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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Welcome to the Voice2Change Podcast from Jane Doe No More. In today's episode, we are speaking with our friends in Montana. You will hear from Barbie, Kristi, and Julia, who are part of our Survivors Speak team and Jamie, a fierce advocate. They will share their personal journey and the impact Jane Doe No More has had in their lives.

They emphasize the importance of community support and being believed while navigating the healing process and moving beyond surviving. Jane Doe No More is recognized by these survivors for providing a safe, non-judgmental space to process trauma and offer empowerment through education and advocacy. This episode also highlights the importance of survivor autonomy as well as bystander awareness and intervention to prevent sexual crimes.

• How Jane Doe No More made it to Montana
• Jamie, Barbie, Kristi, and Julia sisterhood
• Empowerment through education
• Survivor Autonomy and Bystander Awareness
• Finding healing and support through Jane Doe No More
• Legal Action and Advocacy Efforts

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On this episode of the Voice 2 Change Podcast we speak with guest Sue Blasavage, a survivor of child sexual abuse and speaker for Jane Doe No More. In this episode we tackle the difficult conversation of confronting child sexual abuse and having conversations with children. We discuss what should be talked about and how adults can help kids feel safe to discuss their feelings.

Sue Blasavage is a dedicated wife and daughter who resides in Oxford with her family and their beloved dogs. She is passionate about animals and has a raw dog food business. In 2016, Sue joined Jane Doe No More, a platform through which she shares her story of child sexual abuse. Despite the difficult subject matter, Sue is confident and empowered in her mission to impact the lives of those who have a similar story.

• Sue's personal story and confrontation with her abuser
• The grooming process and difficulty in recognizing signs of abuse
• Impact of child sexual abuse
• Teaching children about inappropriate touching and 'stranger danger' myths
• Discussing digital dangers and safe communication with children
• Empowering children to recognize feelings of discomfort and report abuse
• Recognizing signs of possible abuse in children

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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 Renee Harvey, a police officer and survivor of sexual assault. Renee shares her story and discusses the unique challenges of working in law enforcement as a survivor. From the impact of trauma on victims' recollection to the need for trauma-informed training for police officers, this conversation sheds light on the importance of reshaping law enforcement's approach to sexual assault cases. Tune in as we explore the critical need for empathy, compassion, and support for survivors and the transformation needed in the law enforcement response to sexual crimes.

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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.

• Tracey's personal story and confrontation with her abuser
• Tracey's involvement with Jane Doe No More
• How the media addresses sexual crimes
• Danger of “boys will be boys” attitude
• Victim-blaming and societal attitudes towards victims
• The way we, as a society, address rape culture
• Encouraging victims to seek help

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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. Dr. Jessica Samaroo is a licensed Naturopathic Physician who specializes in integrative treatments for mental health conditions. Dr. Samaroo holds her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine. Jessica was born in Trinidad and came to New York at the age of 15. Through her work with the organization Jane Doe No More, she found her passion for speaking and advocating for others. Today, she is a registered nurse as well as a naturopathic doctor and continues to use her voice to make a difference in the lives of others.

• Immigrating to the United States at 15

• Living a purposeful life

• Seeking help through talk therapy, support groups, and EMDR therapy

• Going to naturopathic medical school

• Breathing to regulate the nervous system

• Survivor to Thrivor 16-week program

• The power of breathwork

Jessica Samaroo website

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