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#CAIA2018 June 4-6, 2018

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ENCOURAGING SURVIVORS TO SHARE

In light of the recent #metoo movement and the US Gymnastics sexual assault cases, survivors of intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence are exercising our rights to speak after being silenced and shamed by society for attempting to do so.

Encouraging survivors to speak up is a big challenge for agencies that wish to educate their communities. Small rural communities can face a broader challenge than areas with larger populations. Fellow citizens are neighbors that may know their abuser and many have to work with their abuser. It can be embarrassing to reveal details about abuse in such a close-knit community.

Education starts with speaking up about the abuse endured. Often self-blame and fear is involved when there is a reluctance to speak to family, friends, advocates and law enforcement. How do we encourage survivors to share?

We have to approach sharing as being a tool to rebuild self-esteem and encourage them to take positive action to help themselves and others who might be subject to the same violation. It can start with a call to action in your community asking survivors to come forward and share initially in a one-on-one session. You can also have group sharing in a safe environment ensuring that what is said in the room stays in the room. It takes time and patience to build the confidence to share survivor stories. We must support survivors and empower them to share their stories while using a trauma-informed approach.

We are at the cusp of a pivotal time when those that have not used their voices witness examples of those of us that do and can be assured that their voices matter.

 

About Guest Blogger

Nanette Chezum

A survivor of a verbally and psychologically abusive relationship, Nanette's passion is educating the public about intimate partner abuse. Specifically, Nanette focuses on verbal and psychological abuse and on the early warning signals that manifest in a new relationship. An avid writer, she writes a Facebook community page, "The Courage Corner - Domestic Abuse Awareness". She writes of verbal and psychological tactics utilized by abusive personalities, self-care tips, unhealthy behavior, speaking up about intimate partner abuse and shaming and blaming tactics used by society and offenders. Nanette is an active volunteer with the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence assisting with events for October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is a member of the CCADV Speakers Caucus and is a committee member with Stand Up Colorado, a community action movement. Nanette is also a speaker with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and she is a member of Safehouse Denver's Community Engagement Committee. Additionally, Nanette is active with Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence as an event planner for the annual Angel Run in Colorado Springs. She manages teams of volunteers and runners. She also oversees promotions, entertainment, sponsors and media.
Check out their workshop here.

Tracey Tatro-Swindle

Tracey Tatro Swindle is a survivor of Domestic Violence, ER Nurse, and a Sex Assault Forensic Nurse Examiner and part of CCADV's Survivor Caucus. Tracey has worked closely with CCADV, testifying before the state legislature. Tracey is a passionate educator who often speaks to criminal offenders, fellow survivors, and healthcare professionals sharing both her professional and personal experience with Domestic Violence. Tracey's wish is to help survivors find their voice.

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About CCADV

The mission of the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence is to inspire Colorado to end domestic violence. We provide training and technical assistance to local domestic violence programs across the state, create change at the state and local level through our collective voice, and engage all Coloradans in our work to end violence.

About CCASA

The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) is a membership organization promoting safety, justice, and healing for survivors while working toward the elimination of sexual violence. Founded in 1984 by rape crisis advocates, CCASA advances its mission by providing education and training to sexual assault service providers, public policy advocacy, and member support.