Q: Are there any misconceptions around sexual violence that you’d like to address?

A: The misconception around sexual violence that I’d like to address is that more often than not when people hear the words “sexual violence” they automatically think “rape”. That is not always the case. Sexual violence is any form of sexual interaction that is unwanted, and it is led by the desire to have control and power over another person. Sexual violence can be someone flashing another individual, making sexual jokes, trying to touch someone else inappropriately, sexually assaulting another person, and so much more. Sexual violence is not just “rape”. It is so many things. 

Q: What have you learned from working with survivors?

A: I have learned that no two situations are the same. Each and every survivor has their own story that deserves to be heard. When you work with survivors, it is imperative to put their needs first. We meet survivors on one of the worst days of their lives, so it is crucial to make sure that we do our best to make sure their voices are heard and they are getting the proper care and treatment they deserve. 

Q: How can the public support victims and survivors of sexual violence?

A: I think that the best way for the public to support victims and survivors of sexual violence is to become more educated on the topic and just talk about it. By becoming educated on sexual violence, you can tell what it is, see the signs, and know how to help someone who is suffering. That is one of the best things that you can do for a victim or survivor. We need to be on their side. We need to normalize talking about things that make us uncomfortable so that victims and survivors alike can feel confident in disclosing what happened to them. 

Q:How has working with individuals affected by sexual violence impacted your life?

A: Working with individuals who have been affected by sexual violence has made me understand that it truly can happen to anybody at any time, under any circumstance. Sexual violence has no specific criteria for who it happens to. I have also learned to realize that we never truly know what someone is going through or the support systems that everyone has in place. I try and treat anyone I meet as if they are my friend- just because you never know what is going on in their life behind closed doors. A friendly face can make someone’s day ten times better. You never know how much that person needed a friend at that moment. 

Q:What is your proudest moment at Center For Family Services?

A: My proudest moment at the Center For Family Services is anytime I build a connection with an organization in the community. I love when I explain our services to organizations and then they utilize it. I cannot begin to express how happy and grateful I am whenever someone in the community calls us for assistance after I explained our services and built that connection. I am unbelievably proud of not only Center For Family Services for giving me those opportunities to spread the word about Services Empowering Rights of Victims, but also the community who is willing to call us and receive the assistance that they need. 

Q:How has this work shaped your perspective on resilience and healing?

A: This work has made me understand that anything is possible. Our clients are some of the most resilient people I have ever encountered, and every day I am amazed by how much they have been through and just how far they have come. 

Q:How do you practice self-care while working in such an emotionally demanding field?

A: Self-care for me is sitting down and reading a good book and completely forgetting about the world around me. I try and disconnect from social media most of the time and just focus on what is happening in the present. I also spend a lot of time with my two dogs- they help a ton. 

Q: What is one thing you wish more people understood about supporting survivors?

A: I wish that more people understood that you don’t have to change the world when it comes to helping and supporting survivors. Unfortunately, it is impossible to change the world. What you can do is just help one person at a time. If you can just help one person, and tell them that you believe them and you are there for them - you may just be able to change the world for that person. Supporting survivors is not a difficult task, it is looking someone in the eyes and telling them that you believe their story and you are there for them.