A Year of Advocacy: Shaping Survivor Support
As I sit down to write this, I’m reflecting on an incredible milestone in my life. It’s been over a year since I joined a council dedicated to shaping how survivors are heard and treated. This council has been a pivotal part of my journey as a survivor of sexual violence, and it’s been an honor to use my voice for those who often feel voiceless.
Last year, when I was accepted to be part of this council, I had no idea just how transformative the experience would be. From meetings that dive deep into conversations where we challenge societal norms, every moment has been a reminder that our voices—survivors’ voices—are powerful. We are not just statistics. We are not just stories to be told or lessons to be learned. We are people with experiences that matter, and through advocacy, we can create change.
A recent highlight in this advocacy journey was being invited to speak at a training event primarily for law enforcement and medical personnel. The training aimed to better equip first responders with the tools to handle situations involving sexual violence survivors. To stand in front of these professionals, many of whom have encountered survivors at their most vulnerable moments, and share my perspective along with those sitting beside me was an emotional experience. It was a chance to show them the human side of the protocols they follow and to remind them that empathy can make all the difference.
None of this would have been possible without Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV). I am deeply thankful to them for allowing me to be part of this work. OAESV has been a guiding light in the fight for justice and healing for survivors, and being part of their company has reminded me that there are people who care—people who are committed to making things better.
Over the past year, I’ve learned that advocacy isn’t just about speaking up; it’s about listening, too. It’s about hearing the pain, the anger, and the resilience in other survivors’ stories and recognizing that we are all in this together. There’s an unspoken bond between us, a shared understanding that needs no explanation. We’ve survived, and now we are fighting for a future where others won’t have to endure the same battles, at least in the same way we have. To help be part of the change.
As we move into this next year and new chapter for our council, I am committed to continuing this work, using my story and my voice to challenge the systems that often overlook, blame, and not believe us. I hope that in sharing my journey, other survivors will feel empowered to speak up, access help, and maybe even take a place in shaping the conversation. Together, we can ensure that no one ever feels alone in their pain, and that real, lasting change is hopefully starting for survivors everywhere.
Here’s to another year of growth, advocacy, and hope.
