In this powerful and unflinching episode, we take a sobering dive into the psychological underpinnings of abuse—where it begins, how it festers, and the devastating ripple effects it leaves behind. Our guest, Janette Hermann, a seasoned social worker from the Teddy Bear Foundation, joins us for an honest, expert-led conversation on child abuse, domestic violence, and the psychological profile of abusers.
Janette doesn’t sugarcoat the reality. She brings clinical clarity, decades of frontline experience, and a deep passion for restoring safety and dignity to the lives of victims—especially children. Her work with the Teddy Bear Foundation, one of South Africa’s leading child protection organizations, has placed her at the intersection of trauma, recovery, and systemic reform.
This episode is not just about identifying abuse. It’s about challenging assumptions, naming red flags, and understanding the often-blurred lines between toxic relationships and abusive ones. Janette breaks down the core differences—psychologically, emotionally, and behaviorally—and explains why these distinctions matter, especially in early interventions.
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Listen to our previous episodes
Episode 4
Episode 3
Episode 2
