Debbie Cannon on Trans Without Abuse: Domestic Abuse Support for Trans and Non-Binary People in Cheshire

Gillian welcomes Debbie Cannon to the Transvox podcast, discussing her background as a Geordie who moved around the UK, served in the Army, worked 21 years in insurance, won “Insurance Leader of the Year” in 2017, and later moved into community and charity work. Debbie leads Trans Without Abuse, a by-and-for domestic abuse support service for trans and non-binary adults across Cheshire under Cheshire Without Abuse, launched in 2023 after research found marginalised groups didn’t engage because services didn’t feel “for them.” She explains domestic abuse beyond physical violence, including coercive control and identity-based abuse such as deadnaming, restricting gender expression, isolating from affirming spaces, and threats of outing. Debbie outlines how the service provides safety planning, holistic support, and options including family-wide interventions, and she created “Live Free,” a free online recovery program through a trans and non-binary lens, accessible via transwithoutabuse.org.uk.00:00 Welcome and Introductions01:36 Ukulele Club Festival02:47 Life Story and Transition05:48 Trans Inclusion Across Regions10:09 Breaking the Trans Bubble13:01 Trans Without Abuse Origins15:03 What Domestic Abuse Is16:18 Identity Based Abuse26:31 Support and Safety Planning30:30 Stats and Live Free Program32:48 How to Get Help33:27 Closing ThanksYou can contact us at gillian@transvox.co.uk and find out more at transvox.co.uk