Tanya Jones, the Founder and CEO of Interactive Advocacy shares her experiences in the military, including joining as an escape from trauma and becoming a victim of sexual assault and stalking. She discusses the missed red flags and vulnerability that predators target, as well as the lack of support and victim-blaming she faced when seeking help. Her experiences taught her the importance of boundaries and self-care in her healing journey. Tanya emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and not letting trauma define one's identity. Her journey led her to finding solace in writing and storytelling, using it as a tool for therapy and advocacy. She explains how that became the foundation for the development of Interactive Advocacy and how storytelling is used as a powerful tool for healing. Tanya's ultimate goal is to eradicate sexual assault and violence, and she encourages organizations and individuals to actively create transformation.

Takeaways

• Joining the military can be an escape from trauma, but it can also expose individuals to new forms of abuse and victimization.
• Predators in the military often target vulnerable individuals who display signs of trauma or naivety. - Victims of sexual assault and harassment in the military often face a lack of support and victim-blaming when seeking help.
• Writing and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing, therapy, and advocacy.
• Establishing boundaries and practicing self-care are crucial for survivors of trauma. Trauma can have a paralyzing effect, but setting boundaries and not operating by anyone else's rules can help protect and heal oneself.
• Storytelling and creative expression can be powerful tools for healing and empowering survivors of trauma.
• Interactive Advocacy uses performances and facilitation to raise awareness and create a culture of caring and prevention.
• The goal is to eradicate sexual assault and violence by actively creating transformation and empowering individuals to take action.

Organizations

National Organization for Victims Advocacy

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice. If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources:

Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

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Credits:

• Intro/Outro by Rich Culbreath
• Sound Engineer: Chris T