Journeys Through Change- Inspiration for Women to Create a Life they Love

Hera McLeod : How Domestic Violence and Her Son’s Murder Made Family Court Reform and Child Protection Her Life’s Mission

Noelle Van Episode 61

Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of domestic violence, child abuse, suspected homicides, and the murder of an infant.  


When an unthinkable tragedy happens, we wonder how the human psyche can process trauma and regain the strength to carry on. Today’s guest, Hera McLeod had to find out the hard way after the tragic loss of her 15-month-old son at the hands of his father. She bravely joins us on the podcast to share her story and advocate for change in our justice system. This week on Journeys Through Change, my guest Hera McLeod and I are talking about how domestic violence and her son’s murder have made family court reform and child protection her life’s mission. 


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Hera McLeod is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, speaker, and civil rights activist. She is known for speaking out against the silence, particularly on the topics of civil rights for women and children, domestic violence, and Family Court reform. Hera has also testified before the United States Congress on the topics of civil rights and the protection of children. Her testimony in front of the Maryland working group for Family Court Reform and Maryland Legislators was critical in the success of Maryland Senate Bill 0675 (Child Custody - Cases Involving Child Abuse or Domestic Violence - Training for Judges and Child's Counsel).


In this episode, Hera and I discuss:

  • How even with the best of intentions, Hera unknowingly stepped into a deceptive and abusive relationship. 
  • Ways in which the justice system failed Hera and her baby, Prince despite evidence and witnesses to back up her claims that her partner was unsafe.
  • Following her tragedy, how Hera has made it her life mission to change the justice system and protect children’s rights.
  • The importance of holding people accountable for their past mistakes in hopes of changing the future.
  • How Hera has used her writing to heal while shining a light on the flaws of our justice system. 


Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here. 




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