In today's Voice2Change episode, we delve into the internal struggles faced by survivors of sexual crimes, such as feelings of failure and fear of blame. Our guest Chris emphasizes listening without trying to "fix" the survivor, asking supportive questions, and practicing empathy and self-compassion. She recommends local resources like rape crisis centers and encourages finding the right therapist. Highlighting misunderstandings around psychological concepts like counterintuitive behaviors and cognitive dissonance. Chris advocates for better education to support survivors effectively.

Chris Schopen has dedicated a remarkable career to addressing trauma and abuse, working in various roles such as an educator, therapist, forensic interviewer, school counselor, expert witness, and author. With extensive experience interviewing over 5,000 victims both nationally and internationally, Chris has become a respected figure in the field. This wealth of experience naturally led to their current role as a wellness trainer with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. In this position, Chris is committed to enhancing the well-being of all employees, from the front-line receptionist to the county attorney herself, by providing support that intertwines personal and professional development. Recognizing Chris’s expertise and having collaborated for nearly two decades, the county attorney specifically created this role to leverage Chris’s unique skills to foster a healthy and supportive work environment.

• Role of support groups and advocacy centers
• Encouragement of empathy and self-compassion
• Counterintuitive Behaviors and Cognitive Dissonance
• Influence on perceptions of sexual assault and myths about the crime
• Learn about local resources like rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters
• Empathy and Self-Compassion

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In today's Voice2Change episode, we delve into the critical issue of rape kit backlogs and the profound impact it has on sexual assault survivors. We'll discuss the frustration expressed by the lack of tracking for rape kits and the incredible efforts being made in Michigan and other states to implement tracking systems for victims, giving access to monitor the status of their rape kits. Join us as we uncover the challenges, progress, and crucial initiatives to address this issue, and learn why it is so important.

Our guest Rebecca Campbell graduated with a degree in psychology from Michigan State University and went on to do an internship at a domestic violence rape crisis center. She volunteered with survivors in hospital emergency rooms and helped them with medical forensic exams. This experience inspired her to go to graduate school and become a research psychologist, focusing on improving support for rape survivors. Her work is motivated by her experiences as a volunteer and her desire to make a positive impact in this field.

• The lack of tracking for rape kits

• Backlog in Detroit of 11,000 rape kits dating back to the 1980s
• Efforts to address the issue and prevent future backlogs
• Victims' rights regarding rape kit exams
• Law enforcement misconceptions about rape
• Understanding the resources available for sexual assault survivors
• Efforts to prevent similar backlogs in the future

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Welcome to the Voice2Change Podcast from Jane Doe No More. In today's episode, we are speaking with Megan Charette. In this episode, Megan, a member of our Survivors Speak Outreach Team, shares her personal experience of being sexually assaulted during her second year of college and the impact it had on her life. She emphasizes the vulnerability of college students to peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, and sexual assault, also known as the red zone, and the importance of educating students about safety, consent, and bystander intervention.

Through her story, Megan addresses the stigma and fear associated with reporting sexual assault, the struggle with self-blame, and the healing process of sharing her story. The episode highlights the significance of creating awareness and surveillance to combat sexual crimes on college campuses and the importance of parents having honest and difficult conversations with their children about assault. Megan's story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of decision-making and the need for continued education and support for victims of sexual assault.

• Talking to high schoolers about entering college
• Vulnerability of college students to peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, and sexual assault
• The impact of decision-making on personal safety
• The Red Zone: understanding the vulnerability of college students
• Megan's personal story
• Bystander intervention and importance of safety awareness and education
• Encouraging victims to seek support from trusted individuals

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