Episode 46: Breaking the Myths: The Truth About Intimate Partner Violence (Podcast with Living Legend Award Winner, Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell) [INFLUENCE SERIES]

What are the biggest misconceptions about intimate partner violence—and how can understanding the truth help us prevent abuse before it begins?

In this powerful episode of the Professor P Podcast, Dr. Parsa Peykar begins with a deep dive into Trauma and Recovery by Dr. Judith Herman, a foundational work that reshaped how we understand the aftermath of violence and the path toward healing. The book review sets the stage for a crucial conversation about the realities of intimate partner violence (IPV)—a subject too often silenced or misunderstood.

Joining Dr. Peykar is Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell, one of the world’s leading researchers and advocates on domestic and intimate partner violence. A Professor at Johns Hopkins University and creator of the renowned Danger Assessment Tool, Dr. Campbell has spent decades transforming how health systems, policymakers, and communities respond to abuse. Together, they dismantle the myths—such as why leaving isn’t as simple as “just walking away,” why abuse isn’t only physical, and how societal beliefs and gender norms perpetuate cycles of harm.

They also explore early intervention (“You need to catch the abuse right at the beginning in order to put a stop to it”), risk factors across different populations, and practical tools for support—including Strengthen Home, The MyPlan App, and ways families, friends, and professionals can make a difference.

The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection featuring Rue, one of Dr. Peykar’s students, who shares her perspective on compassion, awareness, and breaking the silence surrounding IPV.

Reflection Themes:

Understanding that both survivors and those who use violence need early intervention and education.
Replacing judgment with empathy—and awareness with action.
Practicing self-compassion while extending compassion to others.

🎧 Listen to learn:

The top myths about intimate partner violence—and the truths behind them.
The psychological and social barriers survivors face when trying to leave.
How trauma recovery and prevention begin with community, awareness, and kindness.

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💡 Act of Kindness:
Smile and say hello to everyone you encounter today—small gestures of kindness can be the first steps toward creating safer, more compassionate communities.

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Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell is a renowned nurse researcher, advocate, and educator, widely recognized for her groundbreaking work on intimate partner violence (IPV) and its health consequences. A Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and the Bloomberg School of Public Health, she is the developer of the Danger Assessment Tool, a widely used instrument to assess a victim's risk of being murdered by their intimate partner. With over 200 publications to her name, Dr. Campbell's research focuses on the intersection of domestic violence, women's health, and empowerment. She has received numerous awards, including being named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing, for her profound impact on public health policy and IPV advocacy. Her work continues to save lives and reshape our understanding of domestic violence globally.