Episode 42- Yarns on victims' rights and trauma in the law with Allison
On this episode I am joined by the incredible Allison Mahoney, a social justice, victim rights and civil rights litigator in America. In 2022, Allison started her own firm ALM Law, which specialises in representing children harmed in the child welfare system, survivors of domestic violence, and survivors of sexual assault and image-based sexual abuse at both state and federal levels.
Allison talks about what drew her to working in law, and her path to becoming a victims' rights advocate in particular. We also yarn about vicarious/ secondary trauma, having both worked in legal fields dealing with traumatic subject matter on a daily basis. Allison shares tools that help her to look after her mental wellbeing, as well as what motivates her to continue to show up to work every day.
We talk about how intergenerational trauma plays a part in the work Allison does, particularly the ongoing effects of abuse in the child welfare system. I also share some thoughts in the wake of the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry in New Zealand, and my experiences working with survivors of historic abuse in state care. We yarn about what trauma-informed justice might look like, and what is needed in this space moving forward.
To check out the amazing work that Allison does, you can find her website here. Head over to Instagram and follow her @almlawllc, or check her out on LinkedIn.
...
If you want to get in touch, or just follow along as I muddle my way through life, you can find me over on Instagram @yarnsforthesoulnicole- see you there!