CONVO: Supporting Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence

Have you ever felt tired all the time, even though you’ve gotten enough sleep? Did you know that there are different types of tired, and that they can be felt individually, all at once, and can fluctuate with time and stressors in our lives? In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, join Aspen and Mo as they discuss physical, emotional, mental, social, and soul fatigue, as well as sustainable ways to take care of yourself.  

Every April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, The Women’s Center works to leave you more educated, emboldened and empowered to continue advocating for all survivors of sexual violence and trafficking year-round. Join us as we recognize SAAM and call on everyone to work together to dismantle the attitudes and beliefs that make up rape culture. Join Mo, our Advocacy Specialist, in an interview with our 2023 EmPower Luncheon speakers, Dr. Sara McKinnon and Dr. Rachel Lovell. Let's continue the CONVO!

**Content warning: discussions of rape culture, sexual violence, homicide, and systemic oppression. Please take care of yourself as you listen, and trained Advocates are always available to process with you by calling 262.542.3828. A transcript of this podcast is also available in the Podcasts section of our website, www.twcwaukesha.org.

In our society, specifically within pop culture, we often hear phrases like “You complete me”, “My world is empty without you”, “I have nothing if I don’t have you”, I can’t live without you”, and so on to show devotion to a loved one. What happens, however, when an abuser uses these phrases to manipulate their partner? Aren't we already complete anyway?! Join Aspen and Mo as they unpack the impact of these messages, define interdependence, and discuss ways in which survivors can reiterate to themselves and others that they are already complete.

This #DVAM, we feel it’s important to acknowledge that there’s Strength In Numbers. There’s strength in numbers when we raise awareness of domestic violence in our communities, and as Mo and Aspen discuss in this episode, there is an abundance of strength within the survivor community. Though the path to healing has its difficulties, there is power in celebrating your resilience. #Every1KnowsSome1

Experiencing distress from news--whether it be the news cycle, stressful updates from friends or family, or even general bad news--is common and universal, especially these days. Our Advocates shared insights on this topic back in April of 2020, and we figured we could all use an update! 

Join Mo and Aspen as they revisit this topic and discuss the impact that these turbulent times have on us all, especially survivors with news related to abuse, and what you can do to stay safe and grounded, and to effectively communicate your needs. 

Last year during Pride Month, we covered dynamics that specifically impact LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This year, we wanted to take this topic a step further and consider what comes after abuse: healing. Join Marissa, with special guest Ayden (Dane County RCC: Sexual Violence Resource Center), to discuss different aspects of healing within the queer community.

Ayden will be discussing a virtual support group for queer and trans survivors of sexual violence. The interest form can be located here: https://tinyurl.com/qtssg. 

Traumaversaries are time-specific anniversaries of traumatic events. Normally, everyday moments are filtered throughout our thoughts, feelings, and then are eventually stored or encoded into our long or short term memory. When we experience trauma, however, our brains respond differently. Join Marissa and Krystal in discussing trauma’s impact on the brain, and why anniversaries of traumatic events may be extra difficult for survivors experiencing triggers.

In 1943, Abraham Maslow proposed that we have to meet our needs from the ground up, from physiological to self-actualization. What does this mean for survivors of abuse? Join Marissa and Sam in a conversation on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, as well as strategies for survivors to meet and ultimately prioritize their own needs.