Voice2Change

On this episode of the Voice 2 Change Podcast we speak with guest Tracey Blackman, a survivor and speaker for Jane Doe No More. Tracey bravely shares her personal journey of surviving childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a family member, and her 12-year involvement with Jane Doe No More.

Tracey's story sheds light on the impact that sexual abuse has had on her relationships and her life.  She discusses her ongoing journey of healing, sharing her story, and getting help through therapy. She also discusses the important role of organizations like Jane Doe No More in providing support and education to survivors and the community. Tracey talks about rape culture and the societal reactions to victims of sexual crimes, and how blaming the victim is not the right approach. 

Through her own experiences and advocacy work, Tracey emphasizes the message of hope, healing, and the importance of seeking support. Her inspirational words carry a powerful message of resilience and the need to address and change societal perceptions around sexual crimes.

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In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month today's guest is Dr. Jessica Samaroo. A survivor and specialist in trauma and healing. Dr. Samaroo bravely shares her personal journey of abuse and the struggle to find support, highlighting the impact of trauma on individuals and the importance of addressing and processing such experiences. She found healing through Jane Doe No More's Survivor Speak Program and now offers her own 16-week online course, Survivor to Thrivor, aimed at addressing trauma's effects on the brain and body. She emphasizes the need to regulate the stress response for overall wellbeing. Dr. Samaroo's journey of forgiveness, self-love practices, breathing techniques, and sharing her story serves as a powerful reminder of the hope, support, and resources available for survivors of sexual crimes.

Jessica Samaroo website

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In today’s episode we discuss the significance of recognizing and supporting secondary survivors.  A secondary survivor can be a friend, family member, or anyone who loves someone who has been the victim of a sexual crime.  Debbie shares her own survivor story and her experience and advice for secondary survivors.  

Debbie Mitchell is a survivor of child sexual assault from her father. The abuse began when she was very young and continued until she moved out at age 19. She kept the abuse a secret, even from her brothers. After getting married and having four children, Debbie experienced PTSD symptoms when the stress in her life increased. Despite the trauma she endured, Debbie has persevered and is now dedicated to raising awareness about the long-lasting effects of childhood sexual abuse.  After being a part of a support group for 2 years, she started her own support group for other women, and eventually found Jane Doe No More where she is now part of the Survivors Speak Outreach Team.  

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In this episode of the Voice2Change podcast we hear from Kelly Neagle, a courageous survivor who opens up about the danger she encountered in the online world. Through her harrowing account, Kelly sheds light on the importance of staying safe while dating online and provides invaluable advice for both adults and children. As she shares her powerful story, Kelly emphasizes the significance of communication, trust, and vigilance in navigating the digital landscape. Her resilience and optimism in the face of adversity serve as a beacon of hope for listeners and a testament to the human spirit. Join us as we delve into Kelly's journey and glean insights into creating a safer world for ourselves and future generations.

Kelly Neagle discovered Jane Doe No More while in grad school and was immediately drawn to its focus on education and support for others. The sense of camaraderie and understanding within the organization resonated with her, and she decided to get involved. She is now part of the Survivors Speak Outreach Team. 

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In this episode of Voice to Change we sit down with special guest Troy Schinkel, a male survivor who bravely shares his story of childhood sexual abuse and his journey to healing. Troy discusses the stigmas male survivors face and his involvement with our John Doe No More Initiative, which aims to provide resources and support for male survivors. He opens up about the impact his experiences had on his life and relationships, the difficult decision to share his story, and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding male sexual abuse. Join us as Troy's powerful message of hope and empowerment resonates with all survivors and sheds light on the importance of speaking out and finding support.

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In this episode of Jane Doe No More's "Voice To Change" we have a special episode called Real Talk. Patti Ieraci is joined by author Lindsay Gibson, whose debut novel, "The Christmas Promise," explores the complexities of romance and healing after trauma. Lindsay shares her therapeutic writing process and how she found solace in fiction novels during her own healing journey. She discusses the empowering impact of writing her characters' experiences and the sense of control it offered as a survivor. Lindsay sheds light on the healing power of storytelling and the profound journey of reconnecting with oneself after trauma. Join us as we explore the profound impact of finding hope and love in the face of adversity.

Buy Lindsay's Book Christmas Promise

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Leta Highsmith, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, shares her journey of healing and advocacy, shedding light on the complexities of identifying and confronting abuse. Join us as we delve into the importance of believing and supporting survivors, the tactics used by abusers, and how we can create a safer environment for all. Get ready to be inspired and educated as we delve into this important conversation.

Leta has been a dedicated advocate for survivors of sexual assault for many years. After being introduced to Jane Doe No More, she quickly became involved and then served as a board member. Currently, Leta is working with the Survivor Speak Workshops, helping survivors to articulate their stories and educate others about the crime of sexual assault. Additionally, Leta speaks on behalf of Jane Doe No More, promoting the Safe Student Initiative. Her passion and dedication to supporting survivors and educating others make her a vital member of the organization.

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Joining us today for another episode of the Voice2Change podcast is Tracy DiGiovancarlo.  She is an empowering voice in the world of self-defense, and shares her personal story in order to shed light on the importance of personal safety.  Tracy discusses valuable lessons about awareness, self-defense, and survival. From basic strikes to understanding warning signs, we explore the empowering techniques that equip women and girls to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. Stay tuned as we dive into Tracy's story, and discover the incredible strength and resilience that can emerge from adversity. 

Tracy DiGiovancarlo is a survivor and advocate for personal safety and self defense. Tracy's mission is to educate others on personal safety and empower them to make informed decisions for their own protection.  You can visit Jane Doe No More’s website to find out when the next self defense classes are. 

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Our guest today on the Voice2Change podcast is Tara Flynn, who bravely shares her personal story with us. Tara is not only a survivor, but also a member of Jane Doe No More's Survivors Speak Advisory Board and actively involved in their Safe Student Initiative. Through this program, Tara educates students from middle school to college on topics like consent, the topic for today’s episode. We'll dive deep into the importance of consent and how Tara's own experience drives her passion for creating positive change through education. 

Tara developed a passion for working with children at a young age. As a child, she eagerly obtained her babysitter's certificate before any of her friends. Growing up she spent many afternoons at the local YMCA and at the age of 12 a babysitting opportunity arose when a couple approached the YMCA seeking a trustworthy sitter for their toddler and infant sons. Tara embraced her job of taking care of these children unaware of the danger that lay ahead. Tara is now a Philanthropy Coordinator for Hartford Healthcare as well as being a part of Jane Doe No More's educational programs.

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In this episode of the Voice2Change podcast, our host Jocelyn Maminta is joined by therapist Patti Ieraci. They will discuss the complex emotions and long-lasting effects of trauma caused by sexual crimes.

But healing is possible. This discussion focuses on the approach to trauma, the role of the body in storing emotions, and the importance of reconnecting with our physical selves. By identifying where emotions are felt in the body and encouraging present-moment physical connection, survivors can begin processing past traumas.

In this conversation Patti talks about the spectrum of child sexual abuse to adult sexual assault, and explains the profound impact that a lack of secure attachment in childhood can have on an individual. We'll also delve into the important topic of dissociation, the feeling of disconnection from one's body that many survivors encounter.

Through inspiring survivor stories and expert insights, we aim to provide hope, resources, and the power to make positive changes in creating a safer world. So, grab your headphones and get ready to listen and learn from one of our experts!

In this episode:

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