Episode 307 | Just the Cost of Speaking Up: Why Victims and Witnesses Stay Silent
Original Release Date: July 25, 2025
In this special release episode, Just Science sat down with Jesse Brey, criminal justice researcher and PhD student at Temple University, and Harrod Emmanuel Clay Jr., pastor and community-based advocate, to discuss findings from RTI’s Victim and Witness Participation research project, which is supported by the philanthropy Arnold Ventures.
For individuals who have experienced or witnessed severe community violence, there is often hesitation to report the crime, participate in law enforcement interviews, or engage in court proceedings. To better understand these barriers, community violence researchers at RTI International and Temple University conducted interviews with individuals who had recently experienced incidents of severe community violence, and found that fear of retaliation, concerns about social consequences, and poor communication from law enforcement are among the most significant obstacles to victim and witness engagement in the criminal legal system. Listen along as Jesse and Pastor Clay describe the importance of giving victims and witnesses a voice after violent crime, common themes found across the research interviews, and important considerations for improving the legal system’s response to victim and witness participation.
This episode is funded by RTI International’s Justice Practice Area.
Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
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Episode Citation
Sechrist, S., Brey, J., & Clay Jr., H. (2025, July 11). Just Science. Just the Cost of Speaking Up: Why Victims and Witnesses Stay Silent. [Audio podcast episode]. RTI International Justice Practice Area. https://forensicrti.org/just-science-episode-307/
Related Resources
Guest Biography
Stacy Sechrist, PhD, is a researcher in RTI International’s Justice Practice Area. She has dedicated most of her professional career to the study of interpersonal violence and violent crime reduction. Her work has included partnerships with law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies at the state, local, and federal levels, as well as community-based organizations, to provide research and training and technical assistance. Her work has helped jurisdictions better understand current violent crime dynamics and issues, evaluate impact of violence reduction strategies, and implement evidence-based practices that strengthen public safety while addressing community and survivor needs. Dr. Sechrist brings a public health approach and intersectional lens to her work.
Jesse Brey, ABD, is a doctoral candidate in the Criminal Justice Department at Temple University. He is currently working on his Dissertation titled “A Labor of Love: The Role of Incarceration in the Life Course of the Family.” His research interests include mass incarceration’s impact on individuals, families and communities, criminal justice reform efforts including prosecutorial reform, community violence interventions, desistance and urban policy. He specializes in qualitative research and methods that center the lived experiences of those most impacted by the criminal-legal system. He is also a group facilitator for the Pennsylvania Prison Society, co-facilitating both family reunification groups and family support groups for people with incarcerated loved ones. If you are interested in connecting with Jesse, you can reach him at jesse.brey@temple.edu.
Harrod Emmanuel Clay Jr. is a pastor for the Mount Zion Baptist Church in New Jersey and the founder of Difference Makers Global Church, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on poverty, education and criminal justice. He is a certified federal mediator and provides support to victims and families of victims of violent crime, including providing case management and wrap-around services, mentoring youth at the juvenile justice service center, and providing support for families navigating the criminal justice system. He is a gun violence research associate and mentor and a CCIP Special Case Coordinator for the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN).
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