E25: Duty to Protect | Melissa Hoppmeyer on Military Justice Reform and Survivor-Centered Advocacy – Advocacy in Action

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In this episode of Aspire, co-hosts Katie M. Shipp, Executive Director of I Have the Right To, and Chessy Prout, Co-Founder of I Have the Right To, engage in a compelling conversation with Melissa Hoppmeyer, an experienced prosecutor and policy advocate with a strong background in criminal law, violence prevention, and legislative initiatives. She currently supports the development of the U.S. Army’s Office of Special Trial Counsel.

Melissa’s career encompasses significant contributions, including her pivotal role in transforming military prosecution regarding sexual assault and establishing pioneering protocols that drastically reduced intimate partner homicides. She discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, the necessity of early education on consent and healthy relationships, and shares powerful insights on the systemic changes needed within legal and educational domains to better support survivors. 

Personal reflections on parenting, self-awareness, and the future of advocacy work further enrich this profound dialogue on creating safer environments and a culture of respect and consent.

Aspire is produced by Ben Hudak Productions. For more information, please visit BenHudak.com