In this episode, we're talking about something we've both experienced throughout our years working in crime scene investigation: seeing the worst of humanity.

Following on from our conversation with Maria Tume, we found ourselves reflecting on some of the cases that have stayed with us over the years — cases involving domestic abuse, child abuse, vulnerable adults, murder, and crimes against elderly and vulnerable people.

We talk about the cases that made us angry, the ones that broke our hearts, and the ones that left us struggling to understand how one person could treat another with such cruelty.

But this episode isn't just about the worst of humanity.

Because alongside the horrific things we've seen, we've also witnessed incredible compassion, kindness and resilience. We talk about the people who cared for others when they were at their most vulnerable, the small things we could do as practitioners to make a difficult situation a little easier, and why sometimes those moments stay with you just as much as the crime itself.

And, of course, there's a little bit of our usual humour along the way — including the time Ange brought an elderly lady home from the post office…

Some of these stories are difficult to hear, but they're also a reminder that even when you see the worst of humanity, there is still good to be found.

Join us as we take you back under the barrier tape.

Content warning: this episode discusses domestic violence, child abuse, abuse of a vulnerable adult, murder, and elder abuse. Handled with care, but listener discretion advised.

Support & resources:

· National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) 0808 2000 247

· NSPCC/Childline 0800 1111

· Hourglass (elder abuse) 0808 808 8141

· Samaritans 116 123

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