Working to demystify & improve communication between victims of domestic violence and the systems in place to protect them

—through shared, lived experiences.

Asking for help is hard.

When someone you love is hurting you, it’s difficult enough to admit it to yourself—let alone talk about it with your friends, family, or police.

That’s why it’s especially upsetting when the very systems that exist to protect you fail to do so.

At Red Tape Talks, we’re on a mission to identify and bridge the gaps in legal communication that leave survivors in fear, uncertainty, and danger.

Your story could help shape a better future.

  • What went wrong?

    Did you miss a court date because you weren’t adequately informed? Did your abuser get released from jail or have their ankle monitor removed, and nobody told you? Have details of your case been lost or incorrectly reported? Did protected information mistakenly get leaked?

    If a lack of communication and/or accountability has put you in harm’s way, we’d like to hear from you.

  • Why did it happen?

    The unfortunate truth is, these mistakes and missteps are not uncommon. What we’re dealing with is far greater than a lack of attention to detail—it’s a systemic issue. Somewhere along the way, there are gaps in communication (between law enforcement, courts, and victims) that can result in real danger and impede the healing process.

    Can you identify the specific moment(s) in handling your case where things went wrong?

  • How can we fix it?

    By identifying the problems and their causes, we can better understand flaws and areas of improvement within our legal and judicial systems. Once we know where the issues lie, we can work together with advocates and changemakers to create real solutions and improved processes—ultimately saving time, resources, and most importantly, lives.

    Let’s get started.

All identifying information will be kept 100% confidential, unless given express consent to share (for the purposes of victim impact statements and appealing to lawmakers).

Need immediate help?

You deserve to feel safe. If you’re experiencing physical, sexual, emotional, and/or financial abuse—know that there’s free and confidential support ready when you are.

Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline—available 24/7, 7 days a week—via phone call, text, or live chat.

Join the Conversation.