Category: VSRC

NIH- Coping with Traumatic Events

Posted on by Haley Mangette

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) provides information on trauma and tips to cope with a traumatic event. Coping with Traumatic Events breaks down some warning signs of what can trauma can look like in a person.

Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event can respond with feelings of anxiousness, a depressed mood, or anger. They can have trouble concentrating, eating, or sleeping. It’s important to know that each individual is different. The warning signs listed in this article may not encompass everything that a person experiences.

The article provides additional resources on the responses and some ways to cope with these responses.

Sexual Assault Care Center

Posted on by Haley Mangette

Based in Canada, the Sexual Assault Care Center provides answers to several questions a survivor may have after a sexual assault. The About Us page lays out the expected process a survivor will experience when receiving medical attention or a Sexual Assault Examination Kit. On the Home page “bubbles” are laid out to provide information on some experiences or thoughts a victim-survivor may have. The site has information on self-blame, what to do next, and fear of not being believe.

Getting Your Life Back offers resources to turn to for support, responses to trauma, and how to discuss the incident with your family and friends. Since You Asked provides information on frequently asked questions, myths and facts, legal definitions and protections for survivors of sexual assault. (Note: these laws and protections apply to residents of Canada).

Taking Me Back- Supporting Survivors

Posted on by Haley Mangette

Taking Me Back is an independent poster that supports sexual assault survivors through posts on a variety of information. The page discusses survivors like Vanessa Guillen, Toyin Salua, Daisy Coleman, and many other survivors, as well as current policies and the impact that they have for survivors. The page posts resources specific to different identities.

Instagram: @_taking.me.back_

Twitter: @_takingmeback_

Website: https://takingmeback18.wixsite.com/-tmb

Secondary Survivors Facebook Group

Posted on by Haley Mangette

A support system is crucial for a survivor to heal. Members in this support system can be considered “Secondary Survivors”. It may be difficult to imagine or completely understand what the survivor has gone through.The Secondary Survivors group is a peer group that aims to provide tools and resources for the secondary survivors to better understand the experience of the survivor. They have educational handouts, videos, articles, and other mediums to empower secondary survivors to better understand and cope with the incident.

While a survivor has the experience with assault, abuse, or rape, those who are supporting the survivor can experience trauma or feelings of guilt. It is possible to experience secondary trauma or a traumatic response to what someone else experienced. As a secondary survivor, you may also experience times in which you are unaware of what to do to support the survivor.

Planned Parenthood

Posted on by Haley Mangette

Planned Parenthood offers reproductive health care, sex education, and other information regarding similar topics to people all over the world. The organization aims to advocate for public policies that guarantee the rights and access to the services and education the organization can provide.

Under the learn tab (across the top bar), Planned Parenthood has provided educational material on a variety of topics. Notable topics include:

A breakdown of services can be found here: Our Services

Location in Kalamazoo: 4201 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Start by Believing

Posted on by Haley Mangette

Originating from End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI), Start by Believing is a worldwide effort to support survivors and end gender-based violence. EVAWI aims to improve policy and institutional practices dealing with incidents of gender-based violence. The organization offers information and resources for advocates working with survivors.

Start by Believing emphasizes the initial step of supporting a survivor of gender-based violence by believing them. Over 9000 people submitted pledges to commit to believing survivors and supporting them through their healing process. You can make a personal commitment to this cause here: Pledge.

Survivors

Explore Your Options provides affirmations and services to contact. Guided Questions (at the bottom of the “Explore Your Options” page) is an interactive way to get more information and consider possible next steps.

Helping a Survivor

What To Say offers those who are listening to survivors’ statements to validate the survivor’s feelings and experiences.

Take Back the Night

Posted on by Haley Mangette

Take Back the Night began in the 1960s to bring awareness to sexual violence and to support victims. Events all over the world contribute to the message of strength and support for survivors of sexual violence.

Take Back the Night offers free legal assistance. You can contact the legal support team through the following form (Free Legal Assistance) or call 567-SHATTER (567-742-8837). The legal team will provide support and resources, judgement-free.

The organization provides survivors with an opportunity to share their stories. Stories can be submitted here: Share Your Story. The collection also includes a few articles about recovery and sharing your survivor story as a form of empowerment.

Surviving in Numbers

Posted on by Haley Mangette

Surviving in Numbers, a non-profit organization started in 2012, began as a small project to illustrate the prevalence of sexual violence on campuses. The efforts were initially concentrated on 4 campuses within the state of Massachusetts and has now since grown to allow for survivors all over the country to share their stories anonymously.

To submit your story, click here: Share Your Story

For more information on the organization, click here: Surviving in Numbers

1 in 6

Posted on by Haley Mangette

1in6 is an organization that focuses their advocacy efforts towards men who’ve experienced unwanted or abusive sexual experiences.

24/7 chatline for men who’ve experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse: National Helpline

1in6 hosts a daily online support group. The schedule and sign up can be found here: Weekly Online Support Group for Male Survivors

Fellow survivor stories can be found here: Male Survivor Stories

Sexual Abuse & Assault of Boys & Men | Confidential Support for Men

Indelible Podcast

Posted on by Haley Mangette

“Indelible”, a podcast started by Dr. Jill Christman and a group of undergraduate students at Ball State in Indiana, aims to start conversations surround sexual violence on college campuses. The first season comprises of five episodes with discussions on “the Red Zone”, trauma response, Title IX, legal processes, and self-empowerment.

Podcasts can be found on Simplecast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

The group has also developed a number of resources for individuals who’ve experienced sexual violence. The website offers specific information about Title IX, for survivors, for loved ones. A list of literature sources are also provided on the website: Books, Films & TV, Music, and Podcasts.

More information about the project can be found here: Indelible Podcast