by Believing: Overcoming judgment and victim-blaming requires a conscious shift in community mindset. Supporters must practice the philosophy of "start by believing," offer open spaces for disclosure, and remain steadfast allies even if a survivor returns to a relationship multiple times before leaving permanently. Susan Ferguson is the Executive Director of Domestic Violence Prevention Network (DVPN), where she leads efforts to strengthen Central Indiana’s response to domestic violence through collaboration, education, and advocacy. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in domestic violence prevention, human services, and community-based systems change, Susan has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for survivors and building stronger, more responsive communities. Prior to joining DVPN, she served as Chief Program Officer at accessABILITY, overseeing programs and expanding access to trauma-informed, inclusive services. Before that she served in victim services, including shelter and non-residential services, where she strengthened community partnerships, and expanded services for survivors of crime and abuse. Susan is passionate about bringing people and organizations together to create lasting systems change that prevents violence and promotes safety, dignity, and well-being for all.